SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s commitment to supporting the police, providing services to veterans, passing pro-labor legislation and providing tax relief to the middle class will continue as he was chosen by the voters to serve another term in the General Assembly.

Senator Cunningham was sworn in on Wednesday, to the office of State Senator, an office he has held since 2013.

“My commitment to protect the middle class and support our police is unwavering.” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “To the residents of the Southwest Side and Southwest Suburbs, I thank you for your continued belief in me.”

Cunningham was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012 and was reelected in 2014, 2018 and 2022. The 18^th Legislative District includes several Chicago neighborhoods on the Southwest Side, like Beverly and Mt. Greenwood. Cunningham also represents several communities in the Southwest Suburbs, including Alsip, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge and Palos Heights.

“I will continue to put working people first in Springfield,” said Cunningham. “I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle to bring forth common-sense solutions that do the most good for the most people.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for a veteran non-profit to fundraise.

“This bill helps a public-private network provide more support services for our veterans,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “When veterans need assistance, it only makes sense to give the Illinois Joining Forces network a greater ability to fundraise.”

House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.

The bill also changes a definition to allow other entities funded by the State to join the Foundation. IJF operations are supported by fundraising efforts that include soliciting private donations as well as public and private grant funding. IJF is not funded by state appropriations and all funds collected are considered private funds, though they are subject to financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Illinois State Auditing Act.

"The General Assembly's support of IJF's mission and its public-private partnership is critical in ensuring all those that served are connected to the resources they need to live the life they stood to protect,” said IJF Executive Director Brenda Osuch. “IJF is grateful for the work done by Senator Cunningham to advance House Bill 5542 through the Senate."

House Bill 5542 passed the Illinois Senate Thursday and heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law supported by Senator Bill Cunningham that going into effect of Jan. 1, 2022.  

“Inflation is still hurting families, especially those on a fixed income,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I am proud to announce this law starts off the year with a tax cut.”

Cunningham voted for House Bill 5304, which will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

Under the act, an individual qualifies if they are 65 years of age or older or if a single person’s income is less than $33,562 a year and less than $44,533 for a couple.

Before going to the Secretary of State, older adults who may be eligible should apply through the Benefit Access Program administered by the Illinois Department on Aging. Residents may call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or visit the Department’s website.