On Monday, December 7, the Senate voted to pass SB 2039. The legislation would release many non-GRF funds to go where they belong. The Motor Fuel Tax money, or gas tax, is one of the group of funds being released to local governments.

“It is time that we give this money to the communities that need it for public safety issues, like fixing potholes,” said Senator Bill Cunningham, who voted to send gas tax revenue to local communities in May, as well.

(Chicago) – Every year, Oak Lawn and Orland Park-area residents pay over $1.4 million dollars each in state gas taxes, but the budget impasse means Springfield is keeping the money rather than sending it back to help pay for road salt, patching potholes and other necessary road projects and maintenance.

“The gas tax money needs to go back to the local communities where it belongs,” said Senator Bill Cunningham, who represents parts of Oak Lawn and Orland Park.  “We passed legislation that would give the money to local communities and the governor decided to veto that legislation.”

Senator Bill Cunningham (D-18th) and other local officials recently sent a letter to the Illinois Congressional delegation asking Congress to hold CSX accountable for problems in Mount Greenwood and Evergreen Park.

“Too many residents in our communities are being negatively affected by blocked grade crossing, pedestrian safety problems and idling trains which poses an environmental hazard to our communities,” said Cunningham.

Springfield—Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) on Tuesday applauded the groups that put pressure on Governor Rauner to remove the drastic cuts applied to the ones who needed the most help: children.

“This program is a crucial component of welfare reform because it allows working parents to return to work while their kids are in enrolled in child care,” said Senator Cunningham.