Hastings’ new law will ease childcare shortages for military families

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois military families will soon have an easier time finding childcare, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our military personnel put their lives on the line to keep our great state safe – it is vital that they can assure their children are being well taken care of,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By eliminating red tape and streamlining this bureaucratic process, we will improve access to military childcare and reducing waitlists.”

Hastings’ House Bill 5596 will create an exemption from licensure for daycare homes and group daycare homes serving children of military personnel if the daycare is located on a military base or federal property and is certified as a child development program by a brand of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S Coast Guard.

Previously in Illinois, the Defense Department-certified military family childcare providers were also required to licensed or registered by the state when caring for DoD children. By recognizing military family childcare certification instead of requiring state licensing, Hastings believes it will be easier for these already accredited facilities to support military personnel in their search for responsible and reliable childcare.

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Insurance to cover medically-recommended IVF thanks to Hastings

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has paved the way for Illinois families to have greater access to medically-prescribed infertility treatments.

“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”

Found within Senate Bill 773, Hastings championed a plan to ensure insurance companies provide coverage for infertility treatments that are recommended by a physician without requiring them to complete treatments that were deemed ineffective by their doctor.

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Hastings secures grant to allow Together We Cope to resume operation

TINLEY PARK – Thanks for a $250,000 state grant secured by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, Together We Cope, a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in temporary crisis, will be fully operational by the end of July.

"Together We Cope is a cornerstone of support for families facing unexpected challenges. Ensuring their full operational capacity means countless individuals will continue to receive the crucial assistance they need to regain stability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I am proud to have played a part in supporting such an essential organization."

This exciting development comes following a shortfall in insurance proceeds needed to cover essential repairs.

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Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents can now receive relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Our roads, bridges and highways generate economic development across our great state,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “However, at times this comes with noisy and uncomfortable consequences for our neighbors who live near these major roadways.”

The Hastings-led initiative will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.

Hastings championed Senate Bill 3175 in response to a number of noise complaints he was receiving from residents throughout the 19^th Senate District.

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