FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills.

Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“Families should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program highlights our state’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

FRANKFORT – Nine hotels in the 19^th District are set to receive more than $700,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our hospitality industry helps generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social development of our communities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The Back to Business grant program provides vital support to our hotels and businesses as they move toward the path of recovery and great success.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

In the latest round of grants, a total of $714,832 was awarded to nine entities in the 19^th District in the hospitality industry.

For more information about B2B grants, visit DCEO’s website.

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the 19^th District to take the time to discuss and implement readiness plans during National Preparedness Month.

“Setting aside time to plan ahead and create readiness plans can make all the difference in saving the lives of our loved ones, especially seniors and children,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).  “Developing a plan that prepares us for the unthinkable gives us peace of mind that we will be ready in times of crisis.”

An emergency preparedness kit, at minimum, should include the following items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
• Non-perishable food (three-day supply; ready-to-eat canned or other foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, plus non-electric can opener and utility knife)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio or weather radio with extra batteries
• Extra battery packs and cables to charge your cellphones
• Copies of important family documents stored in a waterproof bag or container
• Cash (small denominations)
• Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

LOCKPORT – Lockport and Homer Glen are set to receive $17.1 million to make vital improvements to local highways, bridges and roads, thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Sound and safe roads, highways and bridges set the stage for endless economic development opportunities, access to quality schools and helps bring us closer to our loved ones,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These improvements will alleviate traffic and congestion to help provide drivers with a safer commute and expedited travel times.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Lockport and Homer Glen, which Hastings represents, will see more than nine infrastructure projects totaling more than $17.1 million over the next six years.