TINLEY PARK – Throughout the current session, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) has fought to keep funding for mental health services intact despite the governor’s frequent budget cuts. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Mental Health America of Illinois recognized Hastings’ efforts and honored him as a local champion of mental health at their 28th annual Gold Bell Gala in Chicago.

“An investment in mental health services will always be a sound investment,” Hastings said. “Facilities and hospitals in my district demonstrate on a daily basis how investments made now can help to avoid more costs down the road and provide for a brighter future for these individuals.”

When mental health programs in his communities were targeted for cuts by the governor, Hastings responded by meeting with executives and recipients from Sertoma Centre and Illinois Mentor to explain his plan to fight the cuts and secure their funding.

Earlier this month, Hastings also voted to close a budget hole that threatened local mental health service providers.

Additionally, he has supported the following pieces of legislation that focus on mental health:

• Senate Bill 1549, which creates an income tax checkoff allowing individuals to make contributions to the Special Olympics in Illinois.

• Senate bill 2129, which provides funding for the home services program administered by the Department of Human Services.

• Senate bill 1249, which requires the governor’s office to identify important mental health services and create a strategy for financing their operations.