Senator Michael E. Hastings

Senator Michael E. Hastings Senator Michael E. Hastings proudly represents the 19th Legislative District.

Strong communities are built by showing up and lending a hand when our neighbors need it most.South Suburban PADS is doi...
08/31/2026

Strong communities are built by showing up and lending a hand when our neighbors need it most.

South Suburban PADS is doing just that, optimizing its space to provide more shelter and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the South Suburbs.

I’m proud to partner with South Suburban PADS and our community organizations working every day to give people a chance to get back on their feet.

More shelter. More opportunity. More hope. That’s how we build stronger communities.

08/31/2026

📢 Damage Assessment Teams Are Out in Will County Today

Today through Wednesday, September 2, joint teams from IEMA, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Will County EMA will be visiting areas impacted by the August 11 storm.

You may see team members going door-to-door as they document storm damage. The information collected helps officials evaluate the extent of the disaster and determine whether federal assistance may be available.

Remember:
✅ Teams will have official ID
✅ There is no charge for an assessment
✅ Teams will remain outside and will not enter homes or businesses

If you see them in your neighborhood, please share information about the storm damage you experienced.

To expand access to dental care, I led a new law to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintain...
08/26/2026

To expand access to dental care, I led a new law to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintaining strong professional standards.

Senate Bill 3211 will:

Address critical access gaps.

Reduce barriers for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income families with transportation, mobility or scheduling challenges.

Enable care delivery in schools, long-term care facilities, community health centers and other settings where patients already are.

Support early intervention, preventing minor oral health issues from becoming costly emergency room visits.

Dental health is not a luxury, it is a fundamental part of overall health. Yet, right here in our state, 69 out of 109 counties face full county-wide dentist shortages. Senate Bill 3211 was signed into law last Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Read more: https://www.senatorhastings.com/news/press-releases/526-hastings-virtual-dental-care-expansion-signed-into-law-2

My office is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Will and Co...
08/26/2026

My office is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Will and Cook County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

Find information on assistance here:

08/23/2026

📢 Low-Interest Loan Assistance Available for July 27 Storm Damage

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to eligible Will County residents, businesses, and organizations impacted by the July 27 severe storms.

Who can apply?
🏠 Homeowners
🔑 Renters
🏢 Businesses
🤝 Private nonprofit organizations

Applicants must be located in a declared disaster area and meet applicable eligibility requirements.

How to Apply:

💻 Online: sba.gov/disaster

📞 By Phone: 800-659-2955, Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM

📍 In Person beginning Friday, August 21 at 10 AM:
Village of University Park Community Room
90 Town Center Drive, University Park

Regular hours after opening:
• Monday–Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM–1 PM

Walk-ins are welcome, or appointments can be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov beginning August 21.

Disaster loans may assist with physical damage, mitigation improvements, and economic injury for eligible businesses.

Questions? Contact SBA Disaster Assistance at 800-659-2955 or [email protected].

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

➡️ Please share this information with anyone impacted by the July 27 storms.

Had a great time visiting with Hi View Farm, Ayrshires, Guernseys, And Holsteins and Kristi Dinderman at the Illinois St...
08/22/2026

Had a great time visiting with Hi View Farm, Ayrshires, Guernseys, And Holsteins and Kristi Dinderman at the Illinois State Fair to congratulate her on her Grand Champion Guernsey Female! 🐄🏆

As a suburban legislator, people sometimes ask why I serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee. The answer is pretty simple: agriculture is a huge part of Illinois’ economy, our identity, and the communities that make this state special.

And, after spending time at the State Fair, I’m reminded of another reason … farmers are some pretty tough hombres. They work hard, get up early, solve problems without complaining, and somehow make it all look easier than it is.

Congratulations to Kristi, Hi View Farms, and all the Illinois families showing livestock and celebrating agriculture at this year’s State Fair. Grand Champion is a pretty good way to finish the summer!

Proud to join an outstanding panel today at the Convergence Tech Policy Institute powered by 1871 on the Sustainable Tra...
08/20/2026

Proud to join an outstanding panel today at the Convergence Tech Policy Institute powered by 1871 on the Sustainable Transportation of the Future.

