Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park

ORLAND PARK — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined community leaders Monday to announce the opening of a temporary driver services facility at CTF Illinois in Orland Park.

 “This facility represents more than just a place to renew a license or get a new ID,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It represents collaboration, compassion and the belief that government should make life easier for families in the south suburbs.”

Located at 18230 Orland Parkway, the temporary facility will provide license renewals, identification cards and other services for residents in the south suburbs until a permanent facility is completed. Hastings said the opening reflects a commitment to making government more accessible, and thanked CTF Illinois for temporarily housing the facility while the permanent facility is created.

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Hastings files multiple bills to protect consumers from unfair insurance rate setting

Hastings: Families deserve a heads up before major insurance increase

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2699, legislation that would require insurance companies to provide advance written notice to consumers before imposing significant rate increases on home or auto insurance policies.

“Consumers deserve to know when a rate increase is coming so they can properly budget for it,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Families should not be blindsided by unexpected hikes that force them to choose between saving for a rainy day or covering an insurance bill.”

Under the proposal, if an insurance company raises a consumer’s premium by more than 10%, the company would be required to give policyholders at least 30 days’ notice for auto insurance and 60 days’ notice for homeowners insurance.

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Hastings files legislation to combat ‘cost shifting’ practices in insurance rate setting

SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

Cost shifting is the practice of passing the costs of out-of-state catastrophes, such as hurricanes, wildfires or floods, onto Illinois policyholders. Hastings’ measure is designed to address this practice by ensuring residents are not forced to subsidize disasters outside the state’s borders.

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