Hastings backs new law to grow Illinois’ economy and spur job creation

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon see a spur in economic growth and job creation, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings that will roll out new business incentives.

“This economic development package will strengthen and expand proven state programs that have a solid track record of growing our local economy, supporting businesses and creating new, good-paying jobs,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I am proud to support a new law that contains multiple initiatives to help working families across the south suburbs.”

House Bill 5005 expands incentives for existing programs such as Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois, which offers competitive incentives to expand in or relocate to Illinois for companies that manufacture electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and recycling products, as well as renewables including solar, wind and energy storage. The measure also strengthens established economic development programs such as Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program and the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program.

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Hastings-backed law creates new state agency to support early education

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon see the creation of the Department of early Childhood, thanks a new law supported by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our children’s early education experiences set the trajectory for their future learning outcomes,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new agency will support our mission to prioritize students across our communities by providing them with opportunities to be successful.”

Senate Bill 1 furthers Hastings’ priorities by enlisting the Department of Early Childhood — which will be created July 1, 2024 — to be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families across Illinois.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, he has fought to secure funding to support Illinois students through the establishment of the state’s bipartisan, historic funding formula fix that helps ensure schools are funded fairly regardless of a child’s ZIP code, steadily increasing school and education funding through the state budget, and increasing the amounts for need-based student assistance at the state’s community colleges and public universities.

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Hastings: FY 2025 budget prioritizes investments in our future

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement on the governor signing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“The FY 2025 budget is one that builds on our commitment to investing in our future. Whether it’s in education or technology, this budget lays a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. With these strategic investments, Illinois is poised to lead our country well into the future.”

Hastings measure brings residents one step closer to obtaining mobile IDs

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with a valid driver’s license or ID may soon be able to request a mobile version of identification from the Secretary of State, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Embracing digital solutions is crucial for making state services more accessible and efficient,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By allowing residents to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or ID card on their phone, we are streamlining daily activities that require identification, such as traffic stops and age verification.”

A key feature of Hasting’s measure is the requirement that mobile driver’s license and ID’s use an electronic credential system – such as a barcode system – to certify there is no requirement for individuals to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party. This ensures that residents maintain control and privacy over their mobile devices at all times.

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