TINLEY PARK – As questions mount around the security of our digital data and identity information, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) has stepped in to support a measure calling for increased security standards.

The legislation requires a company that experiences a data breach to report it to the Attorney General’s office so that the breach may be included on a website that lists data breaches in Illinois.

“Whether it be a senior citizen or young adult, every single person has a wealth of information associated with them,” Sen. Hastings said. “These people need to know when their data could be at risk, and we need to ensure that the authorities know when something happens so that they can work to combat any further damage.”

The legislation also holds businesses accountable by requiring them to establish reasonable security measures to safeguard sensitive personal information and display privacy policies prominently on their websites and apps that collect personal information.

Senate Bill 1833 enables small businesses to notify local media, rather than state-wide media, when breaches occur.

The measure passed the Senate by a 35-13 vote and now moves to the House for consideration.

TINLEY PARK – In an effort to correct the funding shortfall that the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) faces, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) spoke in support of the proposed legislation.

"If this crisis prolongs any further child care facilities will be forced to close their doors and simply stop providing their services," Hastings said. "Parents will be forced to quit their jobs or stop their pursuit of an education to lift themselves out of poverty, we can not let that happen."

TINLEY PARK – Following the governor's budget address, Senator Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) offered his opinion on the budget plan.

"I give the governor credit for trying to tackle the budget woes of Illinois in the first few months in office," Hastings said. "I would like to support the governor on some of his initiatives regarding early childhood education and fixing the dangerous conditions for our state correctional officers."

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) expressed a willingness to work with the Governor to correct the shortcomings the State has developed over recent years. Hastings noted that in the Governor's address there were some proposals that held merit while others fell short.

Hastings approved of the governor's plan to reinvest in the criminal justice system and Adult Redeploy Program, which helps reduce the recidivism rate in Illinois.

"I've been inside our prisons. I know that they need additional correctional officers to maintain their safety," Hastings said. "Also, programs like Adult Redeploy should be invested in to help steer offenders away from re-entering prison."