SPRRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be reality, thanks to the Senate members of the South Suburbs.

“This is a touchdown for communities across the South Suburbs,” said State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey). “This airport will serve as an economic engine for our communities and provide local businesses with access to global markets for generations to come.”

For the last 40 years, lawmakers have attempted to secure a south suburban airport in the Monee community. The measure – spearheaded by Harris – passed on Wednesday, would require the state to establish the process to find partners in the construction of a new south suburban airport.

"We support this project to help create many exciting new opportunities for working families in the South Suburbs for generations to come," said Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney. "It will jump-start the process leading to the thousands of good-paying union construction jobs to build the airport, and create many long-term career opportunities in the direct airport operations and all of the businesses that will develop around it."

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SPRINGFIELD – Working across the aisle and in tandem with law enforcement, State Senator Michael E. Hastings championed a measure to help police and sheriffs quickly track stolen vehicles.

“We have technology at our fingertips to allow us to track carjackers as they travel from Point A to Point B – there’s no reason we shouldn’t be utilizing it,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Law enforcement officers are ready to help. It’s vital we give them the tools to do so.”

Carjackings are on the rise. Yet under current law, law enforcement officers have little to no ability to access real time tracking information.

The all-too-common occurrence led Hastings to pass House Bill 2245, which requires Illinois car manufacturers to establish a 24/7 hotline for police and consumers to utilize in case of a carjacking or kidnapping. This would give police real-time assistance with locating vehicles – allowing them to find the perpetrator and arrest them before they get away.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings fights to protect Illinoisans right to read.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) helped pass a measure requiring libraries or library systems to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights barring the action of banning books and materials to qualify for state grants.

“Our libraries create the opportunity for residents to explore the world,” Hastings said. “Banning books closes the door on open dialogue in our communities. We should not be in the practice of limiting access to thought provoking literary resources.”

Attempted book bans and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a record in 2022, according to a new report from the American Library Association.

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FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is encouraging residents who work or have worked in early childhood education or childcare that are interested in obtaining additional certifications to apply for scholarship assistance. 

Scholarships are still available for the 2022-23 school year, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission is working with the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity to promote the scholarship program that can cover a student’s total cost of attendance which includes tuition and fees, books, and room and board.

“Those who work with our children help grow the future leaders of our great nation. These are selfless individuals who work diligently to establish an educational foundation for students,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This scholarship program will help alleviate some of the financial burdens on our educators and childcare workers.” 

Hastings reiterates that the program was established to help address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators. He believes the program will help alleviate the workforce shortage and entice more residents to work in the field.

“There is a nationwide shortage of educators and childcare providers,” Hastings said. “This is another way we are working to help alleviate the shortage and give our educators and childcare professionals the tools to be successful.”

Hastings supported the state budget that funded this scholarship to help provide residents with the resources to make college more affordable and increase accessibility to advance in these vital fields.

Detailed information on the scholarship program can be found on ISAC’s website at www.isac.org/ECACEscholarship.