Hastings passes measure to connect veterans with careers in government

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation to help connect veterans with careers in state government on Tuesday.

“Internships serve as a great opportunity to connect our veterans with new perspectives and work opportunities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program will help our nation’s heroes continue to serve our country in another method of public service.”

Senate Bill 2769 would require the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to create a Veteran Internship Pilot Program. The program would provide internships to honorably discharged veterans with the opportunity to participate in the General Assembly's legislative staff internship program.

Intern applicants would be required to be honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces and have completed at least 60 hours of college credit to be eligible, among other qualifications outlined by COGFA.

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Hastings advances measure to expand insurance coverage for medically recommended infertility coverage

SPRINGFIELD – A new law may soon be on the books to help ensure insurance coverage for certain infertility treatments, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“My daughter was born via in vitro fertilization, so this is near and dear to my heart,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is truly unfortunate that individuals or families that are already facing heartbreak due to infertility complications are being forced to fight their insurance companies in order to start or expand their family. Not only that, but it is problematic when a doctor recommends a course of treatment that's beneficial to the family, that an insurance company has the ability to trump that doctor.”

Hastings filed Senate Bill 2639 in response to a constituent in his district whose physician had recommended that they seek in vitro fertilization treatment. However, when the constituent tried to access IVF care, they were told by their insurance provider that they had to complete other procedures before it would be covered by their insurance company, even with the recommendation of their licensed physician.

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Hastings measure provides local first responders with mental health care

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois municipal and county first responders are one step closer toward receiving free mental health insurance coverage, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day keeping our communities safe,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By making care easily affordable we are removing financial barriers and chipping away at the stigma of prioritizing mental health.”

Senate Bill 3538 would 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.

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Hastings passes measure to alleviate highway traffic noise

SPRINGFIELD – Residents across Illinois may soon have relief from noisy highways, thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Illinois a hub of economic progress,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our roads, bridges and highways connect our state with vast opportunities which can often lead to high degrees of roadway noise. This new measure will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.”

Hastings introduced Senate Bill 3175 in response to a number of noise complaints he was receiving from residents in the 19^th Senate District.

IDOT currently maintains a Type 1 program which studies the possible impact and mitigation effects on newly constructed highways. Hastings measure would require IDOT create and implement a Type 2 Noise Suppression Program by July 1, 2025 to provide noise abatement for existing highways.

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