Alongside Lara Dailey of Waymo, State Representative Kam Buckner, and moderator Landon Campbell of Drive Capital, we discussed how Illinois can thoughtfully integrate autonomous vehicles with the strong infrastructure we already have across our state, our roads, transit systems, and communities that keep Illinois moving every day.

The future of mobility is arriving. Safer streets, cleaner air, greater accessibility, smarter connections between our cities, suburbs, and rural communities. This is about more than technology, it’s about opportunity, safety, and quality of life for every Illinoisan.

Yes, challenges remain. Policy, infrastructure readiness, workforce transitions, and public trust all require careful, collaborative work. But Illinois has never shied away from progress. Through smart policy, innovation, and partnership, this evolution will ensure we remain a national leader in transportation for generations to come.

The best is still ahead of us. Let’s keep Illinois driving the future.

The Illinois Department of Revenue announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected ...
08/20/2026

The Illinois Department of Revenue announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected by widespread damage from torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and several tornadoes.

Tax relief applies to areas included in Governor Pritzker’s Disaster Proclamation for Summer 2026 Storms. This includes Will and Cook Counties.

Taxpayers seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to IDOR regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

Find more information on how to submit a request here:https://www.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/illinois/iisnewsattachments/32847-082026-governor-pritzker-waives-penalties-and-interest-for-taxpayers-affected-by-severe-weather-in-illinois-8-20-26-re.pdf.pdf

08/19/2026

Neighbors,

The severe weather we have experienced this summer is part of a historic stretch that has impacted communities across our region. According to the National Weather Service, an EF-1 tornado touched down in the southern part of Orland Park on August 11, following the July 27 EF-0 tornado in northeast Orland Park. In Orland Park, ComEd is reporting that all power has been restored.

Public Works Debris Removal
· Storm‑related cleanup continues zone‑by‑zone with supplemental contracted crews. Public Works has divided the Village into zones and once a zone is complete, it is marked on the Village’s website (see banner at top of orlandpark.org).
· Residents may also use Waste Management’s regular yard waste pickup on their scheduled day. Yard waste must be placed in Kraft paper bags. Brush and branches must be cut into 4-foot lengths and bundled with string or twine. Each bundle must not exceed 50 lbs.

Door-to-Door Solicitors
· Door-to-door solicitors, including roofing solicitors, must be licensed by the Orland Park Police Department. Licensed solicitors are required to show their Village permit upon request. Those without an Orland Park permit will be ticketed.
· Using an unregistered vendor can lead to scams, fraud or additional damage to your home. If you are approached by an unregistered solicitor, call the Orland Park Police non-emergency line: (708) 349-4111. For emergencies or safety threats, call 9-1-1.
· Exterior repairs (including roofs) require an Orland Park building permit. Learn more on the Village website or call Development Services at (708) 403-5300. Verify a roofer’s state license at the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) at idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/roof. See roofing contractors active in Orland Park at orlandpark.org/RoofingContractors.

Weather‑Ready: Preparing Beyond Summer Storms
· While this update focuses on recent severe summer weather, it’s important to remember that Orland Park faces year‑round weather hazards. Preparing now strengthens our resilience across all seasons.
· Be ready for:
- Fall wind events & early cold snaps. Heavy winds and sudden temperature drops can impact trees, power lines and travel conditions.
- Winter storms & extreme cold. Snow, ice and prolonged freezing temperatures can disrupt power, transportation and heating systems. Ensure access to warm clothing, backup heat sources and vehicle winterization.
· Visit Ready.gov for year‑round preparedness tips.

How to Get Updates & Assistance
· Call Public Works at (708) 403-6350 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (708) 349-4111 if you need assistance.
· Sign up for OP Alert, the Village’s free emergency notification system at orlandpark.org/OPAlert.

Thank you again to our Public Works, Police, EMA teams, ComEd crews, contracted partners, local businesses, and all neighbors who stepped up to support one another. Additional updates will be shared as we receive them.

- Mayor Jim Dodge

08/19/2026

Updated Food Distribution Date!

Please email [email protected] if you would like to volunteer!

Address

Frankfort, IL

Telephone

(815) 464-5431

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