SPRINGFIELD – Chicago police officers would face fewer barriers to accessing certain benefits under legislation sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham that was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

Under current law, the board of trustees for the PABF can issue a denial of the continuance of a duty or occupational disability benefit for a member. Members can appeal the denial, but the cost of litigating the appeal can be a heavy burden.

House Bill 2470 would require the Policeman’s Annuity Benefit Fund of Chicago (PABF) to pay court costs, litigation expenses and reasonable attorney fees for members who were unfairly denied duty or occupational disability benefits.

“Officers earn these benefits over the course of years of putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “We need to ensure that they are properly rewarded for their service.”

The PABF may still strip an officer of benefits if an officer intentionally and unjustifiably delays proceedings and is ultimately convicted of a felony related to his or her service.

House Bill 2470 will go into effect January 1, 2020.

ORLAND PARK – Area employers and staffing agencies will have the opportunity to connect with jobseekers during an Orland Park hiring event Thursday, September 26.

State Sen. Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Fran Hurley co-present the hiring fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave.

“There’s a lot of economic opportunity in the southwest suburbs and plenty of qualified individuals ready to take advantage of it,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.

Hiring preference will be given to veterans for the first half hour of the event.

In previous years, jobseekers had the chance to explore careers with companies in various sectors, including construction, hospitality, sales, retail, health care, state government, trucking and transportation, manufacturing, clerical, industrial and more.

“Our goal is link as many employers as possible with qualified candidates regardless of what sector they’re in,” Cunningham said. “This hiring event provides employers with a chance to interact with these individuals and make needed additions to their staffs.”

Jobseekers and employers are asked to register in advance at www.senatorbillcunningham.com. For more information, contact Cunningham’s district office at 773-445-8128.