Senator Michael E. Hastings

17/09/2026

When the storms hit our communities, I called for disaster assistance because recovery should not fall on families and local governments alone.

That request is now before the federal government and includes Will County and Cook County. If approved, it would provide help with home repairs, temporary housing, uninsured losses, and public infrastructure.

I hope Washington approves it promptly.

Our residents, first responders, and municipal crews have already shown what resilience looks like. They have worked through debris, power outages, and damaged homes without waiting for someone else to act. That effort deserves a partner.

I will continue pressing until this assistance is approved and reaches the people who need it.

The request through FEMA would provide grants for temporary housing and damage repair.

11/09/2026

Bravery. Compassion. Courage. Grief. We saw it all from those first responders and everyday Americans who witnessed and helped rescue survivors in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Today let’s regather that American spirit in memory of those we lost.

09/09/2026

The Village of Orland Park is excited to partner with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Senator Michael E. Hastings and State Representative Patrick Sheehan to bring a Mobile DMV to Orland Park on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can:
- Convert driver's license into REAL ID driver's license
- Renew or obtain a first time Standard or REAL state ID
- Purchase license plate stickers
- Get a free state ID for seniors aged 65+
- Update your address on current license or ID

Please note that payments may be made by personal check, money order, or credit/debit card; cash will not be accepted.

The event will be held at Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Lane. Visit www.ilsos.gov for a list of required documents. Registration is required before 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14. Call 708-326-2308, ext. 2308 to register.

07/09/2026

This Labor Day, take time to rest and reflect on all the effort you and your community have put in to make this country great. Thank you for your continued outstanding work.

04/09/2026

To expand the 19th District’s talent pipeline in Illinois’ construction and building trades, my office is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a common-sense investment in working class people. This program has changed thousands of lives for the better since 2021.

https://www.senatorhastings.com/?view=article&id=529:hastings-encourages-local-organizations-to-apply-for-pre-apprenticeship-funding&catid=2

31/08/2026

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.

31/08/2026

📢 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.

26/08/2026

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

26/08/2026

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:

23/08/2026

📢 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.