Hastings champions measure to support Illinois’ teachers

• K-12 Education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) helped pass a measure to provide relief to teachers purchasing school supplies for their classrooms.

Hastings is a chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1143, which creates a tax credit to help educators cover the cost of out-of-pocket classroom expenses such as books, school supplies, notebooks and computer equipment up to $300, beginning in taxable year 2023.

“Our educators work tirelessly to prioritize the success of our children,’ Hastings said. “At times unfortunately, that means they need to pay out-of-pocket expenses to ensure students have the tools to learn and grow. While we work to end this crisis, it is essential we support our educators.”

Purchases often include professional development books, office supplies, tissues, art supplies, snacks for students who don't have food at home, and clothing.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, the state has increased its investment in funding schools across the state.  He believes the key to Illinois being successful is providing the students of the 19^th District the opportunity to be succeed.

“Teachers spending their own money has gone on for way too long,” Hastings said. “We must continue to ensure teachers and the children of the South Suburbs have access to the tools to become and be future leaders and innovators in our great state.”

SB 1143 was approved by the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support and will now head to the House of Representatives for their consideration.

Hastings passes measure to provide veteran dependents with scholarship assistance

• Veterans

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) passed a measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans.

“This measure will give aid to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Hastings. “Helping our veterans’ children afford a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

Under Hastings’ measure, 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.

The scholarships would cover tuition for post-secondary education programs at state universities and public community colleges. It would also cover the cost of schooling equal to four years, including summer semesters, and could be used for application fees, placement and proficiency testing fees, term fees, and graduation fees.

“Taking care of our veterans and their families has always been a top priority of mine,” Hastings said. “We must continue to work toward assisting those who served our state and nation with honor and respect.” 

Senate Bill 3762 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House for consideration.

Hastings leads efforts to secure new state police training location

• ISP

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) leads efforts in suggesting Lincoln Way North High School to become a new location for Illinois State Police officer training due to the shortage of officers.

“As a proud supporter of our police officers, I am honored to be able to hopefully provide this new location for the Illinois State Police officers to conduct their training,” Hastings said. “The state needs to enter into an agreement to bring this training facility to our region so we can help address the shortage of state police officers.”

Hastings: We must remain cognizant

• Budet Proposal

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) offered the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

“This is a good starting point as we start budget negotiations,” Hastings said. “It is crucial that we remember to be cognizant of the recent federal assistance we received while crafting this year’s budget and use this time to prepare for when this assistance is no longer available.”

The budget proposal builds upon the state’s promise to allocate money toward the K-12 education evidence-based funding formula, and it increases funds for early childhood education, state universities, and career and technical education programs.

“Our educators have overcome severe struggles and made endless sacrifices to ensure our children are not left behind throughout this pandemic,” Hastings said. “We must continue to ensure students, educators and support staff have the necessary tools to be successful in our classrooms.”

Additionally, the proposed budget allocates additional funding for three cadet classes to hire and train 300 new troopers to address the rising need of law enforcement officers across the state, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area. There has been great progress made on addressing the historic FOID card backlog – and an additional $7 million in funding has been proposed to help ISP work toward eliminating the backlog altogether.

“The safety of our law enforcement officers should remain a priority,” Hastings said. “Every day police officers risk their lives to keep ourcommunities safe, now it is our turn to step up and give our law enforcement officers the assistance needed to do their jobs.”

Hastings looks forward to further budget negotiations to craft a responsible bipartisan budget that prioritizes the needs of families of the 19th District.