SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to ensure protected leave for employees whose newborns require intensive care after birth was signed into law.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and sitting in the NICU with their newborn,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation gives parents the flexibility they need during a serious medical emergency.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced that 12 school districts across the Southwest Suburbs will receive nearly $8 million in evidence-based funding, in addition to the base funding that the state provides.

“Additional funding to our public schools will lead to improved student outcomes,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This evidence-based funding is critical for helping our local school districts provide a high-quality education that students and families deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down the criminals bringing illegal guns into Illinois neighborhoods was signed into law.

“This will give the police the tools they need to track down illegal guns and the criminals that traffic them into our communities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Tracing guns used in crimes and sharing data across jurisdictions will help solve crimes and keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

CHICAGO – In order to give more students a chance to participate, State Senator Bill Cunningham is extending his Summer Book Club to Sept. 15.

“Reading is a great way for students to continue learning outside the classroom,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “We’re extending this year’s Summer Book Club to allow more kids a chance to participate.”

The Summer Book Club is open to18^th District students. Students are required to read eight books of their choice, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Cunningham’s district office by Sept.15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Cunningham.

The Summer Book Club deadline is extended from Aug. 15 to Sept. 15.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorBillCunningham.com. People with questions can reach out to Cunningham’s office at (773) 445-8128.