Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the 19^th District to take the time to discuss and implement readiness plans during National Preparedness Month.

“Setting aside time to plan ahead and create readiness plans can make all the difference in saving the lives of our loved ones, especially seniors and children,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).  “Developing a plan that prepares us for the unthinkable gives us peace of mind that we will be ready in times of crisis.”

An emergency preparedness kit, at minimum, should include the following items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
• Non-perishable food (three-day supply; ready-to-eat canned or other foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, plus non-electric can opener and utility knife)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio or weather radio with extra batteries
• Extra battery packs and cables to charge your cellphones
• Copies of important family documents stored in a waterproof bag or container
• Cash (small denominations)
• Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

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Hastings: Lockport and Homer Glen set to receive $17.1 million for vital improvements to bridges and roads

LOCKPORT – Lockport and Homer Glen are set to receive $17.1 million to make vital improvements to local highways, bridges and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Sound and safe roads, highways and bridges set the stage for endless economic development opportunities, access to quality schools and helps bring us closer to our loved ones,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These improvements will alleviate traffic and congestion to help provide drivers with a safer commute and expedited travel times.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Lockport and Homer Glen, which Hastings represents, will see more than nine infrastructure projects totaling more than $17.1 million over the next six years.

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Hastings-backed law will provide full-day kindergarten

SPRINGFIELD – Children across the south suburbs will soon have access to full-day kindergarten, thanks to a law supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Early education is crucial to setting our children on a path to be academically successful,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our kindergarten classrooms help prepare children to develop social and emotional skills. I am pleased to see that all of our state’s children will have access to these educational opportunities.”

House Bill 2396 will provide full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. This new law will also create the Full-Day Kindergarten Task Force to collect information and research regarding the current status of full-day kindergarten in Illinois and make recommendations to help with the implementation of this requirement to the State Board of Education.

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Hastings’ bipartisan measure to crack down on crime now law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ measure to help police and sheriffs quickly track stolen vehicles is now law.

“This measure helps us evolve by better utilizing the latest technology to track criminal actions,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We already know that there is technology readily available to track carjackers and kidnappers as they travel from Point A to Point B. It is essential that we empower law enforcement with these tools to successfully apprehend these criminals.”

Nationwide, carjackings are on the rise, but without formal coordination between authorities and vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement officers had little to no ability to access real-time tracking information.

The all-too-common occurrence led Hastings to champion 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 provides law enforcement with real-time assistance with locating vehicles – allowing them to find the perpetrator and arrest them before they get away.

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