SPRINGFIELD- To protect Illinois’ democratic values, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) introduced legislation to revive the investigation on Russia’s deliberate interference in America’s presidential elections.

Hastings introduced Senate Resolution 94 urging the federal government to complete their investigation and inform the American people on the unprecedented security breach that may have influenced the outcome of the Presidential Election.

“Russia should not have any influence on the destiny of the American people,” Hastings said. “Elections are a sacred practice established by our founding forefathers to advance our democracy and protect our nation’s independence.”

Senate Resolution 94 urges a bipartisan investigation by Congress and supports the call for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 presidential elections.

Hastings finds it appalling that the facts have not been laid out for the people of Illinois.

“As a nation, we need to take all necessary action to disarm our adversaries and protect the heart of democracy- our elections,” Hastings said.

In July of 2016, the Illinois State Board of Elections reported an attack that targeted the Illinois Voter Registration System Database.  

Hastings introduced Senate Resolution 93 to require the Illinois State Board of Elections to produce a final comprehensive report outlining the nature of the breach, system audits and an outline of all preventative measures to ensure similar cyber interferences never happen again.

“We cannot allow this attack on democracy to go unresolved,” Hastings said. “The citizens of Illinois deserve to not only be informed on this breach of trust but be reassured the proper steps were taken to guarantee this will never happen again.”

Senate Resolution 93 and Senate Resolution 94 will be heard in the Senate this legislative session.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) released the following statement in response to Governor Rauner’s state of the state address:
 
“Governor Rauner’s speech is full of empty promises. He continues to strip away the dignity of our most vulnerable populations – the disabled, elderly and those suffering from mental illnesses. Citizens across Illinois have lost hope due to his inaction. While serving our great nation overseas, I learned what it means to stand  for something and now is the time, Governor, for you to define your moral character and stand up for working class families.  Your failure to lead will cause our state to fail. ”

SPRINGFIELD – With gun violence reaching record levels and criminal justice reforms being debated in Springfield, Senate President John J. Cullerton tapped Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) to lead the Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee.

“I look forward to the challenge of leading the Senate Criminal Law Committee throughout the 100th General Assembly,” Hastings said. “Ensuring that our communities across the state are safe has always been one of my top priorities in the Illinois Senate.”

Hastings, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, served as a captain in Iraq from 2006-2007 during the period known as “the Surge.” Following his military service, Hastings went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois and a juris doctor from John Marshall Law School.

“Over the last four years, the Criminal Law Committee has tackled some very tough issues. Reducing penalties for cannabis, reintegrating ex-offenders into society, and bringing data driven approaches to law enforcement are no small tasks,” Hastings said. “Throughout the tenure of my service, it is my intent to improve the quality of justice throughout our state by enacting prudent policies.”

Hastings replaces the outgoing Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) who recently retired from the Illinois Senate in 2016.

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, the 100th General Assembly was sworn into office. Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) joined his colleagues in taking swift action by implementing legislative leader term limits in the Illinois Senate. The new rule would limit a senator from holding the office of senate president or minority leader for only 10 years.

“This chamber receives its power through the people who put us in there,” Hastings said. “Every voice in the state should be heard and by implementing this we can help ensure that happens.”

The measure was adopted and Hastings hopes that the House will follow suit.