SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon see the creation of the Department of early Childhood, thanks a new law supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our children’s early education experiences set the trajectory for their future learning outcomes,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new agency will support our mission to prioritize students across our communities by providing them with opportunities to be successful.”

Senate Bill 1 furthers Hastings’ priorities by enlisting the Department of Early Childhood — which will be created July 1, 2024 — to be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families across Illinois.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, he has fought to secure funding to support Illinois students through the establishment of the state’s bipartisan, historic funding formula fix that helps ensure schools are funded fairly regardless of a child’s ZIP code, steadily increasing school and education funding through the state budget, and increasing the amounts for need-based student assistance at the state’s community colleges and public universities.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement on the governor signing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“The FY 2025 budget is one that builds on our commitment to investing in our future. Whether it’s in education or technology, this budget lays a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. With these strategic investments, Illinois is poised to lead our country well into the future.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with a valid driver’s license or ID may soon be able to request a mobile version of identification from the Secretary of State, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Embracing digital solutions is crucial for making state services more accessible and efficient,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By allowing residents to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or ID card on their phone, we are streamlining daily activities that require identification, such as traffic stops and age verification.”

A key feature of Hasting’s measure is the requirement that mobile driver’s license and ID’s use an electronic credential system – such as a barcode system – to certify there is no requirement for individuals to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party. This ensures that residents maintain control and privacy over their mobile devices at all times.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois military families may soon have an easier time finding childcare, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our brave military personnel work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and it is imperative that they know their children are well taken care of at home,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Removing red tape and streamlining the licensure process for our nation’s heroes will help speed up the licensure process for daycare homes serving these brave families.”

Hastings passed House Bill 5596, which would create an exemption from licensure for daycare homes and group daycare homes serving children of military personnel if the daycare is located on a military base or federal property and is certified as a child development program by a brand of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S Coast Guard.

The measure is an initiative of Blue Star Families to help assist in meeting childcare demands of military communities in Illinois.