NEW LENOX— State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) met with a Chinese delegation of faculty from the Zhejiang Institute of Administration earlier this month.  Among the topics of conversation were municipal and state government and the various roles of a State Senator.  

“Taking the time to meet with foreign dignitaries is a way to build bridges between cultures,” Hastings said.  “I am extremely proud to present the south suburbs and the State of Illinois.  Although we may have our challenges at times, I believe our democracy works and should be on display.”  

The Chinese delegation works in partnership with the 21st Century Institute in Chicago.  The delegation will visit Springfield and other historic sites throughout the State of Illinois.  

“We chose to host this delegation in New Lenox, the home of the Proud Americans, because of its beauty and effective municipal government,” Hastings said.  “Mayor Baldermann and the village staff gave presentations and answered numerous questions.  The Chinese were very impressed by what they saw.”

SPRINGFIELD— Illinois National Guard members and members of the reserves soon will be able to receive a veteran’s designation on their license due to legislation, sponsored by Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park), that was signed into law on Friday.

Senate Bill 2173 expands access to the veteran’s designation for anyone who served in the reserves or National Guard even if they didn’t participate in active duty.

“National Guard members and reservists are veterans just the same as those who serve active duty,” Hastings said. “Their commitment to serving our state and country should be honored and recognized like any other veteran.”

The law goes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) responded to a court decision on Tuesday that will require the State of Illinois to add Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) to the medical marijuana pilot program currently underway in Illinois.

“It is long overdue that people suffering with post-traumatic stress, a medical issue that was recommended by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, will finally be able to participate in a program that can relieve them of some of their symptoms,” Hastings said. “This was about protecting the health and safety of veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress.”

The judge in the ruling criticized the Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah for not listening to the review board.

“Director Shah hid from the people when it came to making a decision that could affect thousands of Illinois veterans who wanted relief from their symptoms,” Hastings said. “Rejecting their right to know why Shah denied post-traumatic stress for the medical marijuana program is simply unpatriotic.”

The state has 30 days to comply with the court order to add PTS to the medical marijuana program. Governor Rauner currently has Senate Bill 10 on his desk that would bring the state into compliance with the court order.

SPRINGFIELD – Undocumented veterans currently struggle with the citizenship process, and a resolution introduced by Senator Hastings would urge Congress to reform that process.

“All veterans risk their lives to protect our freedoms. As a veteran I find it appalling that our government is currently deporting veterans,” Hastings said. “If anything the government should be actively working to help those undocumented veterans on the path to citizenship and expedite their path.”

Many veterans return home and struggle to integrate back into normal life. Some veterans who had legal permanent residence though were deported after returning to the United States.

Senate Resolution 1913 recognizes the risks many undocumented veterans undertook in serving the United States. It also urges the United States Congress to pass the Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act, HR 5012.

HR 5012 would prevent the deportation of veterans who have not committed a felony or significant misdemeanor. It also urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow veterans to be re-admitted to the United States if they have not committed a serious crime.

The resolution has been adopted by the Illinois Senate.