Hastings: Measure to secure the South Suburban Airport now law

• South Suburban Airport

SPRINGFIELD – The South Suburban Airport may soon be a reality thanks to a new measure supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings that was signed into law on Friday.

“This new law brings us one crucial step closer in opening the South Suburban Airport,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new economic engine will help our communities grow, generate new jobs and further establish the Southland as a strong force in the Midwest.”

The new law requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to enter into public-private agreements and to establish a pre-qualification process for vendors to participate in the development, financing, construction, management and operation of the new airport.

"This new cargo airport will further energize and strengthen our local economy, creating a greater revenue base to increase funding to our local schools, our municipalities, and the services that are provided,” Hastings said.

The new law is supported by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, and U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

The South Suburban Airport Act, which became law more than a decade ago, established that the state may develop a prequalification process. However, steps were not taken to begin the prequalification process, and Hastings hopes this new law will jump-start the process and help fulfill the promises of this cargo airport.

The measure also adds domestic and global freight cargo transfer development to the stated goals for the airport.

House Bill 2531 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Hastings reminds local entities of Aug. 31 deadline for OSLAD grants

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging local organizations throughout the South Suburbs to remember to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants before the Aug. 31 deadline.

“Our local parks serve as cornerstones of our communities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is crucial that we continue to look for ways to make investments in our parks and the OSLAD program is a great way to do that. I hope our local agencies are sure to take advantage of this wonderful program.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

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Hastings and Ford host Country Club Hills Shred Event

• Shred Day

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS – State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Country Club Hills Mayor James W. Ford invite residents to attend their Shred Day on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Country Clubs Hills Amphitheater located at 4150 183^rd St. in Country Club Hills.

“Safely disposing of sensitive, personal documents is a good first step in preventing identify theft,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This event will provide Country Club Hills residents with a convenient, free method to shred important documents in a secure manner.”

To accommodate all participants, each person will be limited to two boxes of residential shredding. Boxes and bags will be returned. Documents will be accepted for shredding until trucks reach capacity.

If residents have questions about the event, Hastings urges them to contact his office at 815-464-5431 or visit http://www.SenatorHastings.com.

Hastings appointed to serve as Senate’s Veterans Affairs Chair

• Veterans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings was appointed Chair of the Illinois State Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

“Our veterans selflessly served our country and they deserve nothing but the best state services,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I look forward to continuing my 25 year career of public service as a soldier and a State

Senator in the role of the Chair of the Illinois State Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. We have made monumental achievements in helping our veterans over the last decade, and I am certain that we will accomplish much more in the future.”

Hastings is one of two military veterans in the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

Following his graduation from United States Military Academy at West Point, Hastings rose to the rank of Captain while deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. On July 4, 2006, he was deployed to Iraq as a part of “The Surge.”

Throughout his deployment, Hastings served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division (Forward), coordinating air, ground and security movements throughout Iraq. For meritorious service in a combat zone, Hastings was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and 1st Infantry Division combat patch.

After ten years of distinguished service Hastings was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

“I look forward to a continued collaboration with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on how we can work together to improve our veterans' quality of life," said Hastings.

He pledges to continue on his commitment to uplifting our nation’s heroes in his new role.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, he has passed a number of initiatives to provide and connect veterans with mental health resources, prevent the exploitation of veterans and promote the availability of free service programs, expand access to the MIA/POW Scholarships and increase funding at our state’s veterans homes.

Hastings urges those connected with veterans’ organizations or individuals with ideas on improving access to state programs to contact his office at (815) 464-5431 to share their input on how Illinois can continue to improve services to our nation’s heroes.