Dear neighbor,
I hope you and your family are keeping cool and enjoying the summer. Did you know July is Parks and Recreation Month? Check out this guide to exploring some of Illinois’ amazing parks, gardens and campgrounds!
Over the next few months, the governor will be signing measures we passed during the spring legislative session into law. I look forward to seeing initiatives implemented that support first responders and their families and secure protections for Illinois workers and consumers. Read on to learn more about some of these new laws, resources for you, upcoming events and other helpful information.
As always, feel free to reach out to my office at (773) 445-8123 or online at SenatorBillCunningham.com if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Bill Cunningham
State Senator | 18th District
Legislative update
Cunningham supports Carbon Capture protections
I recognize the need for mitigating the damages of carbon to our environment, which is why I supported the Safety and Aid for the Environment in Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act. With this new law, Illinois is setting the standards for carbon capture, which prioritize the safety of our communities and resources. Carbon capture technology will support job creation and industries in Illinois. Read more about the act here.
In the district
Veteran Resources Satellite Office Hours
Take advantage of our upcoming Veteran Resources Satellite Office Hours. In collaboration with State Representatives Mary Gill and Kelly Burke and Alderman Matt O’Shea, satellite office hours will be provided Aug. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at 3207 W. 111th St. in Chicago.
Staff from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be present to assist veterans with medical, disability and financial assistance, health care and employment. For more information, contact my office at 773-445-8128 or online at SenatorBillCunningham.com. Veteran Resources Satellite Office Hours are offered the first and third Wednesday of every month.
I-PASS Transponder Drop Off
To ensure proper disposal of old I-PASS devices, State Representative Gill and I are offering residents the opportunity to drop off their deactivated transponders at 10400 S. Western Ave. in Chicago, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To deactivate your transponder and order a sticker for your car, call the Illinois Tollway at 800-824-7277*2. For more information, visit the Illinois Tollway website.
Road improvements coming to 18th District
As part of IDOT's latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the 18th District will see nine infrastructure projects totaling almost $17 million in Fiscal Year 2025. These investments will upgrade transportation in every corner of our community, creating good-paying construction jobs and enhancing travel and accessibility for residents. To view a complete list of improvements in the 18th District under the MYP, click here.
Resources for you
Farmers market coupons available to seniors
Farmers market season is in full swing, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is here to help older adults buy fresh, local produce at Illinois farmers markets from July through October.
Eligible participants must be at least 60 years old and have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level ($2,322 monthly for a single household; $3,151 monthly for a two-person household). For more information and to apply, interested seniors should contact their local Area Agency on Aging.
Renew your license!
A number of licenses issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation are now in renewal. Renew your license before it expires on Sept. 30 to beat the rush and avoid paying a late fee. If you see your license type listed, you can renew your license now by logging into your account on IDFPR’s website.
New: Book FAFSA help online
There’s still time to apply for financial aid for college this fall! The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is offering free application help through members of ISACorps — recent college grads who are experts in financial aid and college planning. ISACorps members are available to meet virtually one-on-one to answer questions and help students complete the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. To book assistance online, click here.
Down payment assistance available for homebuyers
The Illinois Housing Development Authority offers forgivable assistance to help Illinoisans achieve the dream of homeownership. Through IHDA’s programs, first-time and repeat homebuyers can find approved mortgage lenders and receive up to $10,000 in down payment assistance. Learn more at www.IHDAMortgage.org.
2024-25 free & reduced-price school meal eligibility
The Illinois State Board of Education announced federal eligibility guidelines for students to receive free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast and after-school snacks for the 2024-25 school year. Families should contact their local school district for details about accessing free and reduced-price meals, as the process may vary. To determine students’ eligibility, view income guidelines here.
Provide input on Illinois’ 2026 Public Transportation Plan
Next Move Illinois is a new statewide public transportation plan that will incorporate feedback from transit users and providers to help address the needs of diverse communities across the state, including enhanced accessibility. The Illinois Department of Transportation is inviting the public to participate in the first Next Move Illinois survey to help them establish a vision for transit services across the state. Whether or not you are a transit user, your input is a valuable part of strengthening our transportation network. Take the quick survey here, and learn more about the Next Move transportation plan here.
Local park development grants open now
The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant program helps cover the cost of acquiring and developing land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Local governments can use grant funding to build playgrounds, sports courts and fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities and more. Learn more about OSLAD grants and apply by Sept. 13 on the IDNR website.
