CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced that more than $14 million will be coming to upgrade roads and bridges in the Southwest Side and nearby suburbs.

“These are the streets and highways families and businesses use every day,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This investment means safer roads, less congestion and stronger connectivity within our community.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan, the 18th Senate District will see 11 infrastructure projects next year, totaling more than $14 million in improvements.

“By directing these dollars right into our neighborhoods, we’re making sure residents see the benefits of state funding close to home,” Cunningham said.

A full list of projects in the 18th District can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to specifically set aside funding for the city of Chicago to purchase and repair emergency service vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances was signed into law.

“Dedicating funding to emergency vehicles will help keep our community safe during emergencies,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Money collected from ambulance rides will now go directly toward upgrading emergency vehicles.”

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.”