TINLEY PARK — During a visit to the Easterseals Academy Tinley Park campus, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced the allocation of a $250,000 state grant to help fund critical roof repairs at the school, which serves children with autism and other disabilities.

“Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford plays a vital role in the lives of children and families in our community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These students deserve a safe, comfortable learning environment, and this grant is a step toward ensuring that happens. I'm proud to help deliver the resources needed to preserve and enhance the incredible work being done here every day.”

The funding, awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will allow Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford to address long-standing infrastructure needs and ensure the continued safety and functionality of its Tinley Park facility.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement in response to Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s lawsuit against State Farm, which claims the firm is breaking the law by refusing to turn over homeowners’ insurance data to the state for regulatory examination:

“The attorney general’s lawsuit against State Farm highlights something we have all been talking about: transparency and fairness. Homeowners deserve to know why rates are going up and whether they are being treated fairly.

“That is why I am filing legislation that brings together the work we have done over the past ten months to strengthen oversight, improve transparency and rebuild trust between consumers and insurers.

“At the end of the day, transparency builds trust, and that is what keeps our communities strong.”

OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings toured the cancer treatment center at Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, meeting with doctors, nurses and staff before announcing a $250,000 state capital improvement grant to support the purchase of a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for cancer treatment.

“With cancer rates on the rise, our families deserve the very best care close to home,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have had many friends, neighbors and residents of the south suburbs die from cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer — you name it. Our residents deserve the best treatment and technology in our neighborhood.”

The $250,000 grant, administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will contribute to the hospital’s purchase of a linear accelerator, which delivers hyper-localized radiation therapy for cancer patients while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue. The announcement comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a reminder that cancer touches nearly every family and that access to advanced treatment can mean the difference between life and death.

OLYMPIA FIELDS — State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Olympia Fields Park District has been awarded a $75,000 state grant to begin renovations at Bicentennial Park.

“Bicentennial Park is an anchor for the Olympia Fields community,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This investment will help modernize the park and ensure that families have a safe, accessible place to gather and enjoy for years to come.”

The funds will support early-stage improvements as part of a broader redevelopment plan. The Park District is also applying for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant to complete additional upgrades at the site.