Hastings supports measure to ensure ethics in automated traffic enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined his colleagues in supporting legislation to establish ethical guidelines to address ongoing concerns regarding automated traffic enforcement.

“This new measure will ensure that there is accountability and ethical guidelines in place,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We need to ensure that our government officials are working with the best interests of the people they were elected to represent. This is a positive step in the right direction.”

Hastings served as a co-sponsor on House Bill 3903 which prohibits campaign contributions from contractors who provide the automated traffic enforcement equipment, political action committees created by a contractor and their affiliates.

Read more …

Hastings pleased to see plan to support people with developmental disabilities, Tinley Park

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is pleased to see the Fiscal Year 2024 budget  signed into law on Wednesday will prioritize support for direct service providers, Tinley Park remediation efforts and historic levels of funding for area higher education facilities.

“Next fiscal year’s budget prioritizes the values and needs of the residents of the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We are continuing to enact fiscal policies that uplift our communities, support the needs of residents and promote smart economic decisions.”

Hastings is encouraged to see the budget includes over $2 billion for services for people with developmental disabilities, including approximately $80 million to implement an accelerated timeline of changes following the Guidehouse rate recommendations beginning Jan. 1, 2024, including a $2.50 per hour wage increase for Direct Service Providers. As well as a $19.3 million to increase staffing by 330 at state developmental disabilities facilities.

“This is step in the right direction – however, the state has to continue to increase funding to support people living with disabilities and their loved ones,” Hastings said.

Read more …

Hastings works to increase college affordability

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings fought for a significant milestone in the expansion of the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program.

“This monumental legislation makes greater investments in our children,” said Hastings (D- Frankfort). “The cost of financing higher education can be overwhelming. The expansion of this grant program will help increase accessibility for middle class families at our state’s universities and colleges.”

House Bill 301 will make the AIM HIGH Grant Pilot Program permanent, increase transparency in the program to allow more students to take advantage of it, increase access for part-time students and make changes to the matching requirements for the public universities.

Read more …

Hastings secures funding for Tinley Park remediation, education and mental health support

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined members of the Illinois State Senate to support a Fiscal Year 2024 budget to promote fiscal responsibility, funding to promote mental health services and support our children’s education opportunities.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response:

“The south suburbs have directly benefited from this year's state budget.  It is balanced, responsible and focuses on much-needed assistance to our local communities.  From paying down our pension obligations, eliminating debt and putting money in the Rainy Day Fund, this puts our state on sound financial footing and provides assistance where it is needed most."

“Locally, this budget focuses on increasing education funding to our local schools.  We have a lot to be proud of with the quality of education our children receive.  This budget invests in our children's future, while also assisting the teachers in our communities.  It funds our schools, community colleges, and public universities equitably and provides them the tools to educate our workforce.

Read more …