Welcome to Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings Legislative Website

Hastings named Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislator of the Year

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings was named the Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars Legislator of the Year on Friday in recognition of his legislative work and advocacy on behalf of Illinois veterans. In accepting the award, Hastings said the recognition carries added weight because it comes from fellow veterans.

“We are never out of the fight,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Too often, after the uniforms come off, veterans are left to navigate a system that doesn’t always work for them. Whether it’s fighting for education benefits, pushing back against bureaucratic barriers for veteran businesses, or ensuring our brothers and sisters have access to quality mental health care, we cannot afford to look away. I will continue to bring that same sense of mission I learned in uniform to the halls of the Illinois Senate, because taking care of our veterans isn’t just policy, it’s a promise.”

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Senator Hastings and Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant welcome major state investment in Crest Hill correctional facilities

CREST HILL — Today State Senator Michael E. Hastings and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant welcomed the state’s decision to construct new correctional facilities in Crest Hill, describing the project as a smart, strategic investment that will save taxpayer dollars while strengthening public safety and creating jobs.

“This project represents a responsible and forward-thinking approach to modernizing our correctional system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By consolidating these facilities in Crest Hill, the state will achieve meaningful cost savings and operational efficiencies through shared resources and centralized services. This nearly $1 billion investment will not only deliver safer, more effective facilities focused on rehabilitation and re-entry, but it will also generate hundreds of construction jobs over the next five years and create long-term employment opportunities for our region. It’s the kind of smart infrastructure investment Illinois needs.”

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Hastings supports measure to ban ‘junk’ fees

SPRINGFIELD — To support families amid a national affordability crisis, State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure that would ban ‘junk’ fees that trick consumers.

“When you decide to purchase a product, you have made that decision with the displayed price in mind,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Now companies are dinging you at the last moment before checkout with made up fees that increase your checkout price by 20 or 30 percent. No honest business operates like this.”

House Bill 228 would make it unlawful for any business to advertise, display or offer a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes.

According to a Consumer Reports analysis, junk fees cost an average family of four close to $3,200 each year.

“This isn’t some back-alley black market,” said Hastings. “If you need to trick your customers to make a profit then it is time to find another line of work.”

House Bill 228 passed both chambers and heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

Hastings: Freedom is never free

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in support of the resolution alongside other veteran legislators.

“It is important to acknowledge that freedom is never free,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to the brave U.S. Marines who serve our nation with courage and honor. This highway, named after the motto of the Marine Corps, represents an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles and the progress of our nation.”

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