MOLINE -- Illinois Public Transportation Association, which includes every major transit organization in the State of Illinois, named Senator Michael E. Hastings the Legislator of the Year for 2016.

"This is a distinct honor coming from a group of individuals committed to ensuring the people of Illinois first class public transportation," Hastings said.

Senator Hastings was lauded for his work with the PACE Bus System in the south suburbs where he passed legislation allowing for the purchase of compressed natural gas buses, the construction of a new compressed natural gas fueling station, and assisted the RTA to ensure that they are able to operate during the financial crisis facing Illinois.

"I am proud to work with people like Rocky Donahue of PACE, my fellow legislators and community leaders to ensure that the people of the south suburbs have great public transportation. We have done great things and I am committed to continuing my efforts to advocate for transportation in the south suburbs."