Hastings secures grant to allow Together We Cope to resume operation

TINLEY PARK – Thanks for a $250,000 state grant secured by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, Together We Cope, a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in temporary crisis, will be fully operational by the end of July.

"Together We Cope is a cornerstone of support for families facing unexpected challenges. Ensuring their full operational capacity means countless individuals will continue to receive the crucial assistance they need to regain stability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I am proud to have played a part in supporting such an essential organization."

This exciting development comes following a shortfall in insurance proceeds needed to cover essential repairs.

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Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents can now receive relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Our roads, bridges and highways generate economic development across our great state,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “However, at times this comes with noisy and uncomfortable consequences for our neighbors who live near these major roadways.”

The Hastings-led initiative 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 championed Senate Bill 3175 in response to a number of noise complaints he was receiving from residents throughout the 19^th Senate District.

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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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