Cunningham pushes legislation to help protect sensitive medical information

SPRINGFEILD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

“As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate.”

Senate Bill 2886 would update Genetic Information Privacy Act to expand existing safeguards to include biomarker testing, in addition to genetic testing. The measure clarifies that information derived from these tests is confidential and privileged, and may only be released to the individual tested or to those specifically authorized in writing.

Under this legislation, insurers would be prohibited from seeking or using information derived from genetic or biomarker testing, unless an individual voluntarily submits favorable results. The bill also would limit employer’s access to the information, protecting from discrimination.

“This bill makes it clear that personal health data belongs to the individual,” Cunningham said. “People shouldn’t have to worry that advances in medicine could be turned into a disadvantage.”

Senate Bill 2886 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Ronald McDonald House donation drive

Cunningham announces new investments in local parks

Chicago- Thanks to support from Senator Bill Cunningham, the southwest side and nearby suburbs received a combined total of $955,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Whether it be a child’s birthday party or for a club sporting event, our local parks are an essential gathering spot for every member of our community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “With this investment, we are ensuring our community members can participate in the activities they enjoy safely.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

A total of $36 million in grant funding was awarded to 67 local park projects across Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. In Cunningham’s district, a combined $955,000 will be used to renovate portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs, which received $600,000 to make improvements to Worth Park District’s, Gale Moore Park and an additional $355,000 for the City of Palos Hills, Krasowski Park.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.

Cunningham’s landmark energy relief measure becomes law

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Bill Cunningham’s energy relief package has become law, which is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion over the next two decades, bolstering Illinois in the pursuit of a more sustainable and renewable energy future.

"This law gives Illinois the tools to keep costs under control and prepare our energy system for the future,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “It’s about making smart investments today that pay off for consumers tomorrow.”

Senate Bill 25 aims to give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state’s power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers. The law contains multiple provisions to tackle rising energy costs while transitioning Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid.

The law incentivizes measures that lower electricity prices by addressing the demand for energy and increasing grid capacity through things like energy storage. Battery storage lowers costs over time — meaning consumers will be on track to save more than $13 billion over the next 20 years with the added three gigawatts of energy storage provided by Senate Bill 25.

“This law ensures we’re not just reacting to energy problems — we’re planning ahead,” said Cunningham. “It will help lower utility bills while strengthening the power grid that residents of our state rely on every day.”

Senate Bill 25 was signed into law Thursday.