SPRINGFIELD – A measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans is now law in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 3762, which allows legally adopted dependents under the age of 18 at the time of adoption and step-children who were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage would be eligible for the MIA/POW Scholarship.

“This new law will provide support to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Hastings. “Helping our heroes’ children obtain a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers now have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

“These vicious criminal networks deprive our state of taxpayer dollars, risk the safety of employees and wreak havoc on businesses across our communities,” Hastings said. “This new law gives our state the opportunity to hold people accountable by adopting a comprehensive crime-curbing effort.”

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FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is excited to announce that the Village of Frankfort is set to receive nearly $25,000 to preserve the intensive history of its downtown area.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) was pleased to find out that Frankfort is one of five state historic sites that are will receive funding for historic preservation projects through the National Park Services’ Historic Preservation Fund on Friday.

“These vital dollars will help the Village of Frankfort preserve and showcase the beautiful history of the South Suburbs,” Hastings said. “I look forward to seeing the great work the village does.”

The program is open to all 84 Certified Local Governments throughout Illinois with funds available to reimburse participating CLG communities for projects that focus on Surveys, Public Education, Planning, and National Register of Historic Places nominations.

The State Historic Preservation Office is planning another round of CLG grants in the fall of 2022. For information on how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/CLGgrants.

FRANKFORT – More than 100 businesses in the 19^th District were awarded over $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) worked tirelessly to advocate and support local businesses in the South Suburbs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our local businesses have fought through extremely difficult times to keep their doors open and support our communities,” Hastings said. “These vital dollars will help provide businesses with financial assistance to help them keep their lights on.”

A total of $4.03 million was awarded to more than 100 businesses in the 19^th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Hastings – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

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