Hastings launches summer reading program

FRANKFORT – To keep kids’ minds engaged this summer, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is launching a Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 19^th State Senate District.

“Our goal is to help prevent summer slide during break by helping keep students sharp and ready for the fall,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I’m excited to host the summer reading program again this year and hope to have even more participation than we did last year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Hastings’ office by Aug. 19. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and certificate from Hastings. 

Studies have shown that reading 20 minutes a day makes a huge difference in language and brain development, while also promoting a sense of empathy and interpersonal connection. 

“Summer slide” is the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. Hastings hopes this program will help children get excited about reading.

“This program will help prepare students for the upcoming school year,” said Hastings. “I hope the reading club is something fun and educational that students can do during their summer vacation.”

To receive a book club form, click here to download and print the form. Parents can also call Hastings’ Frankfort office at 815-464-5431 to request a copy by mail.

Hastings urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.

Hastings new law protects Illinois workers

• SB 645
• Employee Sick Leave Act

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois workers will soon have minimum guaranteed sick leave rights, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

Hastings (D-Frankfort) is the sponsor of Senate Bill 645, which clarifies the Employee Sick Leave Act. Hastings’ law makes it clear the act is meant to be the minimum threshold of sick leave benefits for the purpose of collective bargaining agreements.

This measure clarifies a 2016 law that created the Employee Sick Leave Act and was supported by Hastings. The law – found within P.A. 99-841 – allows employees to use up to half of their previously granted sick time to tend to the medical needs of family members.

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Hastings’ measure to provide veteran dependents with scholarship assistance now law

• Veterans
• SB 3762
• Scholarship

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans is now law in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 3762, which allows legally adopted dependents under the age of 18 at the time of adoption and step-children who were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage would be eligible for the MIA/POW Scholarship.

“This new law will provide support to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Hastings. “Helping our heroes’ children obtain a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

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Hastings’ measure to curb organized retail crime now law

• HB 1091
• Organized Retail Theft

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers now have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

“These vicious criminal networks deprive our state of taxpayer dollars, risk the safety of employees and wreak havoc on businesses across our communities,” Hastings said. “This new law gives our state the opportunity to hold people accountable by adopting a comprehensive crime-curbing effort.”

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