RICHTON PARK – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart to host a recycling event.

The event will include electronic recycling, shredding and serve as a drop-off location to safely dispose of unused, expired and unwanted medications.

“Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop shop to recycle electronics, safely dispose of medications you no longer need and shred personal documents,” Hastings said. “I encourage the hardworking families of the southland to take advantage of this free event.”

To accommodate all participants, each person will be limited to two boxes of residential shredding. Boxes and bags will be returned. Documents will be accepted for shredding until trucks reach capacity. Destroying documents with personal information such as bank statements, outdated medical reports, tax returns and bills help prevent the risk of consumer fraud and identity theft.

Human and pet medications will be accepted however, liquid medications and sharps will not be accepted. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs help reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and drug addiction.
Hastings recognizes that disposing of old electronics can also be a difficult process and urges residents to take advantage of this resource. Only one television will be accepted per car along with other electronics, cables and small appliances.

If residents have questions about the event, Hastings urges them to contact his office at 815-464-5431 or visit www.SenatorHastings.com.

WHO: State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart
WHAT: Free Recycling Event
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Rich Township (22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, IL)

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Commerce Commission is working swiftly to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to make Illinois a leader in fighting climate change, thanks to the work of Frankfort Democrat, State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings, who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus. He is thrilled to see the ICC begin the process of applying vital provisions.

“This historic, bipartisan agreement will provide Illinois residents with reliable, renewable and responsible energy,” Hastings said. “I am pleased to see the ICC working diligently to carry out the immediate requirements of the new law.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would make Illinois a national leader in reducing carbon emissions, fight climate change, and preserve jobs passed the Senate Monday.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus.

“Today’s historic agreement is the culmination of a difficult, but worthwhile negotiation process where we refused to accept anything less than the best for Illinois’ clean energy future,” Hastings said. “Our work product is one that is renewable, reliable, and affordable for all Illinoisans.”

Under Senate Bill 2408, the largest investment in renewable energy in state history, Illinois will embark on an aggressive path to complete clean energy generation by 2050.

Additionally, this plan preserves nearly 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and $149 million in local economic impact.

“Job preservation and economic viability for often forgotten communities remained a focal point for me throughout this process,” Hastings said. “Not only were we able to preserve these jobs, but we also created the opportunity to train for thousands of new, good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector.”

Senate Bill 2408 now awaits the governor’s signature.

FRANKFORT – Patrons of the Tinley Park Public Library will soon see upgrades to its services thanks to a $83,636 grant, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced Friday.

“The Tinley Park Public Library has served as a learning hub for generations of residents in the South Suburbs and deserves additional investment to uphold that tradition,” Hastings said. “This funding will give the library the ability to keep pace with other local libraries in an ever changing technological landscape.”

The $83,636 received by the Tinley Park Public Library is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.