Hastings visits Cancer Support Center during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

MOKENA — State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited The Cancer Support Center in Mokena this week in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hastings emphasized the importance of community resources in the fight against cancer, noting that nearly every family has been touched by the disease in some way.

“Everyone, in one form or fashion, has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Having the proper resources can provide both comfort and guidance during the journey of recovery.”

Hastings, a longtime supporter of The Cancer Support Center, praised the organization for its mission of providing free programs, counseling and care to individuals diagnosed with cancer and to their families during their time of need. He extended special thanks to Stephanie Owens, outreach coordinator for The Cancer Support Center, for her leadership and dedication in ensuring families receive the help they need.

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Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations

OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park.

“Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park and ensure that families have a safe, accessible place to gather and enjoy for years to come.”

The funds will support early-stage improvements as part of a broader redevelopment plan. The Park District is also applying for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant to complete additional upgrades at the site.

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Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured over $123 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs.

“Our transportation system is how families get to work, students get to school and businesses connect with customers,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These investments show what is possible when state and local leaders work together to help residents and strengthen our communities.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

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Hastings and Dodge convene for community dinner in Orland Park

ORLAND PARK — State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined Mayor Jim Dodge of Orland Park for a community dinner where neighbors gathered to discuss pressing local issues and opportunities to strengthen the South Suburbs.

“Mayor Dodge and I do not see eye to eye on every issue,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “But we both understand something more important — our neighbors want their government to work for them. That was the spirit of our conversation last night.”

The discussion touched on a wide range of topics that affect families across the region. Hastings and Dodge addressed excessive insurance rate increases that strain household budgets, as well as the need for investments in infrastructure and public safety to keep neighborhoods strong.

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