TINLEY PARK- State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) has joined the fight to keep federal net neutrality rules in place.

Hastings filed Senate Resolution 1117 which urges President Donald Trump and members of the United States Congress to continue to protect net neutrality and open internet access.

“Big money utility companies should not have the power to obstruct our access to information,” Hastings said. “I will not stand by as Trump’s administration continues its attacks on our democracy and freedom. Too many of our nation’s heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the United States Constitution and ensure we have the freedoms we enjoy.”

Supporters of net neutrality argue that rules that took effect in 2015 are the only thing standing between greedy utility companies and impaired internet use such as throttled traffic, expensive "fast lanes" and completely blocked sites that displease corporate entities would have full control over information transmitted into homes or business.

On Black Friday, over 200 companies such as Twitter, Pinterest and Airbnb signed a letter warning FCC Chairman Ajit Pai not to roll back net neutrality. The letter states that record Black Friday sales are "a testament to the power of the free and open internet to encourage entrepreneurship, drive innovation, make our lives easier, and to support a healthy economy."

“Our nation is built on the American dream,” Hastings said. “Ending net neutrality opens the possibility that Illinois businesses would have to pay a toll just to reach customers. These new rules could impede on the economic growth of small and medium sized businesses and new innovative start-ups across Illinois.”

A poll released this year by Politico and Morning Consult showed that 60 percent of registered voters support the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) current net neutrality rules.

TINLEY PARK - State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding residents across the Southland to patronize local businesses this weekend.

The Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the holiday shopping season, and Hastings hopes area residents will remember to patronize local businesses on Small Business Saturday on November 25.

“We have the best local businesses in our community,” Hastings said. “Our small businesses create jobs, provide excellent customer service and are dedicated neighbors. Take some time this holiday weekend to stop by local businesses and keep your hard earned money in the Southland.”

For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent stores, $68 goes back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. In 2016, small businesses owners generated an estimated $15.4 billion dollars on Small Business Saturday.

TINLEY PARK- State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) is disappointed in the Illinois Board of Elections’ decision to continue participating in the intrusive and controversial Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program.

The Board of Elections voted 4-4 this morning against a motion to withdraw from Crosscheck, meaning that Illinois will continue participating in the program despite substantial security and disenfranchisement risks.

“Voting is a fundamental component of our nation’s democratic values,” Hastings said. “Illinois residents deserve to have the peace of mind that the Illinois State Board of Elections is taking every necessary precaution to protect their sensitive personal information.”

The state of Illinois is also a member of the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which is considered to be more reliable in determining the accuracy of voter registration.

“I’m disappointed the Illinois State Board of Elections refuses to learn from the mistakes of the past,” Hastings said.

TINLEY PARK – Citing his zero tolerance for sexual harassment, one Illinois State Senator is calling on Governor Rauner to sign legislation passed by the General Assembly during the Fall Veto Session.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) says the tools needed to address the decades old problem are awaiting the governor’s signature.

“It is time for Springfield to start addressing this issue which has been festering under the statehouse dome for too long,” Hastings said. “I implore the governor to sign the legislation we sent him so our new Inspector General can get to work.”

The legislation Senator Hastings refers to is House Bill 137, which extends the statute of limitations on ethics complaints that have yet to be investigated. That legislation has been on the governor’s desk since November 8.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 402, which added sexual harassment to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. That legislation has been on the governor’s desk since November 7.

In addition to HB 137 and SB 402, the Illinois Senate also passed Senate Resolution 1076 which establishes the Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness and Prevention. The task force will make recommendations on how to combat sexual discrimination and harassment in Illinois.

Senator Hastings was one of the resolution’s cosponsors.