FRANKFORT – In order to streamline Illinois’ vaccination process, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) joined colleagues to call for the implementation of a database that would support county health departments, preventing the waste of vaccines.

Hastings, along with several Senate colleagues, made this request of Governor JB Pritzker via a joint letter.

“We know that our vaccine supply is not remotely close to adequate at the moment,” Hastings said. “This makes the distribution of every single dose available all the more critical. All we are seeking is further cooperation between the State and county health departments to implement a statewide database system dedicated to improving the distribution process.”

The proposed database would allow for nearby health care providers to be notified when there are extra vaccines available that need to be administered quickly. This would simplify the redistribution process, give eligible individuals the chance to receive their vaccination and prevent the state’s supply from expiring.

“I continue to be thankful for Governor Pritzker for his leadership, and I recognize he and his team are doing everything possible to ensure the vaccination process moves along smoothly,” Hastings said.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the passage of an extensive piece of legislation that would address issues with the criminal justice system in Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) issued the following statement:

“It is time for change in our state and in our country.

“Like many of you, I watched in horror as radical anarchists stormed our Capitol, killing a police officer and putting our elected officials and democracy in peril. I feel ashamed knowing we still have a double standard in our society, simply because of the color of people’s skin. I have watched our debates over critical policy issues devolve into vicious personal attacks. We have stopped listening to and learning from each other.

“This week, we voted in the Illinois General Assembly to take a better path. I supported police reforms and accountability measures that I believe are absolutely necessary to heal the deep divide we face.

FRANKFORT – In order to ease the burden of getting state licenses for military members and their families, the State of Illinois is expediting the licensing review process for military members seeking to obtain professional licensure in Illinois.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) voted in favor of the law, Public Act 100-286, to make this process a reality in 2019.

The expedited review process will be in place for military service members who are on active duty or whose active duty service ended within the last two years. This review process also is available to spouses.

FRANKFORT – Following the announcement that Region 7 mitigation measures were lifted, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) released the following statement:
 
“Three weeks ago, enhanced mitigation measures were placed on Will County and Region 7. Our local businesses and municipalities were forced into an extreme and dire situation. With the hard work and discipline of Will County residents, the COVID-19 infection rate has decreased to a point where the enhanced mitigation measures will be lifted effective at 5:00 p.m. this evening. 

“I want to thank our businesses and chambers of commerce for their feedback and involvement throughout this process. Listening to our local leaders is essential to effective leadership. For those businesses still struggling, I encourage you to visit the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s website for information on the Business Interruption Grant program. 

“Moreover, I could not be more proud of our people for coming together and taking proper precautions.  As we move forward, our local businesses cannot afford another setback. We must remain vigilant for the sake of economic recovery and public health.”

FRANKFORT – To bring relief to local businesses suffering from the economic devastation brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is encouraging small business owners across the South Suburbs to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

In a letter to Governor Pritzker several weeks ago, Hastings urged the administration to prioritize financial assistance to bars, banquet halls, restaurants and fitness centers throughout Will County due to the implementation of additional mitigation measures. As a result, businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the necessary support from the second round of BIG awards.

“The prioritization of Region 7 businesses doesn’t happen without the advocacy of business owners in Will County, and I want to thank them for voicing their concerns to me,” Hastings said. “At this point, every bit of help counts. This financial assistance will help businesses throughout Will County that have been negatively impacted by the recent COVID-19 mitigations. We are by no means out of the woods yet, so for us to continue working toward recovery, it’s vital that business owners struggling to get by submit their applications for the second round of grants.”

Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants program will be made available Thursday, Sept. 17 and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate or in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/dceo.

FRANKFORT – In an effort to meet the current demand for blood donations in the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host a blood drive.

“The COVID-19 crisis has led to a drastic reduction in blood donations throughout the state,” Hastings said. “I’m proud to team up with Versiti to provide a safe outlet for people to make a difference in our communities.”

The blood drive will take place Friday, Sept. 11 at the American Legion Post 111 building, located at 15045 S. West Ave. in Orland Park. Donation hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This facility will follow recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers and donors safe. Appointments and masks will be required, and chairs in all areas will be at least six feet apart.

Healthy and eligible candidates can schedule an appointment to donate by contacting Senator Hastings’ staff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, Hastings urges residents to contact his district office at (815) 464-5431 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FRANKFORT– In response to Exelon’s decision that it is closing two nuclear power plants, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort), who chairs the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, released the following statement:

FRANKFORT — To reduce long lines and to protect vulnerable populations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is urging older adults to take advantage of the driver’s license expiration date extension from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

“We have to continue taking every precaution when it comes to mitigating the spread of this virus,” Hastings said. “I’m pleased that Secretary White’s office is taking the initiative to reduce crowd sizes and make life easier for our people by any means possible.”

In addition to being 75 years of age or older, the driver must have a valid license—drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked do not qualify for the one-year extension. Eligible drivers should soon receive a letter from the secretary of state as proof that they qualify.

For drivers under age 75, expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and license plate stickers have been extended until Nov. 1, 2020. Customers who choose to visit a facility must wear a face mask. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of online services, including replacements and renewals of registrations, driver’s licenses and ID cards.

More information regarding services provided at local Secretary of State facilities can be found at www.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility, and the facility in Decatur can be reached by phone at 217-875-1650.