Cunningham supported law starts off 2023 with a tax cut

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law supported by Senator Bill Cunningham that going into effect of Jan. 1, 2022.  

“Inflation is still hurting families, especially those on a fixed income,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I am proud to announce this law starts off the year with a tax cut.”

Cunningham voted for House Bill 5304, which will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

Under the act, an individual qualifies if they are 65 years of age or older or if a single person’s income is less than $33,562 a year and less than $44,533 for a couple.

Before going to the Secretary of State, older adults who may be eligible should apply through the Benefit Access Program administered by the Illinois Department on Aging. Residents may call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or visit the Department’s website.

Orland Township Property Tax Appeal Forum

Palos Township Property Tax Appeal Forum

Senator Bill Cunningham votes to fix SAFE-T Act

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham voted to approve a series of changes to the Illinois SAFE-T Act last week, including provisions that will make it easier for police to enforce trespassing laws and track down offenders who attempt to escape electronic monitoring.

“I voted against the SAFE-T Act when it passed nearly two years ago and I have been working with law enforcement ever since to amend the law,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “These latest changes make the law more workable for officers on the street.”

The new legislation, House Bill 1095, was passed during this fall’s Veto Session. It provides clarifications to the SAFE-T Act, which was initially voted into law in January 2021. In recent months, a campaign against the law overwhelmed social media with exaggerated and false claims, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does and leaving law enforcement with a number of questions.

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