FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured $465,000 to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program into Will County.

“We have a lot of young talented kids coming out of school who are eager to put their heads down and work hard,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This funding will open pathways to lifelong careers in fields with good income.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Hastings’ district, HIRE360 - Will County, a non-profit that connects community members with opportunities in the trades, will see a total of $465,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a proposal through the Senate to put in place state standards for Illinois school districts when it comes to emergency response and threat assessments.

“Parents have enough to worry about on a day-to-day basis, dropping their kids off at school should not be one of them,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Getting standardized plans set in place could save countless lives if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. The bill would also give guidance for school districts notifying parents and the community of threats against a school.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is sponsoring a measure that would ensure schools have standardized plans and procedures in the event of a safety threat.

“Across the country we are seeing a rise in emergency events at schools,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is concerning to see that there is no standardized procedure for schools to follow if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans.

SPRINGFIELD — In response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address today, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) issued the following statement:

“Our state’s budget must be grounded in reality and prepared for the challenges ahead. With shifting priorities at the federal level, Illinois is likely to face reduced or delayed federal funding, making it essential that we act decisively.”

“We must assess and safeguard critical programs, ensuring they remain functional even under adverse conditions. Failure to address this now will result in financial strain and disruptions that could impact our most vulnerable communities. Responsible planning today will help us protect essential services, stabilize our economy, and create a resilient future for Illinois.”