SPRINGFIELD – A measure to create greater access to the MIA/POW Scholarship for children of veterans is now law in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 3762, which allows legally adopted dependents under the age of 18 at the time of adoption and step-children who were under the age of 18 at the time of marriage would be eligible for the MIA/POW Scholarship.

“This new law will provide support to families that have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation,” said Hastings. “Helping our heroes’ children obtain a college education is the least we could do to thank them for their service.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has a new law on the books to recruit and retain police officers, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) serves as the chief cosponsor of House Bill 3863 signed into law on Tuesday, which creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to aid municipalities, higher education facilities, and other nonprofits in the recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.

“Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines keeping our communities safe,” Hastings said. “Ensuring our police departments are adequately staffed is a key component of giving these brave men and women the tools to perform their jobs.”

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings is excited to announce that the Village of Frankfort is set to receive nearly $25,000 to preserve the intensive history of its downtown area.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) was pleased to find out that Frankfort is one of five state historic sites that are will receive funding for historic preservation projects through the National Park Services’ Historic Preservation Fund on Friday.

“These vital dollars will help the Village of Frankfort preserve and showcase the beautiful history of the South Suburbs,” Hastings said. “I look forward to seeing the great work the village does.”

FRANKFORT – More than 100 businesses in the 19^th District were awarded over $4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) worked tirelessly to advocate and support local businesses in the South Suburbs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our local businesses have fought through extremely difficult times to keep their doors open and support our communities,” Hastings said. “These vital dollars will help provide businesses with financial assistance to help them keep their lights on.”

A total of $4.03 million was awarded to more than 100 businesses in the 19^th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Hastings – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“Local businesses support our communities in endless ways,” Hastings said. “Let’s show our local businesses we have their back as well. I urge residents to continue to shop, dine and think local.”

With strong leadership from Hastings, the state has seen six Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from all three of the nation’s primary credit rating agencies. The latest two-notch upgrades come as a result of the state paying down its bill backlog from over $16 billion to less than $3 billion in a course of just a few years.

Due to fiscal responsibility, the state saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses.

Hastings urges businesses across the 19^th District to visit the DCEO website for additional resources or contact DCEO’s First Stop Business Information Center Services at 800-252-2923 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois now has new laws on the books to help battle the substitute teacher shortage, thanks to Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported measures that were signed into law Wednesday that makes it easier for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers.

“Our educators offer guidance and dedicate their lives to our children,” Hastings said. “These new laws help our substitute teachers serve as a lifeline when their usual teacher is absent. Putting an end to this shortage, will not only help our students but help lighten the workload for fellow educators who may have to step in when a substitute teacher cannot be found.”

The following measures were signed into law:

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retailers will soon have a law on the books to help curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort), serves as a chief-cosponsor of House Bill 1091, which cracks down on smash and grabs and targets the organizers of retail crime to help promote economic growth and give Illinois businesses the tools to hold perpetrators responsible.

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 shepherded a bipartisan relief package to assist and provide financial assistance to all Illinoisans. 

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored Senate Bill 157, a comprehensive revenue package to provide tax relief to families throughout the state.

“We are slowly recovering from the most severe public health crisis that our state, country and the world has seen in the last century,” Hastings said. “These vital tax dollars belong in the hands of Illinois families. This measure prioritizes families by giving them the much needed and deserved relief they’ve been longing for.”