SPRINGFIELD – Prioritizing safe participation in the upcoming election, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) voted to expand voting options for Illinoisans. 

“Our system has been shaken to its very foundation, and people are afraid about the possibility of going to the polls this November,” Hastings said. “In the interest of public health and safety, we must give our people the chance to cast their vote in a safe, secure manner.”

As a result of this legislation any person who has voted since 2018 would receive an application to vote by mail. Voters would still be able to vote early or go at the polls on Election Day, which would be a state holiday for 2020.

“For our system to be truly representative, we must receive the input of people from every walk of life,” Hastings said. “With this legislation we are empowering voters and simplifying the process by removing unnecessary barriers. Democracy is stronger when we all have a voice.”

This measure now awaits the governor’s signature.

Operation Blessing of Southwest Chicagoland
Address: 4901 W 128th Pl, Alsip, IL 60803

Phone: (708) 597-6326

Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9AM–12PM
Wednesday: 12–3PM
Thursday: 9AM–12PM
Friday: 9AM–12PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Oak Tree Community Church
Address: 15601 Lamon Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Phone: (708) 687-2230

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
Address: 15050 Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Phone: (708) 687-2170 

Hours of Operation
Monday: 9:30AM–2:30PM
Tuesday: 9:30AM–2:30PM
Wednesday: 9:30AM–2:30PM
Thursday: 9:30AM–2:30PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8AM–1PM

St. Damian Catholic Church
Address: 5250 155th St, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Phone: (708) 687-1370

Redeemer Lutheran Church
Address: 4955 158th St, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Phone: (708) 687-2432

St. Clement's Episcopal Church
Address: 15245 Loomis Ave, Harvey, IL 60426

Phone: (708) 331-6307

Hours of Operation
Monday: 9AM–5PM
Tuesday: 2:30–6:30PM
Wednesday: 9AM–5PM
Thursday: 9AM–5PM
Friday: 9AM–5PM
Saturday: 10AM–12PM
Sunday: 9:45AM–2PM
Hours or services may differ due to COVID-19

Tinley Park Food Pantry Inc
Address: 6875 173rd Pl, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: (708) 614-7739

Community Covenant Church
Address: 12446 S Loomis St, Calumet Park, IL 60827

Phone: (708) 385-7477

Together We Cope

Address: 17010 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Phone: (708) 633-5040

Hours of Operation
Monday: 9AM–3PM
Tuesday: 9AM–3PM
Wednesday: 9AM–3PM
Thursday: 2–7PM
Friday: 9AM–3PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

CHICAGO – As the world adapts to unprecedented change from coronavirus, a bipartisan group of legislators is urging state regulators to strengthen consumer protections to keep the lights on for residents and businesses turning to recovery in Illinois.
The Illinois Senate Energy Working Group, led by Chairman Michael E. Hastings, has sent a letter to the Illinois Commerce Commission urging the commission to adopt several reforms that would protect small and large energy consumers once Illinois emerges from the coronavirus shutdown.

The ICC has approved an emergency order preventing utilities from shutting off electric, natural gas, water and sewer service during the public health crisis, and it currently is considering proposals for protecting consumers for the following recovery period. The 13-member Senate working group, assembled to work on essential energy legislation from the pandemic, unanimously signed the letter supporting several proposals:

• Delayed shutoffs – Recommending a grace period of at least 60 days after the stay-at-home shutdown order is lifted before a utility can shut off a customer’s electric service.
• Delayed payments – Recommending a standard deferred payment arrangement between utilities and customers. All DPAs should be at least 12 months and extend to 18 months or up to two years after a certified financial hardship. If a customer defaults, they should be able to enter a DPA, the group suggests.
• Strong communication – Recommending following the end of this pandemic and any future public health emergency that utilities send clear, concise information in a letter to customers with past-due account balances. They should outline customer payment options and other programs to offer financial assistance.

“Our working group has discussed legislation filed in the 101st General Assembly and has determined that consumer assistance to residential, business and industrial customers post-moratorium is of the utmost importance,” the group wrote in its letter. “Understanding that residents of the State of Illinois will endure financial hardship following this pandemic, we ask that the Commission give strong consideration to the following topic areas before your administrative body.”

Hastings, D-Frankfort, said the letter affirms the consensus opinion of the bipartisan working group that policymakers must do all they can to support consumers during the challenging months ahead, and protecting them from electric shutoffs and payment defaults is an important step – one that could be taken legislatively if not acted on by the Commerce Commission.

“Our state has been thrown into chaos over the past two months, and our role as legislators is to step up and provide support that our constituents need in these uncertain times,” Hastings said. “I want to thank Sen. Sue Rezin, the Republican spokesperson, and the 11 other members of our working group for setting partisan squabbling to embrace these protections that will make a difference for Illinois consumers.

“We hope the ICC moves quickly to stand with us and give consumers the assurance the lights will be on as we all work to rebuild our lives and livelihoods.”

More information and resources to help people navigate the coronavirus pandemic can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.

The new executive order will include the following modifications effective May 1:

OUTDOOR RECREATION: State parks will begin a phased re-opening under guidance from the Department of Natural Resources. Fishing and boating in groups of no more than two people will be permitted. A list of parks that will be open on May 1 and additional guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website HERE. Golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.

NEW ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES: Greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries may re-open as essential businesses. These stores must follow social distancing requirements and must require that employees and customers wear a face covering. Animal grooming services may also re-open.

NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL: Retail stores not designated as non-essential businesses and operations may re-open to fulfill telephone and online orders through pick-up outside the store and delivery.

FACE COVERINGS: Beginning on May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face-covering or a mask when in a public place where they can’t maintain a six-foot social distance. Face-coverings will be required in public indoor spaces, such as stores. This new requirement applies to all individuals over the age of two who are able to medically tolerate a face-covering or a mask.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURING: Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts and operating only essential lines for manufacturers.

SCHOOLS: Educational institutions may allow and establish procedures for pick-up of necessary supplies or student belongings. Dormitory move-outs must follow public health guidelines, including social distancing.