SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Commerce Commission is working swiftly to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to make Illinois a leader in fighting climate change, thanks to the work of Frankfort Democrat, State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings, who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus. He is thrilled to see the ICC begin the process of applying vital provisions.

“This historic, bipartisan agreement will provide Illinois residents with reliable, renewable and responsible energy,” Hastings said. “I am pleased to see the ICC working diligently to carry out the immediate requirements of the new law.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation that would make Illinois a national leader in reducing carbon emissions, fight climate change, and preserve jobs passed the Senate Monday.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus.

“Today’s historic agreement is the culmination of a difficult, but worthwhile negotiation process where we refused to accept anything less than the best for Illinois’ clean energy future,” Hastings said. “Our work product is one that is renewable, reliable, and affordable for all Illinoisans.”

Under Senate Bill 2408, the largest investment in renewable energy in state history, Illinois will embark on an aggressive path to complete clean energy generation by 2050.

Additionally, this plan preserves nearly 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and $149 million in local economic impact.

“Job preservation and economic viability for often forgotten communities remained a focal point for me throughout this process,” Hastings said. “Not only were we able to preserve these jobs, but we also created the opportunity to train for thousands of new, good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector.”

Senate Bill 2408 now awaits the governor’s signature.

FRANKFORT – Patrons of the Tinley Park Public Library will soon see upgrades to its services thanks to a $83,636 grant, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced Friday.

“The Tinley Park Public Library has served as a learning hub for generations of residents in the South Suburbs and deserves additional investment to uphold that tradition,” Hastings said. “This funding will give the library the ability to keep pace with other local libraries in an ever changing technological landscape.”

The $83,636 received by the Tinley Park Public Library is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more. 

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

SPRINGFIELD - To reaffirm the State of Illinois’ commitment to amateur athletics, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced the Illinois Amateur Sports Commission Act, which was signed into law Friday.

“Over the past school year, not only did Illinois students lose the chance to make treasured memories with their teammates and friends, they lost the chance to prove they have what it takes to potentially earn a college scholarship. Though we cannot make up for that lost time, we can improve the way amateur sports programs throughout the state are conducted, and it is my hope that this commission can play a key role in that development.”

House Bill 3870 creates The Illinois Amateur Sports Commission, whose purpose is to research, study, and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly about the promotion, development, expansion, and fostering of amateur sports throughout the state.

The recommendations by the Commission will be focused on the promotion and encouragement of physical fitness through participation in amateur sports and amateur sports programs. Additionally, the development of local and statewide business opportunities and economic development relating to amateur sports, amateur sports programs, competitions, and events will be prioritized.

The state of Minnesota has a similar organization, which has generated sports tourism revenue and played a key role in assembling a bid proposal for Minnesota to host the 2024 Olympic Swimming Trials, for which the state is currently a finalist.

This legislation is effective immediately.