Hastings commends effort to expand EpiPen coverage for children

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.

Mental health medication more accessible under new law by Hastings

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.

Hastings announces mentoring grants for Matteson, Richton Park libraries

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.”

Hastings champions landmark infrastructure revitalization plan

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings released the following statement after the signing of legislation that would modernize Illinois’ infrastructure and provide the South Suburbs with new jobs.

“The South Suburbs will see some long-needed infrastructure repair under this capital bill. Our roads, bridges, schools will be renewed and local governments entities will see an extraordinary amount financial support to build new infrastructure for the 21^st Century. From Markham and Matteson to Lockport and Joliet, our communities will undeniably benefit from this bill.

I want to thank Governor J.B. Pritzker for working with the South Suburban delegation and listening to the wants and needs of our communities. I look forward to seeing Illinois rebuilt.”

The $45 billion plan includes funding for highways and bridges as well as local projects. A few examples include:

• $6 million dollars for local government infrastructure improvements
• $848 million to improve I-80 in Will County and rebuild structurally deficient bridges over the Des Plaines River.
• $32 million in funding for improvements at Governors State University
• $43 million in funding improvements at Moraine Valley Community College
• $1,000,000 in grants to local non-for-profit developmentally disabled and mental health treatment organizations.