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Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Thursday, May 01, 2025 09:55 AM
  • Hastings
  • HB3360

Sen. Hastings

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program.

“When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the wall or desk,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation will align the veterinarian field with common health care practices.”

House Bill 3360 would require anyone referring to themselves as a veterinary technician to be licensed with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill would ensure that veterinary technicians have graduated from an accredited program and passed the exam required for the license. The bill would also require vet techs to visibly display their license in their office.

Read more: Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

Hastings bipartisan school safety proposal passes Senate

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Wednesday, April 09, 2025 03:05 PM
  • Education
  • Hastings
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Threat Assessment
  • SB2057

Sen. Hastings

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a proposal through the Senate to put in place state standards for Illinois school districts when it comes to emergency response and threat assessments.

“Parents have enough to worry about on a day-to-day basis, dropping their kids off at school should not be one of them,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Getting standardized plans set in place could save countless lives if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. The bill would also give guidance for school districts notifying parents and the community of threats against a school.

Read more: Hastings bipartisan school safety proposal passes Senate

Hastings advances measure to make schools safer

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Tuesday, March 04, 2025 05:07 PM
  • Hastings
  • SB 2057
  • School safety threat plans

Hastings SB2057SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is sponsoring a measure that would ensure schools have standardized plans and procedures in the event of a safety threat.

“Across the country we are seeing a rise in emergency events at schools,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is concerning to see that there is no standardized procedure for schools to follow if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans.

Read more: Hastings advances measure to make schools safer

Hastings calls for comprehensive study on water access and sustainability in the south suburbs

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Thursday, February 06, 2025 11:49 AM
  • South Suburbs
  • SB1444
  • Water Access

hastings 020625SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced his proposal for the creation of the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study, a critical initiative aimed at improving water sustainability and equity for the South Suburbs.

With many suburban municipalities over-relying on the City of Chicago for water access, Hastings is calling for a comprehensive study to assess current water distribution agreements, the impact of rising water rates, and explore alternative options for local control of water resources.

“Water sustainability may seem like a distant issue, but it’s only one or two generations away,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “In 50 years, my children will be addressing the public policy regarding water in our communities. We must act now to ensure that our water supply remains reliable, affordable, and fairly distributed for generations to come.”

Read more: Hastings calls for comprehensive study on water access and sustainability in the south suburbs

Hastings reminds parents, teachers of educational tax credits

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Friday, September 06, 2024 11:27 AM
  • Education
  • Hastings
  • Revenue
  • Illinois Education Expense Credit

Sen. Michael Hastings

FRANKFORT – Back-to-school season has kicked off, and State Senator Michael E. Hastings is reminding families they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“As students head back to school, many parents feel it in their pocketbooks,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “School supplies can be expensive for families, and that’s why I encourage parents to save their receipts so they can have extra money in their pockets after tax season.” 

The Hastings-led Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year, up to $750 per household. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For homeschooled students, book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified homeschool program.

Read more: Hastings reminds parents, teachers of educational tax credits

Insurance to cover medically-recommended IVF thanks to Hastings

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:28 PM
  • Hastings
  • IVF
  • SB 773

Sen. HastingsSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has paved the way for Illinois families to have greater access to medically-prescribed infertility treatments.

“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”

Found within Senate Bill 773, Hastings championed a plan to ensure insurance companies provide coverage for infertility treatments that are recommended by a physician without requiring them to complete treatments that were deemed ineffective by their doctor.

Read more: Insurance to cover medically-recommended IVF thanks to Hastings

Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Monday, July 01, 2024 03:14 PM
  • Hastings
  • IDOT
  • SB3175
  • Highway Traffic Noise

chicago highway

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents can now receive relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Our roads, bridges and highways generate economic development across our great state,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “However, at times this comes with noisy and uncomfortable consequences for our neighbors who live near these major roadways.”

The Hastings-led initiative will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.

Hastings championed Senate Bill 3175 in response to a number of noise complaints he was receiving from residents throughout the 19th Senate District.

Read more: Hastings measure to alleviate highway traffic noise now law

Hastings measure brings residents one step closer to obtaining mobile IDs

Details
Category: Senator Michael E. Hastings News
Friday, May 24, 2024 03:43 PM
  • Hastings
  • Driver's Licenses
  • HB4592

Sen. Michael Hastings

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans with a valid driver’s license or ID may soon be able to request a mobile version of identification from the Secretary of State, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Embracing digital solutions is crucial for making state services more accessible and efficient,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By allowing residents to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or ID card on their phone, we are streamlining daily activities that require identification, such as traffic stops and age verification.”

A key feature of Hasting’s measure is the requirement that mobile driver’s license and ID’s use an electronic credential system – such as a barcode system – to certify there is no requirement for individuals to surrender possession of their mobile device to the requesting party. This ensures that residents maintain control and privacy over their mobile devices at all times.

Read more: Hastings measure brings residents one step closer to obtaining mobile IDs

More Articles …

  1. Hastings passes legislation to fight catalytic convertor theft
  2. Hastings works to ease childcare shortages for military families
  3. Hastings advances measure to combat catalytic convertor theft
  4. Hastings passes legislation to provide first responders with mental health care
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