SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) released the following statement in response to Governor Rauner’s state of the state address:
 
“Governor Rauner’s speech is full of empty promises. He continues to strip away the dignity of our most vulnerable populations – the disabled, elderly and those suffering from mental illnesses. Citizens across Illinois have lost hope due to his inaction. While serving our great nation overseas, I learned what it means to stand  for something and now is the time, Governor, for you to define your moral character and stand up for working class families.  Your failure to lead will cause our state to fail. ”

SPRINGFIELD – With gun violence reaching record levels and criminal justice reforms being debated in Springfield, Senate President John J. Cullerton tapped Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) to lead the Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee.

“I look forward to the challenge of leading the Senate Criminal Law Committee throughout the 100th General Assembly,” Hastings said. “Ensuring that our communities across the state are safe has always been one of my top priorities in the Illinois Senate.”

Hastings, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, served as a captain in Iraq from 2006-2007 during the period known as “the Surge.” Following his military service, Hastings went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois and a juris doctor from John Marshall Law School.

“Over the last four years, the Criminal Law Committee has tackled some very tough issues. Reducing penalties for cannabis, reintegrating ex-offenders into society, and bringing data driven approaches to law enforcement are no small tasks,” Hastings said. “Throughout the tenure of my service, it is my intent to improve the quality of justice throughout our state by enacting prudent policies.”

Hastings replaces the outgoing Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) who recently retired from the Illinois Senate in 2016.

SPRINGFIELD – On Wednesday, the 100th General Assembly was sworn into office. Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) joined his colleagues in taking swift action by implementing legislative leader term limits in the Illinois Senate. The new rule would limit a senator from holding the office of senate president or minority leader for only 10 years.

“This chamber receives its power through the people who put us in there,” Hastings said. “Every voice in the state should be heard and by implementing this we can help ensure that happens.”

The measure was adopted and Hastings hopes that the House will follow suit.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) on Tuesday advocated for the testing of water in schools and daycares that have children from preschool to fifth grade. Currently, there is no requirement for the testing of water.

“Seeing the conditions in Flint, Michigan and what people went through, we as a state must take proactive steps to protect our children,” Hastings said. “Our children are our greatest asset, we must protect them.”

The measure would also require that school districts notify the parents or legal guardians of all students if substantial amounts of lead are found in the drinking water.

“When we have problems with our drinking water, we need to be transparent about what steps are being taken to protect the children,” Hastings said. “This measure is both proactive and transparent so that parents can feel comforted that we are looking out for the well-being of their children.”