Hazel Crest, Ill. – Fire officials and elected leaders today joined together to announce new, first-of-its-kind technology in Illinois will be implemented for south suburban fire departments that will improve emergency response times and emergency care for southland residents.

Through a state grant awarded by Sen. Michael Hastings, south suburban fire departments will soon begin implementing new technology called CentralSquare Unify that will sync dispatch services among fire protection districts signed up for the program. In effect, the new technology will provide instant alerts to south suburban fire protection districts when additional assistance is needed to respond to emergencies.

“A state grant will allow southland fire districts participating in this program to implement technology that we have not yet seen in Illinois,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The new Unify program will allow for quicker emergency response for our communities.”

TINLEY PARK – Thanks to support from State Senator Michael E. Hastings, the Tinley Park-Park District has acquired the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center site and will move forward with renovating the area into recreational space for residents.

“Tinley Park deserves a community space that is something to be proud of,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).  “I am overjoyed with the park district’s plan to restore such an important space in our area.”

Hastings led the passage of a law that allowed the park district to purchase the Tinley Park Mental Health Center and Howe Development Center for $1. A $15 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will help fund the revitalization efforts. The plan for the property includes athletic fields, track and field facilities, a domed sports complex and open recreational space.

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has announced that six school districts in the  19^th Senate District have received over $11,000 to provide resources to libraries such as books, periodicals, technology and programs.

“Libraries are an essential aspect of our children’s education and growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through this funding, our students will be able to access educational resources that will enrich them and help them to succeed.”

The General Reserve Fund finances the School District Library Grant Program, appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging all eligible residents to apply for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help them pay high utility bills.

Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“Families should not be forced to choose between putting food on the table and keeping the lights on,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This program highlights our state’s commitment to helping neighbors in need.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.