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.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) that would expand access to utility bill assistance programs was signed into law Thursday.

“Adequately cooling a home during these unforgiving summer months can be incredibly burdensome for low-income families,” Hastings said. “Parts of our country have already experienced a historic heat wave this summer. Preparing for extreme weather and giving people the ability to stay safe in their homes has never been more important.”

FRANKFORT – In an effort to promote local businesses and assist recovery efforts, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) launched an application process for small business tours within the 19^th District.

“While we continue to make steady progress in our state’s recovery efforts, we must continue to provide support to our local business community,” Hastings said. “It is my hope that through these tours we can highlight the businesses that make our communities so extraordinary and give business owners a welcome boost in traffic.”

Hastings will take this opportunity to tour restaurants, retail, and businesses that provide personal services, such as barber shops and salons. Applications are now open, and interested business owners can find the application here. Once the application is received, a member of Hastings’ team will respond with additional details.

Representatives of businesses with questions can call Hastings’ office at (815) 464-5431 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FRANKFORT – To assist local residents who wish to either change or begin careers, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson to host the second annual Taste of Victory Job Fair.

“As we continue to rebuild our economy, it is important for residents to have access to the best possible resources for a job search,” Hastings said. “Good paying jobs are the backbone of a strong economy and creating them for our people must be prioritized.”

The event will be held at Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson on Saturday July 31 a.m. from 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. Job seekers will be connected to companies that offer good paying jobs with benefits and opportunities for career growth. This could mean transitioning into a new career path, whether it’s in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, related changes in the labor market, or someone is simply seeking to transfer their skills to another career path. 

National Able Network and HIRE360 Chicago will be on-site to deliver high-impact training sessions, and we are in search of additional partners who are interested in developing their staff, meeting with job seekers to advertise their opportunities or programs, or to provide promotional partnerships to assist in highlighting this exciting event.

Job seekers can register for the event here and interested employers can register here.

FRANKFORT – Additional improvements to South Suburban roads and bridges are set to commence in 2022 thanks to the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program.

The plan, championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, will provide residents of the South Suburbs with faster commutes, safer intersections, and fewer potholes.

“When we passed the Rebuild Illinois program, we made the largest long-term infrastructure investment in the history of our state,” Hastings said. “It is thrilling to witness that investment in public safety and job creation begin to pay off.”