SPRINGFIELD – Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) voted to send emergency funding to state universities and community colleges.

Senate Bill 2048 would ensure that all state universities, community colleges and MAP grants would receive some emergency funding to help with the current fiscal year. This is in addition to the Senate Bill 2059 which also sent emergency appropriations.

“Amidst our budget standoff, schools like Governor’s State and Chicago State were being starved and forced to make unfortunate decisions,” Hastings said. “Though a full higher education budget is still necessary, this will allow schools to continue to educate our students without making drastic decisions that only harm our students.”

The legislation would also send funding to schools that accept MAP grants to pay for a portion of the amounts that were awarded prior to the start of the fiscal year.

The legislation now moves to the House for further consideration

SPRINGFIELD—Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) passed legislation that would protect private information of K-12 students throughout Illinois.

Senate Bill 229 would establish the Student Online Personal Protection Act. The legislation would prohibit the operator of a website or online service from using student data for anything that is not furthering the mission of the K-12 institution.

“Student data that was entrusted with companies should not be abused,” Hastings said. “Companies should not be using information they received for educational purposes to then try and make money off the students or their parents.”

Any violation of the legislation would constitute an unlawful practice for which the attorney general may take appropriate action under consumer fraud laws.

The legislation now moves to the House for further consideration.

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