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.

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.

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham encourages Chicago residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel this Friday, Oct. 28 to celebrate First Responders Day.

“First responders put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This Friday, and every day, these courageous individuals deserve our appreciation.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

CHICAGO – Thanks to a new round of funding from the Illinois State Board of Education, State Senator Bill Cunningham announced seven area schools will receive a total of $350,000 in grants for infrastructure improvements.

“Funding school projects helps improve the education experience of our students,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Prioritizing schools shows we are prioritizing students.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

Projects in Cunningham’s district include the following schools:

• Palos Community Consolidated School District 118
• Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123
• Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124
• Worth School District 127
• Chicago Ridge School District 127-5
• Orland School District 135
• Oak Lawn Community High School District 229

“The type of learning environment a student is in can make all the difference,” Cunningham said. “These grants show we see the needs of our students and we are stepping up by investing in their futures.”

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.