Newsletters

Dear neighbor,
 

As we wrap up another year and head into the busy holiday season, it’s a great time to give back to our community and those in need. Keep reading for upcoming events, resources and more.
 

With temperatures dropping, be sure to check on family, friends and loved ones, and seek out a local warming center if needed.
 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham or (773) 445-8128 with any questions or concerns.
 

Best,
 

 

Bill Cunningham
State Senator | District 18

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In the District

Veteran Resources Satellite Office Hours

 

Our office will be hosting staff from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Services offered will include assistance with health care, medical, disability, employment, and financial assistance. These office hours will be held semimonthly on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. The location is our satellite office at 3207 W. 111th St. Chicago, IL. I highly encourage anyone who needs VA assistance to attend.

 

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College Financial Aid information Session

Our office is hosting a financial aid information session in partnership with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Join us the Chicago Ridge Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Give us a call at (773) 445-8128 or email Joan for more information.

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Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV

 

Folks in the 18th District who need their driver’s licenses renewed, new registration stickers or other DMV services can access a mobile DMV hosted at Palos heights Parks and Recreation.

 

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Tour of Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling

 

I had an exciting opportunity to tour the Reyes Coca-Cola bottling facility in Alsip. I appreciated the chance to engage with workers and an employer who make our district great.

 

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Resources

Winter road conditions

 

When snow and ice are in the forecast, watch for slick roads, drive cautiously and plan extra time for your commute. Before you head out, check Getting Around Illinois for the latest road conditions in your area.

 

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Get Covered Illinois

 

Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace offers over 300 quality, affordable health insurance plans. Individuals can enroll in a new plan or change a current plan for the upcoming year by visiting GetCovered.Illinois.gov by Jan. 15.

 

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Utility bill assistance

 

Illinois’ winter weather rule is in effect until March 31, which protects residents from gas and electric utility disconnections on days at or below freezing temperatures. Those who need assistance with paying their utility bills are encouraged to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Learn more and apply online or call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages. Ameren, Nicor, North Shore and Peoples Gas natural gas customers who qualify for LIHEAP are eligible for a monthly discount on their gas bills through the state’s new low-income discount rates.

 

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Online shopping safety

With the holiday shopping season underway, the Illinois Department of Revenue is reminding Illinoisans to be cautious of potential online threats. Beware of email and social media scams, protect your personal information, use strong passwords when creating accounts, and monitor your bank and credit card statements. View more tips here.

 

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Coming soon: electric vehicle rebates

 

Illinois is on the cutting edge of EV manufacturing, and you can get $4,000 back starting Jan. 21 when you purchase an all-electric vehicle of your own! Learn more about the Illinois EPA’s next Electric Vehicle Rebate Program funding cycle here.

 

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Apply for the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program

 

Do you know someone who is interested in a hands-on learning experience with the Illinois State Legislature? Applications for the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP) are open until March 1. Placements for this paid, full-time internship run Sept. 2 to June 30, 2025. Learn more and apply online.

 

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Dear neighbor,

We’ve been busy in the 18th District with many exciting events this past month. It was great connecting with families, students and professionals in our community. Read on for upcoming events, important updates and more.

 In recognition of National Military Family Month, join me in honoring all past and present service members, as well as their families supporting them from home.

 This Veterans Day and all year long, we honor those who have served for their selfless dedication to our country's safety.

 As always, my office is available to help you access state resources and more. Reach out by calling (773) 445-8128 or online at SenatorBillCunningham.com.

 

All the best,

 

 

Bill Cunningham
State Senator | District 18

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In the district

$26,000 to Chicago Ridge Public Library

 

Chicago Ridge Public Library is set to receive a $26,000 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State. This grant will support library services by helping fund online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. I am pleased that our library will become more accessible to members of the community to promote literacy and learning for all. Read more about the grant here.

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Palos East Elementary School receives National Blue Ribbon recognition

Join me in congratulating Palos East Elementary School on their recognition as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This honor is awarded to schools across the country that attain the highest level of academic excellence. Congratulations to all the hard working students and staff on your recognition!

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October event recap

 

Thank you to everyone who came out to our events this month. I had a wonderful time connecting with residents across the 18th Senate District! This month’s highlights include the unveiling of the new park dedicated to the late Joan Patricia Murphy, the first woman to hold office in Worth Township government.

 

 

It was also great speaking with constituents about current issue in our community at our monthly Coffee and Conversation event. Be sure to catch our Coffee and Conversation event in November—more details can be found later on in the newsletter.

 

 

This year’s Tombstone 5K was one for the books! It was exciting to see everyone in the spirit of the season and give the course their best effort. Thank you to the Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association, the Beverley Area Planning Association and each of our partners for putting together another successful event.

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Dear neighbor,

Students are back in the classroom and back-to-school season is an important time to talk to your student about emergency preparedness. Get ready for the school year with these tips from the Illinois School and Campus Safety Resource Center here.

Read on for resources, upcoming events and grant opportunities from the state.

As always, my office is available to help you access state resources, answer questions on legislation and more. Reach out by calling (773) 445-8128 or online at SenatorBillCunningham.com.

All the best,

Bill Cunningham
State Senator | 18th District