Hastings highlights driver’s license expiration date extension for older adults

FRANKFORT — To reduce long lines and to protect vulnerable populations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is urging older adults to take advantage of the driver’s license expiration date extension from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

“We have to continue taking every precaution when it comes to mitigating the spread of this virus,” Hastings said. “I’m pleased that Secretary White’s office is taking the initiative to reduce crowd sizes and make life easier for our people by any means possible.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

More information regarding services provided at local Secretary of State facilities can be found at www.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility,

Hastings unveils coal-to-solar plan at Energy Summit in Canton

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.

Hastings welcomes Amazon’s investment in the South Suburbs

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.”

Hastings: Utility bill assistance is necessary for COVID-19 recovery

FRANKFORT – The Illinois Commerce Commission announced the decision to approve several consumer protection measures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several of which State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) called for as leader of the Senate’s Energy and Public Utilities working group this past legislative session.

“Throughout March and April, I met with my colleagues on the Senate’s Energy and Public Utilities working group and numerous stakeholders. Our charge was very simple: we had to arrive at a solution to protect consumers,” Hastings said. “I’m thankful that Chairman Zalewski and the ICC listened to our recommendations allowing us to arrive at a helpful solution.”

Details of the comprehensive consumer protection package include:

• Extending the suspension of disconnections for 30 days beyond Illinois’ entry into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, or Aug. 1, 2020, whichever comes first;
• Flexible payment options once that time is up;
• Bill assistance for eligible low-income customers;
• Expanded fee relief.

This agreement covers several of the state’s major utility companies, including Aqua Illinois, Illinois-American Water Company, Utility Services of Illinois, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas Company, Peoples Gas and ComEd.

“I appreciate the cooperation of these companies and their dedication to their customers,” Hastings said. “They understand as well as I do that COVID-19 is not going to simply fade away, and even when it does, the recovery process will be difficult for so many. Extending moratoriums on shutoffs and providing additional financial relief is our moral obligation.”