Hastings launches Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

FRANKFORT – To lift the spirits of seniors during the winter season, State Senator Michael E. Hastings urges residents of all ages to be creative by donating homemade or store-bought Valentine’s Day cards.

“Donating cards is one small way we can show appreciation for our seniors during the winter season,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Taking some time out of your day to write a quick card will brighten up our seniors’ day and show them they are important to our community.”

Hastings is encouraging community members to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to senior facilities in the 19^th District.

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Friday, Feb. 9. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at Hastings’ office or mail them to 20855 S. Lagrange Rd., Suite 102, Frankfort, IL 60423.

For more information, residents can contact Hastings’ office at 815-464-5431.

Hastings celebrates over $11,000 in library grants coming to the 19th District

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has announced that six school districts in the  19^th Senate District have received over $11,000 to provide resources to libraries such as books, periodicals, technology and programs.

“Libraries are an essential aspect of our children’s education and growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through this funding, our students will be able to access educational resources that will enrich them and help them to succeed.”

The General Reserve Fund finances the School District Library Grant Program, appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

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Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills.

Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“Families should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program highlights our state’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

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Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels

• Small businesses
• Local Business Grants
• Hotels

FRANKFORT – Nine hotels in the 19^th District are set to receive more than $700,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our hospitality industry helps generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social development of our communities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The Back to Business grant program provides vital support to our hotels and businesses as they move toward the path of recovery and great success.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

In the latest round of grants, a total of $714,832 was awarded to nine entities in the 19^th District in the hospitality industry.

For more information about B2B grants, visit DCEO’s website.