SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to raise the minimum wage for teachers to $40,000 per year over the next five years was signed into law today.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings was a cosponsor on this initiative as it made its way through the Senate.

“Teachers deserve to earn a living wage regardless of where they live across our state. I personally know teachers that take money out of their own pockets to decorate classrooms and purchase supplies,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “I’m proud to be able to say that we’re acting on behalf of the selfless men and women who we are entrusting with our children’s wellbeing."

Under House Bill 2078, the state will update the minimum mandated salary for teachers annually over four years, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. The wage will be raised incrementally to:

• $32,076 for the 2020-2021 school year;
• $34,576 for the 2021-2022 school year;
• $37,076 for the 2022-2023 school year; and
• $40,000 for the 2023-2024 school year;

“With this legislation, we’re sending a message to prospective teachers in and around our state that Illinois is ready to offer a stable living situation for these dedicated individuals,” Hastings said. "It’s long past the time to pay teachers what they are worth, and this legislation is a tremendous first step toward that goal."

TINLEY PARK – Insurers will be required to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors for minors under legislation supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) that was signed into law on Friday.

“It’s unfortunate that we cannot always pinpoint what will give our children an allergic reaction with the rise of so many different food allergies,” Hastings said. “What we can do is provide children with the necessary care they need when an unforeseen emergency strikes, and I’m proud to have supported legislation that will do that going forward.”

Epinephrine injectors deliver epinephrine to individuals experiencing a severe allergic reaction, curbing the negative effects of the allergen. Epinephrine works by narrowing blood vessels and opening lung airways, reversing the symptoms of a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

“The passage of this legislation is an effort on the behalf of the legislature and the governor to ensure that our kids are taken care of properly,” Hastings said. “No parent should be put in a situation where they cannot provide necessary medical assistance because it’s not affordable.”

This new law requires certain private insurance policies to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors for those under 18 years of age.

House Bill 3435 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – Pharmacists will be able to administer long-term mental health treatment to patients thanks to a new law introduced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“We had to take action to ensure mental health treatments are available in a safe and efficient manner,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “Because there are sometimes cases that happen to be a bit more urgent, this law allows pharmacists to administer the treatment rather making those who need treatment wait around for an appointment with their primary care provider.”

SB 1715 ensures that pharmacists, in addition to physicians, would be able to administer long-term mental health treatments via injection efficiently and safely, as long as a prescription from a physician is present.

SB 1715 is effective immediately.

TINLEY PARK – Two 19th District libraries are receiving mentoring grants from the Illinois secretary of state, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced.

The Matteson Area Public Library District and the Thornton Public Library will receive grants of $18,400 and $14,000 respectively. The grants were awarded through the FY20 Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

“I’m glad to see that the secretary of state’s office is committed to serving the at-risk youth risk in the south suburbs,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “These programs give young students the tools they need succeed not just in school, but for the rest of their lives.”

In all, the secretary of state awarded more than $464,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “I established this innovative program when I first became secretary of state to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library.”