SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) voted with many of his colleagues to override the governor’s veto of SB 2043.

Senate Bill 2043 would fund the MAP grant program and community colleges for FY 2016. The legislation was passed by the Senate and sent to the governor on February 16, but he vetoed it.

“This governor’s administration made a promise and all this legislation does is give him an opportunity to keep that promise. Our community college system is on the brink of collapse at the rate we are going and our most financially needy students are being sent away by many schools across the state,” Hastings said.

The legislation would appropriate $397.1 million to Illinois Student Assistance Commission to fulfill MAP grants. It would also appropriate $324.4 million to fund community colleges.

The legislation now moves to the House for a vote to override the governor’s veto.

RICHTON PARK—State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) will host a minority business leadership summit—bringing together businesses, local leaders and state resources to promote and foster minority owned businesses.

The summit will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, at Rich South High School.

Businesses interested in participating must register online at SenatorHastings.com.

The event will feature special guests Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) and Rep. Al Riley (D-Olympia Fields) and is co-sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center, Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Capital Development Board, Illinois Treasurer’s office and Illinois Comptroller’s Office.

PURPOSE
To inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. This event will also create a space for open dialogue about issues minority businesses face and how we can foster an environment that’s more welcoming for the expansion of minority businesses in Illinois.

Members of the General Assembly will discuss several measures that legislators are working on now to improve opportunities for minority businesses.

TIME
6 to 8 p.m.

DATE
Monday, Feb. 29

LOCATION
Rich South High School Auditorium
5000 Sauk Trail
Richton Park

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) issued the following statement reflecting on President Barack Obama’s speech to the Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday:

“This was a great reminder of the importance of compromise. Real progress can only be achieved by working together, and we need that now more than ever in Springfield. I’m hopeful that this positive message can ease some of the tension in the Capitol so we can set aside this gridlock and actually govern.

“This is only the second time a president has spoken to lawmakers in Springfield—the last time was President Carter in 1978. Today carried so much added weight since President Obama actually served the people of Illinois here. I was honored and humbled to be part of this historic day.”

SPRINGFIELD- For many disabled veterans, the stress of rising property taxes simply adds to a long list of physical and mental ailments they face. Last summer, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) co-sponsored a plan that would ease the property tax burden on them. Under the proposal, veterans can reduce their EAV by $2,500 to $5,000 off their property tax bill while some could even have their property exempted from property taxes.

Senate Bill 107 was signed into law in August of last year, and the Cook County Assessor’s office will have the application paperwork available on the Cook County website later this month. Senator Hastings will be hosting a town hall to help veterans complete and turn in the paperwork before the March 2 deadline.

The first town hall will be on Tuesday, February 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rich South High School, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471.

The second town hall will be on Monday, February 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park, IL 60462.

“I want to bring all of the veterans in the area together with representatives from Cook County so that everyone who needs to fill out the proper paperwork does so on time,” Hastings said.

The proposal provides for the following property tax exemptions to be implemented:
• If a veteran has a service connected disability of 30-50 percent, their annual exemption is $2,500
• If a veteran has a service connected disability of 50-70 percent, their annual exemption is $5,000
• A veteran who has a service connected disability of 70 percent or more their property is exempt from taxing
• Prevents any accessibility improvements that are made to disabled individuals’ residential properties from increasing the assessed value of the property.