“This is a controversial issue that I did not take lightly. After speaking with constituents and community leaders, it was clear that a majority supports marriage equality.” – State Senator Michael Hastings

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Orland Hills) joined 34 senators in a bi-partisan vote to advance Senate Bill 10 to the Illinois House – a bill that redefines the state’s definition of marriage.

“This is a controversial issue that I did not take lightly,” Hastings said. “But after speaking with constituents and community leaders, it was clear that a majority supports marriage equality.”

Public opinion on the issue continues to shift rapidly, particularly among young people. A November 2012 Public Policy Polling survey found 47 percent of voters in Illinois favoring same-sex marriage with 42 percent opposed, marking the highest showing of public support for gay marriage ever in Illinois.

As state leaders debate concealed carry legislation, Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Orland Hills) is joining Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s Firearms Working Group to learn about different perspectives and bridge the geographical divide on gun ownership and use in Illinois. 

The working group includes newly elected Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly who represent urban, suburban and rural districts. They will meet with stakeholders on all sides of the gun control debate as leaders craft a law that could allow Illinoisans to carry concealed firearms.

“As a firearm owner and veteran, I fully understand the responsibility required of being a gun owner,” Hastings said. “I will work with all parties involved to garner bipartisan support for a bill allowing for concealed carry.”

Hastings also noted that safety should be a main concern when debating legislation.

“Firearm owners who want to privately carry a firearm should do so in a safe and responsible manner,” Hastings said. “I look forward to working with the Lt. Governor to make concealed carry in Illinois a safe reality.”

State Senator Michael Hastings (D – Orland Park) was sworn in today as the Illinois State Senator for the 19th Legislative District.

“I am humbled to be sworn in as a member of the Illinois Senate today,” Hastings said. “Voters in the southwest suburbs have entrusted me to work with legislators from across the aisle and the state in solving the pressing issues of our time. I take this responsibility very seriously, and am prepared to serve the residents of the 19th district.”

Hastings recently served as a U.S. Army captain, leading combat operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has also served as the Vice-President of Consolidated High School District 230, which encompasses portions of eighteen southwest suburban municipalities. Hastings worked for Johnson & Johnson during the height of the economic recession, helping turn around a failing division.