SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined his colleagues to champion a package of proposals to help put money back in the pockets of working families in the South Suburbs.

Hastings is sponsoring a plan to wipe out the state sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for 10 days in August to give consumers an economic boost as they go back-to-school shopping. As proposed, the sales tax would be lifted from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

“As a parent, I know back-to-school expenses can be expensive. The prices of pencils, notebooks, new clothes for our growing little ones, and more add up – especially for families with multiple children,” said Hastings. “This proposal recognizes the reality that families across the state face and should help lower the bill on their back-to-school shopping.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty may soon have additional support thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) serves as a chief cosponsor of House Bill 4161, which would require an option on state individual income tax returns to donate to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state.

“This is a small way to make it easier for Illinoisans to support the families of our brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our families safe,” Hastings said. “By increasing the ease for individuals to donate, our hope is to increase donations to support families – especially during an extremely difficult time.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help address the current mental health workforce shortage, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored a legislative measure to recruit and expand the number of mental health professionals in Illinois.

Hastings served as a chief cosponsor of Senate Bill 3617, which focuses on expanding the current workforce by accelerating the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois. It also streamlines requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years.

“Our mental health affects how we think, feel and relate to others,” Hastings said. “It is important that there are mental health and behavioral health professionals available when Illinois residents take the proactive step to receive essential care.”

FRANKFORT – Dozens of local businesses were recently awarded more than $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

“COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on small businesses, especially in service and tourism industries,” Hastings said. “These grants will provide essential assistance to ensure local businesses can recover financially, as well as ensure they are able to serve their community as safely as possible.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. Hastings voted to allocate funding for this program in last year’s state budget debate, and is eager to see its impact on his community.