FRANKFORT — Two local libraries are set to receive over $35,000 in combined literacy grants to grow and enhance their programs, thanks to support from Michael E. Hastings.

“Community-based literacy programs provide an opportunity for residents to continue learning every day,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This funding will build on our work in Illinois to promote literacy, expand access to adult education and strengthen opportunities for lifelong, family-centered learning.”

The latest round of funding from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias includes nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million to support literacy programs throughout the state.

Two libraries in the district Hastings represents will receive a total of $36,580 to support adult and family literacy programs that assist learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math and English-language skills. This includes $23,000 for Matteson Area Public Library District and $13,580 for the Richton Park Public Library District.

SPRINGFIELD – Municipal and county level first responders will soon no longer be charged a copay while utilizing mental health insurance coverage thanks to a new law led by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our first responders experience traumatic situations on a daily basis,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The least we can do is remove barriers as they recover from stressful situations. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can prevent more serious and costly consequences down the line.”

Senate Bill 3538 will require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.

Hastings believes that untreated mental health conditions can lead to increase absenteeism, reduced productivity and higher rates of turnover among first responders.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ measure to provide vehicle owners with a defense against the rise in theft of catalytic convertors was signed into law on Friday. 

“This law will provide drivers with another line of defense to make it difficult for those stealing catalytic converters to profit off the illegal sale of these parts,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our hope is this measure will discourage bad actors and end these crimes from occurring in our communities.”

Hastings’ measure, House Bill 4589, will require recyclable metal dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings of the catalytic convertor.

It will also require them to obtain and retain a copy of the certificate of title or uniform invoice showing the seller's ownership of the vehicle in transactions involving catalytic convertors.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois military families will soon have an easier time finding childcare, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our military personnel put their lives on the line to keep our great state safe – it is vital that they can assure their children are being well taken care of,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By eliminating red tape and streamlining this bureaucratic process, we will improve access to military childcare and reducing waitlists.”

Hastings’ House Bill 5596 will create an exemption from licensure for daycare homes and group daycare homes serving children of military personnel if the daycare is located on a military base or federal property and is certified as a child development program by a brand of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S Coast Guard.

Previously in Illinois, the Defense Department-certified military family childcare providers were also required to licensed or registered by the state when caring for DoD children. By recognizing military family childcare certification instead of requiring state licensing, Hastings believes it will be easier for these already accredited facilities to support military personnel in their search for responsible and reliable childcare.