SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to incentivize local developers to redevelop state facilities, such as the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, State Senator Michael Hastings (D–Tinley Park) was the chief co-sponsor of a measure to create the State Surplus Property Revitalization Tax Credit Act. The act will allow a private investor to receive a state income tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of refurbishing a former state facility.

“It’s unfortunate when the state closes a facility,” Hastings said. “When we closed Tinley Park Mental Health Center it detrimentally impacted our local economy. Too often, these facilities are left dormant for years leading to community eyesores. This piece of legislation is an attempt to encourage private businesses to invest in these unused facilities.”

Last summer, Governor Quinn closed several state facilities, including the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, as part of the administration’s efforts to reduce costs by moving residents out of state institutions and into community-care based settings. The tax credit would only be available for work on state facilities shuttered within the last two years that had at least 100 employees. The credit could not exceed $10 million on any single project; a total of $40 million in credits would be available statewide.

Joliet Mayor Thomas Giarrante delivered key testimony supporting SB 341. "Joliet Correctional Center was a beautiful facility before it was closed 11 years ago," Mayor Giarrante told the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday. "I had the opportunity to tour it four years ago and was surprised to see the dramatic level of deterioration. We are concerned that IYC-Joliet will meet the same fate at JCC."

The legislation now moves to the Illinois House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael Hastings is hosting “Get Covered Illinois”, an event to provide information and generate awareness about the new health insurance marketplace. Illinois’ marketplace, or “exchange,” is named Get Covered Illinois and is a new option under the Affordable Care Act that will make comparing, selecting and enrolling in health coverage easier.

The event will be 7–9pm, Monday, Nov. 18 at the South Suburban College-Oak Forest Campus, 16333 Kilbourne Ave. in Oak Forest. Staff will be available at the event to answer questions about the marketplace and assist residents with navigating the “Get Covered Illinois” website.

About 1.8 million Illinoisans, or 15 percent of the population, are uninsured. An estimated 1 million Illinoisans who currently have no health insurance will be able to be covered for the first time either through the marketplace or through an accompanying Medicaid expansion.

Coverage begins Jan. 1 for people who sign up by Dec. 15 through the exchange. After that, they can still enroll through the end of March to avoid penalties for 2014.

Do you have old documents, bills and correspondence to dispose of? What about cables, printers or other out of use computer-related devices you no longer need? Senator Michael Hastings is sponsoring a Paper Shred & Electronnics Recycling Event at his district office in Matteson on October 26. Read more below, and let us help you responsibly and safely dispose of these items.

Last Thursday, Principal Renee Simms of Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills let Senator Michael Hastings take the principal reins and serve as "Principal for the Day."

Recognizing the hard work performed by Illinois educators and their dedication to our schools, Hastings wanted to see for himself the challenges they face.

"Teaching children comes with a great deal of responsibility," Hastings said. "I wanted to see for myself what teachers and principals go through on a daily basis to help create practical solutions to the problems that face our schools and teachers."

Hastings met with students, teachers and staff, taught an American government class and presided over a debate about whether exposure to violence affects teen behavior.

"I want to thank Principal Simms for allowing me to fill in for the day," Hastings said. "It was a great experience, and the students and staff were fantastic."

Hastings was a school board member of Consolidated High School District 230 prior to joining the Senate.