CHICAGO – Families across the South Suburbs and the state will soon receive financial relief, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 157, a bipartisan financial relief package to provide Illinois residents with comprehensive assistance.

“This new law puts money back in the pockets of homeowners and families in the South Suburbs,” Hastings said. “We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and world has seen in the last century. It is crucial that we prioritize families by providing them with much-needed and deserved relief to keep growing Illinois’ economy.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) voted against one of Governor Pritzker’s appointees to the Prisoner Review Board.  Recently, the nominee approved the early release from prison of criminals convicted of murdering police officers. 

Senator Hastings expressed his disappointment in the following statement:

“The Prisoner Review Board is responsible for making difficult and contentious decisions.  However, the intentional murder of law enforcement officials is one of the most heinous crimes a criminal can commit. 

“As a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, I understand the sacrifice police officers and first responders make on a daily basis.  By releasing individuals early from prison who were convicted of murdering our brave members of law enforcement, our state is sending a dangerous message to the integrity of the criminal justice system.

“That is why I voted against the governor’s nominee.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To help alleviate the nationwide teacher shortage, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported the passage of a package of legislative measures to help recruit substitute teachers, teacher assistants and support educators in the classroom.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, there are more than 4,000 unfilled positions in schools. Hastings believes a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the void.

“Like most states across the nation, Illinois is facing a teacher shortage,” Hastings said. “It is vital that we work with our schools administrators and teachers to help recruit and retrain staff to help educate and mentor the future leaders of our great state.”

Hastings supported the following legislative measures:

• Senate Bill 3915 – Would waive the application fee for short-term substitute teaching licensees when the governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency.
• Senate Bill 3988 – Would lower the age requirement for teacher assistants from 19 to 18 for those who work in pre-K to eighth grade classrooms.
• Senate Bill 3907 – Would allow short-term substitute teachers to teach up to 15 consecutive days instead of five for any one licensed teacher under contract in a school district. Additionally, if a teacher is absent for longer than six days, a school district would be able to hire a person holding a short-term teaching license if it is during a period of time in which the governor has declared a public health emergency.
• Senate Bill 3914 – Would allow teachers to use two of their days as mental health days, and that if a teacher needs three or more mental health days, the school district would require a note from a mental health professional.

“Our state’s education system serves as a foundation of our children’s success,” Hastings said. “We are fortunate to have teachers in our local schools that work countless hours to provide students with the possibility for a better future. It is critical that we work toward giving educators the support and recognition that they deserve for the important work they do.”

These legislative measures passed the Senate with bipartisan support and are in the House of Representatives for further consideration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) helped pass a measure to provide relief to teachers purchasing school supplies for their classrooms.

Hastings is a chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1143, which creates a tax credit to help educators cover the cost of out-of-pocket classroom expenses such as books, school supplies, notebooks and computer equipment up to $300, beginning in taxable year 2023.

“Our educators work tirelessly to prioritize the success of our children,’ Hastings said. “At times unfortunately, that means they need to pay out-of-pocket expenses to ensure students have the tools to learn and grow. While we work to end this crisis, it is essential we support our educators.”

Purchases often include professional development books, office supplies, tissues, art supplies, snacks for students who don't have food at home, and clothing.

During Hastings’ time in the Senate, the state has increased its investment in funding schools across the state.  He believes the key to Illinois being successful is providing the students of the 19^th District the opportunity to be succeed.

“Teachers spending their own money has gone on for way too long,” Hastings said. “We must continue to ensure teachers and the children of the South Suburbs have access to the tools to become and be future leaders and innovators in our great state.”

SB 1143 was approved by the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support and will now head to the House of Representatives for their consideration.