Senator Michael E. Hastings

05/06/2026

Today I advanced legislation that would safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and investor‑backed management services organizations.

This legislation is about ensuring that legal decisions in Illinois are made by attorneys, not by outside investors focused on profits. Clients deserve counsel whose loyalty is to them, not to remote financial interests.

We must safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors. As a practicing attorney, I understand that the client you represent always comes first. We as lawyers are charged with upholding the highest ethical standards, and outside influence threatens to lower the bar.

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation that would safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and...

05/06/2026

Today I spoke with community college presidents and board leaders across Illinois. In these divided times, I reminded them we are stronger when we work together across levels of government.

Our community colleges are the heart of our neighborhoods; bright spots where we rise above politics, expand technology, spark real conversations, and bring people together.

A great example is Moraine Valley Community College where they are expanding nursing and allied health programs. Thanks to partners like Silver Cross Hospital, students are landing great jobs right here at home.

Let’s keep investing in these vital institutions so every Illinois family can access the education and opportunities they deserve … right here at home.

05/06/2026

Great meeting yesterday with the Cook County Farm Bureau to talk about the realities and opportunities of farming right here in Cook County.

I greatly appreciate Mary Ann Martinez and her team for all they do to support our farmers, strengthen local agriculture, and keep this critical part of our economy moving forward.

05/05/2026

Great to be joined by the City of Country Club Hills in Springfield.

Mayor James Ford and his team were here advocating for key issues that directly impact our community, from economic development to public safety and infrastructure.

When local voices are at the table, we get better results for the people we serve.

05/05/2026

It was a pleasure to host the students from Liberty School-Orland Park, Illinois at the Capitol last week.

Their work with AI and emerging technology was impressive, and it is clear they are developing the skills to lead the next generation.

Moments like this reinforce the importance of investing in education and innovation. These students are not just preparing for the future, they are helping shape it.

05/04/2026

Q: What do they call fights between famous people?
A: Star Wars!

May the 4th Be With You!! 😂

05/04/2026

In an appropriations hearing last week, I called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to ensure fairness and balance in a proposed $200 million infrastructure plan filed by Illinois American Water.

After analyzing what has been filed before the Illinois Commerce Commission, it strikes me that the majority of the investment is taking place in the southern part of Illinois, primarily in St. Clair County and around the Belleville area. There is nothing wrong with that, because their infrastructure is outdated, but when you compare that to what is being invested in the southwest suburbs, specifically Homer Glen, Orland Hills and Bolingbrook, it is disproportionate.

Of the roughly $200 million in spending, only about $10 million would be directed toward Will and Cook County.

The disparity in infrastructure investment between southern Illinois and suburban Cook County is significant, and it has to be addressed. I urge the commission to take a closer look at how funds are allocated before making a final determination.

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05/04/2026

I know road construction is never ideal, especially this time of year, but this one is long overdue.

Resurfacing on LaGrange Road is now underway, including a full rebuild and ADA compliant sidewalk upgrades to improve safety and accessibility.

There will be delays, but this is about safer roads and better infrastructure for the long term.

I appreciate your patience. Slow down, stay alert, and keep our workers safe.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that patching and resurfacing of LaGrange Road (U.S. 45) from Sager...

05/04/2026

Firefighters dedicate their lives to the protection of life and property. Sometimes that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered over many years, in others it is many selfless years working in the industry. In all cases it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter’s life.

International Firefighters’ Day is a time where the world’s community can recognize and honor the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions.

My gratitude goes out to all the firefighters past and present in the 19th District. Thank you for keeping our friends and families safe.

05/01/2026

Homeowners insurance rates have been going up so fast, I’m starting to think my roof works for the insurance company.

CBS Chicago recently reported on legislation that would allow the Illinois Department of Insurance to reject excessive rate hikes for homeowners and drivers. The article also notes this proposal came in response to State Farm’s $523 million, 27% homeowners insurance rate hike in 2025.

This is exactly why I began working on homeowners insurance reform, wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune on this issue in 2024, and passed legislation out of the Senate in 2025.

But my work is not done.

We have to do this right. Illinois families deserve a fair, transparent insurance marketplace, and the Department of Insurance needs the proper tools to review excessive, unfair, and discriminatory insurance practices.

This is about protecting homeowners, seniors, families, and working people who are doing everything right, only to see their premiums climb with little explanation and even less accountability.

I’ll keep pushing for strong oversight, consumer protection, and a system that works for Illinois families, not just the fine print.

A bill working its way through the Illinois legislature could mean good news for homeowners and drivers concerned about insurance rates.

05/01/2026

Had a great visit in Springfield this week with an impressive young leader from Orland Park, Jimmy Sullivan.

Jimmy is a newly minted Eagle Scout who took on an incredible project, restoring a long-neglected German Methodist cemetery that dates back to the 1800s. What was once overgrown and forgotten is now being brought back with dignity and respect, thanks to his leadership, fundraising, and hard work.

This wasn’t a small effort, Jimmy organized volunteers, raised significant funding, and helped preserve an important piece of local history for future generations.

It’s inspiring to see young people like Jimmy stepping up, serving others, and making a real impact in their communities.

Illinois is in good hands.

04/30/2026

Access to quality dental care shouldn’t depend on where you live.

A recent study shows teledentistry can expand care in rural communities, schools, nursing homes, and underserved areas by empowering dental hygienists to provide cleanings and preventive services, with dentists supporting remotely.

I’m working on this important expansion of dental care and overall health across Illinois.

This is a smart, positive step forward that helps more people get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Looking forward to helping change the landscape of dentistry and expanding teledentistry in Illinois.

You can read more about the study here:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12590946/

Let’s keep Illinois smiling 😬😀😆😄😃😆

This thematic literature review explores current teledentistry models led by dental hygienists in rural, underserved areas. Its primary aim is to critically evaluate the impact of these models on access to care, clinical and economic outcomes, and ...