Hastings announces funding for Tinley Park Public Library

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.

Hastings preserves jobs and millions in economic impact through landmark clean energy legislation

SPRINGFIELD - Following the Senate’s passage of a landmark piece of legislation that will cement Illinois’ status as a leader in the clean energy sector and save thousands of jobs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement:

“After years of difficult negotiations, a broad coalition of stakeholders came to a bipartisan agreement that will define the future of clean energy in Illinois. The Illinois Senate, and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, refuse to allow ratepayers to foot the bill for a transition to a cleaner energy future that did not include our valued nuclear fleet. We traveled the state, conducted thorough hearings and made clear in negotiations that good-paying jobs and our environment must be preserved at all costs. This starts with our nuclear fleet, the most precious natural resource the state of Illinois can offer.

“We came together to win a must win battle to not only save jobs and generate clean energy, but to create new ethical standards for utility companies. The result of this agreement is the preservation of 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and $149 million in local economic impact, maintaining our dominance in the energy generation market space, and allowing us to reach our renewable goals. Greed has run rampant in Illinois for far too long, forcing many to pay the price for the actions of a greedy few. Under this legislation, those who cast a dark cloud over our state’s government will be held to the highest ethical standards.”

Hastings plan to prioritize the development of amateur athletes signed into law

SPRINGFIELD - To reaffirm the State of Illinois’ commitment to amateur athletics, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced the Illinois Amateur Sports Commission Act, which was signed into law Friday.

“Over the past school year, not only did Illinois students lose the chance to make treasured memories with their teammates and friends, they lost the chance to prove they have what it takes to potentially earn a college scholarship. Though we cannot make up for that lost time, we can improve the way amateur sports programs throughout the state are conducted, and it is my hope that this commission can play a key role in that development.”

House Bill 3870 creates The Illinois Amateur Sports Commission, whose purpose is to research, study, and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly about the promotion, development, expansion, and fostering of amateur sports throughout the state.

The recommendations by the Commission will be focused on the promotion and encouragement of physical fitness through participation in amateur sports and amateur sports programs. Additionally, the development of local and statewide business opportunities and economic development relating to amateur sports, amateur sports programs, competitions, and events will be prioritized.

The state of Minnesota has a similar organization, which has generated sports tourism revenue and played a key role in assembling a bid proposal for Minnesota to host the 2024 Olympic Swimming Trials, for which the state is currently a finalist.

This legislation is effective immediately.

Hastings’ plan to honor fallen National Guard troops signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois National Guard will now be sufficiently honored in death thanks to a piece of legislation, sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, which was signed into law Sunday.

“Members of the Illinois National Guard are valued members of our armed forces and deserve to be memorialized as such,” Hastings said. “The presentation of a flag to next of kin upon a soldier’s death is a time honored tradition I am proud to extend to those who served their country and state.”

Under current law, members of the Illinois National Guard serving on federal duty or training status are to have a state flag presented to their next of kin upon their death, should they die while serving. Senate Bill 505 adds State Active Duty to this provision, ensuring that all who lose their lives in service of their state and country are properly memorialized.

This legislation is effective immediately.