FRANKFORT – To bring relief to local businesses suffering from the economic devastation brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is encouraging small business owners across the South Suburbs to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

In a letter to Governor Pritzker several weeks ago, Hastings urged the administration to prioritize financial assistance to bars, banquet halls, restaurants and fitness centers throughout Will County due to the implementation of additional mitigation measures. As a result, businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the necessary support from the second round of BIG awards.

“The prioritization of Region 7 businesses doesn’t happen without the advocacy of business owners in Will County, and I want to thank them for voicing their concerns to me,” Hastings said. “At this point, every bit of help counts. This financial assistance will help businesses throughout Will County that have been negatively impacted by the recent COVID-19 mitigations. We are by no means out of the woods yet, so for us to continue working toward recovery, it’s vital that business owners struggling to get by submit their applications for the second round of grants.”

Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants program will be made available Thursday, Sept. 17 and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate or in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/dceo.

FRANKFORT– In response to Exelon’s decision to close two nuclear power plants, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, released the following statement:

“It’s truly unfortunate that Exelon has announced two plant closures during the middle of a pandemic. The negative economic impact of these closures cannot be understated. The Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee has been committed to working on legislation and consumer assistance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and we remain committed to working with the men and women of organized labor and all stakeholders to find solutions to secure the future of clean energy in Illinois.”

CANTON – Unveiling a new proposal that would transform the renewable resource landscape in downstate Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined colleagues and stakeholders at an Energy Summit in Canton today.

Hastings, who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, called for a plan that would create job opportunities for people displaced by plant closures while transitioning several downstate communities to an increased role in generating renewable energy.

“Working class families and communities have relied on these plants for generations,” Hastings said. “With more potential plant closures looming, we have to find a way to preserve jobs, transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy resources, and maintain an economic base within the communities.”

Under Hastings’ proposal, a program would be established to provide incentives for the installation and operation of renewable energy resources at the sites of former coal plants, helping the surrounding communities remain economically viable.

“Our state’s residents want clean energy resources, but we cannot take action without thinking about the future of energy across Illinois. We are a national leader in energy generation, and we must continue to provide job opportunities for people who work at coal plants and assist them during the transition to solar energy.” Hastings said. “I look forward to continue working with our community stakeholders, my colleagues, and the renewable energy community to make that happen.”

This proposal will be a part of a legislative package to address pressing issues related to energy policy facing the state of Illinois during the upcoming session.

MATTESON – Following the announcement of the development of two new Amazon fulfillment facilities in Markham and Matteson, bringing thousands of jobs to the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement:

“While good news has been difficult to come by lately, today is a great day. I want to offer my thanks to the Amazon team for choosing to invest in the South Suburbs, specifically the 19^th District. Additionally, I want to extend my congratulations to Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson and Mayor Roger Agpawa of Markham. They are committed to making a difference in their communities, and their efforts on this project are the latest testament to that.

“These projects are some of the most important regional projects we have had in decades. Residents have contacted my office with concerns about increased traffic, road construction, and construction noise, but I want to reassure them that state and local governments are working to ensure that their concerns are addressed. From beautification efforts, new traffic signals, and the addition of thousands of jobs, we want to make sure these projects work for you.

“While this year will see the construction of over three million square feet of regional distribution facilities, our work is far from over. Whether it is repurposing the former Lincoln Way North High School as a state-of-the-art State Police forensics laboratory, redeveloping the Lincoln Mall site into one of the finest retail facilities in the entire state, or finally completing the long-awaited South Suburban airport, our communities are prime for development. I look forward to more exciting announcements to come.”