SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined his colleagues in passing the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, a historic measure to preserve and create jobs in Illinois and incentivize electric vehicle manufacturers to create more jobs in the state.

Hastings helped champion House Bill 1769, which would provide a tax credit for manufacturers of electronic vehicles, parts, and power supplies. This new measure builds on Hastings’ work to make Illinois a leader in fighting climate change.

“This new measure sets up Illinois to tap into a new manufacturing industry,” Hastings said. “We are providing incentives to electric vehicle companies to set up shop in Illinois. These new good paying jobs will help grow our state’s economy and help us reduce global carbon emissions.”

SPRINGFIELD – Airline employees may soon have sick time flexibility, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined members of the Senate to pass House Bill 106, which allows airline employees to use already-earned sick time to care for sick family members.

“For far too long, airlines have been forcing hard working employees to choose between their livelihood and the health and well-being of their family members,” Hastings said. “It is about time that airlines join the many nationwide corporations in supporting their employees and adopting humane work policies.”

RICHTON PARK – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart to host a recycling event.

The event will include electronic recycling, shredding and serve as a drop-off location to safely dispose of unused, expired and unwanted medications.

“Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop shop to recycle electronics, safely dispose of medications you no longer need and shred personal documents,” Hastings said. “I encourage the hardworking families of the southland to take advantage of this free event.”

To accommodate all participants, each person will be limited to two boxes of residential shredding. Boxes and bags will be returned. Documents will be accepted for shredding until trucks reach capacity. Destroying documents with personal information such as bank statements, outdated medical reports, tax returns and bills help prevent the risk of consumer fraud and identity theft.

Human and pet medications will be accepted however, liquid medications and sharps will not be accepted. Proper disposal of unused prescription drugs help reduce the risk of accidental poisoning and drug addiction.

Hastings recognizes that disposing of old electronics can also be a difficult process and urges residents to take advantage of this resource. Only one television will be accepted per car along with other electronics, cables and small appliances.

If residents have questions about the event, Hastings urges them to contact his office at 815-464-5431 or visit www.SenatorHastings.com.

WHO: State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart

WHAT: Free Recycling Event   

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon       

WHERE: Rich Township (22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park, IL)

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.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD - Following the Senate’s passage of a landmark piece of legislation that will cement Illinois’ status as a leader in the clean energy sector and save thousands of jobs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement: 

“After years of difficult negotiations, a broad coalition of stakeholders came to a bipartisan agreement that will define the future of clean energy in Illinois. The Illinois Senate, and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, refuse to allow ratepayers to foot the bill for a transition to a cleaner energy future that did not include our valued nuclear fleet. We traveled the state, conducted thorough hearings and made clear in negotiations that good-paying jobs and our environment must be preserved at all costs. This starts with our nuclear fleet, the most precious natural resource the state of Illinois can offer.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure that would give Cook County taxpayers the ability to easily access public records was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is the lead sponsor of the initiative.

“Hardworking taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent,” Hastings said. “I am proud to have partnered with my former Senate colleague and friend to strengthen government transparency in Cook County.”

Senate Bill 583 would include the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County under the Local Records Act, providing greater transparency to the public regarding how the clerk’s office uses its public funds. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is a non-judicial office of the judiciary and not a local government or public body currently subject to FOIA.

Additionally, the legislation requires all clerks of circuit courts to accept credit card payments over the internet for fines, penalties, court costs and other costs, providing convenience for a county’s citizens when paying fines and fees.

“As we move forward from the previous administration, it’s important to regain public trust in the clerk’s office by being more transparent, and this is one of the first steps we’re taking to do that,” said Iris Y. Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. “I’m thankful to my former colleague, Senator Hastings, for assisting our office to better serve the public.”

This measure is effective immediately.