Hastings announces Richton Park set to receive nearly $735,000 million

• Economic Development
• Ricton Park

RICHTON PARK – Thanks to support from State Senator Michael E. Hastings, the Village of Richton Park will receive $735,000 as an investment from the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“The businesses across the fighting 19^th District are the heart of our communities,” Hastings (D-Frankfort) said. “The investments we make in our business community is an investment in our local economy. Not only will this help create jobs and grow our economy – this funding will help contribute to the betterment of our neighborhoods and quality of life.”  

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state.

The Village of Richton received this funding to make needed improvements at the Town Center properties.

The Rebuild Illinois program is a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities, passed in 2019 with support from Hastings.

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.

Hastings hosts free Matteson Community Touch-A-Truck Event

• Community Events

MATTESON— State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with local government officials to host a free community Touch-A-Truck event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

The event will allow children and their families the opportunity to touch, sit in and explore real vehicles from a number of different trades.

There will be a wide variety of vehicles such as a PACE Bus, vehicles from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Matteson Public Works, Will County Farm Bureau, Richton Park Fire Department and more.

 The family-friendly event is open to local residents.

Date: Saturday, July 30

Time: noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Matteson Community Center (20642 Matteson Ave, Matteson)

For more information, call Hastings’ office at (815) 464-5431.

Hastings: New 9-8-8 helpline now live in Illinois

FRANKFORT – Illinois now has a new crisis line for mental health and substance use emergencies to provide residents in the Southland experiencing a mental health crisis with crucial support.

“Caring for your mental health is important at every age,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This new 9-8-8 helpline will help those needing extra assist with lifesaving resources.”

9-8-8 is a 24-hour hotline for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Illinois launched the helpline on Saturday, July 16.Those who need assistance are now able to dial 9-8-8 and be connected with a trained mental health professional who can provide assistance.

Hastings reiterates that the hotline is a free, confidential service.

“This helpline is another way Illinois is removing barriers to allow residents to successfully cope with their stress, social well-being and anxious moments,” Hastings said. “Mental health is as important as physical health and we must ensure we provide resources to those who need assistance.”

In Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2023 budget, implemented July 1, mental health care and community-based substance use disorder treatment providers were appropriated an increase of $230 million for support services.

Hastings urges residents who need assistance or if they know someone who is struggling with mental health to utilize additional resources that are available at Lifeline 988.

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Hastings announces $550,000 in grants awarded to local schools

• K-12 Education
• Schools
• Construction

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced on Thursday, thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education, school districts in the 19^th District will be receiving $550,000 for critical infrastructure improvements.

“Investing in our children, is a direct investment in our state’s future,” Hastings (D-Frankfort) said. “These grants will go toward critical infrastructure improvements and maintenance that will help promote a healthy and safe learning environment for our students.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

The following school districts in the 19^th District will each receive $50,000 grants:

• New Lenox School District 122
• Mokena School District 159
• Summit Hill School District 161
• Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
• Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843
• Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144
• Arbor Park School District 145
• Community Consolidated School District 146
• Elementary School District 159
• Matteson Elementary School District 162
• Rich Township High School District 227

“These grants will allow schools to make essential upgrades and help make schools more energy efficient in order to save vital taxpayer dollars while giving students a space to support their academic success,” Hastings said.

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.