Hastings restores land for Tinley Park community

TINLEY PARK- Thanks to the efforts of State Senator Michael E. Hastings, the Tinley Park-Park District began its demolition of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center and Howe Development Center. After sitting vacant for over a decade, the park district will transform the site into a brand new recreation center for its residents.

“Abandoned facilities like the one here are not only an eyesore of unusable space, but also open the door for potential health risks for our community,” said Hastings (D-Tinley Park). “The speed and efficiency at which this project has moved means we are doing right by our residents.”

In February 2024, Hastings led a law to allow the park district to purchase the 280-acre plot for $1. A $15 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity was also secured by Hastings to help fund the restoration. The plan for the property includes athletic fields, track and field facilities, a domed sports complex and open recreational space. With the environmental cleanup complete, the park district moves toward demolishing the site that has been abandoned since 2012.

To learn more about this project, visit the park district’s website.

Hastings sworn in during 104th General Assembly inauguration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) took the oath of office and was sworn in to a new term in the 104^th General Assembly. He released the following statement:

"I am honored to be sworn in to continue serving our great community. Families across the South Suburbs are working harder than ever, and they deserve a break. That’s why I am here—to fight for fairness, opportunity, and a better quality of life for every family. 

Over the next four years, my focus will remain steadfast: investing in our future, easing burdens on hardworking families, and ensuring that every community gets a fair shake. I look forward to working together to build a stronger, more prosperous South Suburbs and Illinois for everyone."  

Hastings secures funding for local literacy programs

FRANKFORT — Two local libraries are set to receive over $35,000 in combined literacy grants to grow and enhance their programs, thanks to support from Michael E. Hastings.

“Community-based literacy programs provide an opportunity for residents to continue learning every day,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This funding will build on our work in Illinois to promote literacy, expand access to adult education and strengthen opportunities for lifelong, family-centered learning.”

The latest round of funding from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias includes nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million to support literacy programs throughout the state.

Two libraries in the district Hastings represents will receive a total of $36,580 to support adult and family literacy programs that assist learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math and English-language skills. This includes $23,000 for Matteson Area Public Library District and $13,580 for the Richton Park Public Library District.

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Hastings secures free mental health care for municipal and county first responders

SPRINGFIELD – Municipal and county level first responders will soon no longer be charged a copay while utilizing mental health insurance coverage thanks to a new law led by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our first responders experience traumatic situations on a daily basis,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The least we can do is remove barriers as they recover from stressful situations. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can prevent more serious and costly consequences down the line.”

Senate Bill 3538 will require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.

Hastings believes that untreated mental health conditions can lead to increase absenteeism, reduced productivity and higher rates of turnover among first responders.

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