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CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced that 11 school districts across the Southwest Suburbs will receive over $8 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides.
“Making sure that our schools are properly funded makes a big difference on student outcomes,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This evidence-based funding helps schools provide high-quality education that students and families deserve.”
The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.
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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is implementing a new requirement that will assist law enforcement in quickly tracking stolen vehicles, thanks to support from State Senator Bill Cunningham and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
“Vehicle theft and carjacking incidents have become a growing concern in our communities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “With this new measure, law enforcement will be able to apprehend these malicious violators quickly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Law enforcement officers said they are at a disadvantage when it comes to putting a stop to carjackings because they can’t access real-time tracking information after the incident. With this new legislation, law enforcement will be able to contact auto manufacturers around the clock to ping where a stolen car is located—allowing police to find the perpetrator and arrest them before they get away.
If a driver hasn’t subscribed to the vehicle’s tracking service, the car manufacturer will waive all fees related to the tracking service during law enforcement response or investigation. The hotline will operate 24 hours every day of the week and will be available to state, county, and local law enforcement throughout the state for the purpose of tracking vehicles that have been carjacked or used in a kidnapping.
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CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is alerting his constituents about big changes to how Illinois issues driver’s licenses. Starting September 1st, anyone looking to renew their license, or get one for the first time, will have to make an appointment before visiting a Secretary of State office.
The new appointment-only program, called “Skip-the-Line,” is being introduced by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to end the dreaded ritual of waiting in line for hours to renew a driver’s license.
“This new approach should drastically improve the experience of getting a driver’s license in Illinois,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “However, it will take some getting used to for both motorists and the Secretary of State’s office, so it’s important that Illinois residents familiarize themselves with the appointment-only process to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
The easiest way to book an appointment is to visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.ilsos.gov. Visitors can easily search for appointments by facility, date and time. Those who do not have access to a computer or are uncomfortable using one can call (844) 817-4649 to schedule an appointment with an operator.
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SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham and supported by State Representative Mary Gill, which provides mental health support and education for law enforcement officers who are facing post-traumatic stress disorder, was signed into law.
“This will provide law enforcement officers with the support and resources they need to manage their mental health,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “We created a supportive resource for officers seeking help after specific traumatic situations and for PTSD."
Cunningham’s legislation creates a Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator, who will be responsible for providing resources, information and assistance to law enforcement officers who may be experiencing PTSD symptoms or other mental health issues related to their work.
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CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Bill Cunningham is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.
“This is a great opportunity for students to better their education this summer through reading,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “I encourage parents to sign up and help their kids foster a love of reading.”
The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Cunningham’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Cunningham.
Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorBillCunningham.com. Senator Cunningham urges interested residents to call his office at (773) 445-8128.
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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs, released the following statement in response:
“We have once again chosen to make a smart fiscal decision that will help attract business to Illinois and will ensure that our children have access to the education they deserve.”
“This year’s budget holds the line on taxes, puts extra money into the state’s Rainy Day Fund and pays down pension debt.”
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced House Joint Resolution 23, which demonstrates the state's support for the I-55 Managed Lane Project and the Illinois Department of Transportation's efforts to pursue the project as a public-private partnership.
“The passage of HJR 23 is a significant milestone in addressing the need for improved transportation infrastructure in our state,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This project will not only reduce traffic, but also contribute to economic growth and regional connectivity residents deserve.”
HJR 23 signifies a crucial step toward enhancing transportation infrastructure within Illinois. By supporting the creation of new express toll lanes, the I-55 Managed Lane Project aims to alleviate congestion and improve travel efficiency along the busiest stretches of I-55.
Under the Public-Private Partnership Act, the Illinois Toll Highway Authority now has the authorization, granted through joint resolution by the General Assembly, to pursue the creation of two new toll lanes in each direction from east of I-294 to I-90/94, and one in each direction from I-355 to I-294.
“This will improve transportation infrastructure and address the needs of Illinois residents,” said Cunningham. “The passage of this resolution marks an important milestone in advancing the I-55 Managed Lane Project and paves the way for future progress in alleviating traffic congestion in the state.”
HJR 23 passed the Senate on Thursday.
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham championed legislation to establish ethical guidelines to address ongoing concerns in the red light camera industry.
“We have seen numerous bad actors throughout local and state government,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will put roadblocks in place to ensure that bad actors are punished for their crimes.”
The measure prohibits campaign contributions from contractors who provide the automated traffic enforcement equipment, also known as red light cameras, to any political action committee created by a contractor and any affiliates. Campaign contributions from such sources have been a cause for controversy in past years.
Further, beginning six months before an automated traffic law enforcement system is installed at an intersection, a county or municipality may not change the yellow light interval at that intersection.
Additionally, IDOT can revoke any permit for red light cameras if any official or employee who serves that county or municipality is charged with bribery, official misconduct, or a similar crime related to the placement, installation, or operation of the automated traffic law enforcement system in the county or municipality.
State Representative Mary Gill (D-Chicago), who was appointed back in March to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of State Representative Fran Hurley, plans to support the measure as it returns to the House for a vote.
“We want people to be able to know that the government is not being influenced by private companies,” Gill said. “This legislation is a victory for good government advocates and residents impacted by past industry corruption.”
House Bill 3903 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.
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Springfield Office:
Senator 18th District
325-G Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5145
(217) 782-2115 FAX
District Offices:
10400 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 445-8128
(773) 672-5143 FAX