FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings was appointed to represent the Senate in two statewide veterans’ task forces.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) will be serving as a member on the Breakthrough Therapies for Veterans Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council and Veterans Service-Related Ailments Task Force.

“Our veterans work tirelessly to protect our democratic values and freedom,” Hastings said. “I am honored to continue my work in improving the quality of life of our nation’s heroes and providing them with helpful resources to ease their transition back to civilian life.”

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported suicide was the second leading cause of death amongst veterans ages 18 to 44. Hastings believes we need to continue to work toward eliminating this epidemic and helping connect our returning veterans with tools to be healthy.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ measure to help police and sheriffs quickly track stolen vehicles is now law.

“This measure helps us evolve by better utilizing the latest technology to track criminal actions,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We already know that there is technology readily available to track carjackers and kidnappers as they travel from Point A to Point B. It is essential that we empower law enforcement with these tools to successfully apprehend these criminals.”

Nationwide, carjackings are on the rise, but without formal coordination between authorities and vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement officers had little to no ability to access real-time tracking information.

The all-too-common occurrence led Hastings to champion House Bill 2245, which requires Illinois car manufacturers to establish a 24/7 hotline for police and consumers to utilize in case of a carjacking or kidnapping. This provides law enforcement with real-time assistance with locating vehicles – allowing them to find the perpetrator and arrest them before they get away.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings was appointed Chair of the Illinois State Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee.

“Our veterans selflessly served our country and they deserve nothing but the best state services,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I look forward to continuing my 25 year career of public service as a soldier and a State

Senator in the role of the Chair of the Illinois State Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. We have made monumental achievements in helping our veterans over the last decade, and I am certain that we will accomplish much more in the future.”

Hastings is one of two military veterans in the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

Following his graduation from United States Military Academy at West Point, Hastings rose to the rank of Captain while deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. On July 4, 2006, he was deployed to Iraq as a part of “The Surge.”

Throughout his deployment, Hastings served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division (Forward), coordinating air, ground and security movements throughout Iraq. For meritorious service in a combat zone, Hastings was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and 1st Infantry Division combat patch.

After ten years of distinguished service Hastings was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army.

“I look forward to a continued collaboration with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on how we can work together to improve our veterans' quality of life," said Hastings.

He pledges to continue on his commitment to uplifting our nation’s heroes in his new role.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, he has passed a number of initiatives to provide and connect veterans with mental health resources, prevent the exploitation of veterans and promote the availability of free service programs, expand access to the MIA/POW Scholarships and increase funding at our state’s veterans homes.

Hastings urges those connected with veterans’ organizations or individuals with ideas on improving access to state programs to contact his office at (815) 464-5431 to share their input on how Illinois can continue to improve services to our nation’s heroes.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents may soon be given clear notice on contracts that automatically renew, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Many of us have fallen victim to contracts that automatically renew without our consent which leave us with pesky fees we have no choice but to pay,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This initiative will ensure consumers give clear consent when entering into a contract so they are not charged for services they do not need or want.”

Senate Bill 328 would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.