SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers will soon have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

“These criminal networks deprive our state of vital taxpayer dollars, risk the safety of employees and wreak havoc on businesses across the state,” Hastings said. “This measure gives our state the opportunity to hold people responsible by enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the office of the attorney general, this initiative defines organized retail crime as a criminal charge and gives prosecutors additional resources to charge crime ringleaders. Specifically, the measure codifies ORC as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell.

Under House Bill 1091, prosecutors would have new opportunities to bring charges against offenders regardless of where the crimes takes place. For example, if the conspiracy, theft and selling occurred in different jurisdictions, each jurisdiction would have the ability to prosecute the entire crime. The Illinois attorney general would also have the ability to prosecute via a statewide grand jury.

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NEW LENOX – The residents of the South Suburbs will soon see a new, state of the art neonatal intensive care unit at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) secured $600,000 in funding to build and operate a single-family, 24 private room NICU facility to serve area residents.

“Welcoming a newborn child that is either born prematurely or with a serious health condition can be an extremely stressful and difficult experience,” Hastings said. “This new NICU will give loved ones the option to stay close to home during this critical stage.”

Most babies admitted to the NICU are preterm, which means they were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, have low birth weight that is less than 5.5 pounds, or have a health condition that needs special care. Twins, triplets, and other multiples often are also admitted to the NICU. Babies with health conditions such as breathing trouble, heart problems, infections, or birth defects are also cared for in the NICU. 

Moreover, 58% of patients in Silver Cross’ total service area receive high-risk neonatal care elsewhere. According to the 2020 March of Dimes Report Card, 11.1%of babies in Will County are born premature, which is high compared with the rest of the nation.

“These vital taxpayer dollars will help Silver Cross serve and give special care for our tiniest patients,” Hastings said. “For years, these young infants have had to travel to an NICU elsewhere. We can only imagine the stress and fear this creates for parents during an already trying time.”

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CHICAGO – Families across the South Suburbs and the state will soon receive financial relief, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 157, a bipartisan financial relief package to provide Illinois residents with comprehensive assistance.

“This new law puts money back in the pockets of homeowners and families in the South Suburbs,” Hastings said. “We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and world has seen in the last century. It is crucial that we prioritize families by providing them with much-needed and deserved relief to keep growing Illinois’ economy.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) voted against one of Governor Pritzker’s appointees to the Prisoner Review Board.  Recently, the nominee approved the early release from prison of criminals convicted of murdering police officers. 

Senator Hastings expressed his disappointment in the following statement:

“The Prisoner Review Board is responsible for making difficult and contentious decisions.  However, the intentional murder of law enforcement officials is one of the most heinous crimes a criminal can commit. 

“As a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, I understand the sacrifice police officers and first responders make on a daily basis.  By releasing individuals early from prison who were convicted of murdering our brave members of law enforcement, our state is sending a dangerous message to the integrity of the criminal justice system.

“That is why I voted against the governor’s nominee.”