SPRINGFIELD— Illinois National Guard members and members of the reserves soon will be able to receive a veteran’s designation on their license due to legislation, sponsored by Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park), that was signed into law on Friday.

Senate Bill 2173 expands access to the veteran’s designation for anyone who served in the reserves or National Guard even if they didn’t participate in active duty.

“National Guard members and reservists are veterans just the same as those who serve active duty,” Hastings said. “Their commitment to serving our state and country should be honored and recognized like any other veteran.”

The law goes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) responded to a court decision on Tuesday that will require the State of Illinois to add Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) to the medical marijuana pilot program currently underway in Illinois.

“It is long overdue that people suffering with post-traumatic stress, a medical issue that was recommended by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, will finally be able to participate in a program that can relieve them of some of their symptoms,” Hastings said. “This was about protecting the health and safety of veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress.”

The judge in the ruling criticized the Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah for not listening to the review board.

“Director Shah hid from the people when it came to making a decision that could affect thousands of Illinois veterans who wanted relief from their symptoms,” Hastings said. “Rejecting their right to know why Shah denied post-traumatic stress for the medical marijuana program is simply unpatriotic.”

The state has 30 days to comply with the court order to add PTS to the medical marijuana program. Governor Rauner currently has Senate Bill 10 on his desk that would bring the state into compliance with the court order.

SPRINGFIELD – Undocumented veterans currently struggle with the citizenship process, and a resolution introduced by Senator Hastings would urge Congress to reform that process.

“All veterans risk their lives to protect our freedoms. As a veteran I find it appalling that our government is currently deporting veterans,” Hastings said. “If anything the government should be actively working to help those undocumented veterans on the path to citizenship and expedite their path.”

Many veterans return home and struggle to integrate back into normal life. Some veterans who had legal permanent residence though were deported after returning to the United States.

Senate Resolution 1913 recognizes the risks many undocumented veterans undertook in serving the United States. It also urges the United States Congress to pass the Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act, HR 5012.

HR 5012 would prevent the deportation of veterans who have not committed a felony or significant misdemeanor. It also urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow veterans to be re-admitted to the United States if they have not committed a serious crime.

The resolution has been adopted by the Illinois Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) sponsored legislation to modernize the state’s child support laws, by requiring both parents’ income to be considered in determining child support.

“Illinois has a lot of archaic laws. The child support laws on the books do not consider the modern family when determining the necessary child support for many families,” Hastings said.

House Bill 3982 would update a portion of  Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act for the first time since 1984.

The new model is called the “income shares” model. It would consider the income of both parents and what it would be if they were living together. It also would modernize the costs of raising a child in Illinois.

“It is time we bring Illinois in line and make a more equitable system for not only the child, but for both parents involved in raising that child,” Hastings said.

This legislation passed the House. Should HB 3982 be signed into law, Illinois would join 38 other states and the District of Columbia in utilizing the income shares model.