Dear neighbor,
Fall is officially here. As the leaves change and the days get cooler, take time to explore seasonal events and activities in our community and throughout the state.
This month is also National Preparedness Month, which is a good reminder to review your family’s plans in case of emergency.
Read on for the latest district updates, resources and grant opportunities. My office is available to help you access state services, answer questions on legislation and more. Reach out by calling (773) 445-8128 or online at SenatorBillCunningham.com.
All the best,
Bill Cunningham
State Senator | 18th District
Legislative update
Standing up for environmental protections
I am proud to share that I received a 100% scorecard rating from the Illinois Environmental Council for my record in supporting legislation that fights for clean air and water, protects green spaces and builds a healthier environment for Illinois. You can view my legislation on the Illinois General Assembly website.
In the district
Solar installation tour with Magid Glove
I had the pleasure of attending a tour of Magid Glove’s solar array to commemorate the three-year anniversary of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. It was great connecting with industry leaders and discussing more about green technologies in Illinois that help offset carbon emissions. This solar array offsets 85% of Magid’s annual load and is the largest 3.5 megawatt array in the midwest.
Senior Bingo in September
Thank you to everyone who came out to our senior bingo nights this month! It was great connecting with members of our community while having some fun. Catch our final Senior Bingo night at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30 at Mt. Greenwood Park, located at 3721 W. 111th St. in Chicago.
Upcoming events
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 Oct. 2 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.
Estate Planning Presentation
Alongside State Representatives Kelly Burke, Mary Gill and Alderman Matt O’Shea, I am partnering with the Law Offices of Farrell, Farrell and Duhig to provide members of our community more insight on estate planning. Join us on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9:30-11 a.m. for a presentation by Attorney at Law, Kathleen Farrell Duhig, which will go over the basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts and transfer property.
Registration for the event is required and spots are limited. Please RSVP by calling my office at 773-445-8128. Registration is first come first serve. The event will be held at Ridge Park, located at 9625 S. Longwood Dr. in Chicago.
Coffee and Conversation
Join State Representative Mary Gill and I for a cup of coffee to share your thoughts on state and local issues with us. The event will be held at Starbucks, located at 7202 W. 119th St. in Palos Heights on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9-10 a.m. For more information, please call 773-445-8128.
Understanding Medicare
My office will be hosting a Medicare event in partnership with the Illinois Department on Aging and the Senior Health Insurance Program, a free counseling service for Medicare Beneficiaries and their caregivers. The event is also in collaboration with State Representatives Kelly Burke, Mary Gill and Worth Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy. Come learn about the latest information on Medicare benefits for 2025 on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Worth Township Hall, located at 11601 S. Pulaski Rd. For more information, call Worth Township at 708-371-2900.
I-PASS on Demand
On Thursday, Oct. 17, I will be hosting an I-PASS on Demand event alongside State Representative Mary Gill and Worth Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy. Come down Worth Township Hall, located at 11601 S. Pulaski Rd., from 4-7 p.m. to receive a free I-PASS sticker tag and take advantage of account management assistance and pay-by-plate services.
Mobile DMV
Need to renew or purchase a sticker? State Representative Mary Gill, Alderman Matt O’Shea and I are hosting a Mobile DMV on Friday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crosswinds Church, located at 10835 S. Pulaski Rd. in Chicago. Appointments are required. To make an appointment call my office at 773-445-8128 or email
Resources
Submit your state flag design
Illinois is exploring redesigning the state flag, and your creativity is needed! The Illinois Flag Commission — created through legislation passed in 2023 — is accepting public submissions for a new state flag design. Submit your design by Oct. 18 and learn more on the Secretary of State’s website.
IDFPR licensing process updates
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation launched several new initiatives to assist in the professional licensure process.
- Online applications are now available for licensed social workers, clinical social workers, professional counselors and clinic professional counselors.
- Active duty service members and their spouses can apply for licensure with reduced requirements.
- To help individuals with the application process, virtual appointments with IDFPR representatives are offered on Wednesdays. Sign up early as spots fill quickly.
Girls Lead Mentorship Program
The Girls Lead Mentorship Program, organized by the office of Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, is accepting applications for both mentors and mentees! This initiative connects girls from fifth grade to high school with women leaders across Illinois, offering hands-on experience in public service. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. Learn more about the program and apply here.
Grant opportunities
Funding available for water quality projects
The Illinois EPA is offering $5 million in grants for green infrastructure projects that will prevent, eliminate or reduce storm water runoff, or help reduce flooding events throughout the state. Organizations should apply online by Nov. 20.
Applications open for Community Development Block Grants
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering $26 million in grants through the Community Development Block Grant program for public infrastructure and housing rehabilitation projects. Eligible applicants can apply for grants of up to $1 million for public infrastructure projects and up to $650,000 for housing rehabilitation projects. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 4. For more information, visit DCEO’s website.
DCEO will be hosting a workshop for CDBG applicants Oct. 1-2 in Springfield. View workshop information here.
