Hastings celebrates over $11,000 in library grants coming to the 19th District

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has announced that six school districts in the  19^th Senate District have received over $11,000 to provide resources to libraries such as books, periodicals, technology and programs.

“Libraries are an essential aspect of our children’s education and growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through this funding, our students will be able to access educational resources that will enrich them and help them to succeed.”

The General Reserve Fund finances the School District Library Grant Program, appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

Read more …

Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills.

Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“Families should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program highlights our state’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

Read more …

Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels

• Small businesses
• Local Business Grants
• Hotels

FRANKFORT – Nine hotels in the 19^th District are set to receive more than $700,000 in Back to Business grants, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our hospitality industry helps generate revenue and contribute to the economic and social development of our communities,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The Back to Business grant program provides vital support to our hotels and businesses as they move toward the path of recovery and great success.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

In the latest round of grants, a total of $714,832 was awarded to nine entities in the 19^th District in the hospitality industry.

For more information about B2B grants, visit DCEO’s website.

Hastings reminds residents to make a plan during National Preparedness Month

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the 19^th District to take the time to discuss and implement readiness plans during National Preparedness Month.

“Setting aside time to plan ahead and create readiness plans can make all the difference in saving the lives of our loved ones, especially seniors and children,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).  “Developing a plan that prepares us for the unthinkable gives us peace of mind that we will be ready in times of crisis.”

An emergency preparedness kit, at minimum, should include the following items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for three days)
• Non-perishable food (three-day supply; ready-to-eat canned or other foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, plus non-electric can opener and utility knife)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio or weather radio with extra batteries
• Extra battery packs and cables to charge your cellphones
• Copies of important family documents stored in a waterproof bag or container
• Cash (small denominations)
• Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

Read more …