SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Bill Cunningham  backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Our seniors have worked hard their entire lives to build stability for themselves and their families,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their homes because of increasing property taxes. This plan gives older homeowners the relief they need to stay in their communities.”

Senate Bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

To address gentrification issues, it would also add an occupancy requirement, stating seniors must have owned and lived in their home for at least three years. This expanded threshold would allow thousands of additional seniors across Illinois to qualify for the property tax freeze – helping them stay in their homes and maintain financial security as the cost of living continues to rise.

The bill would also create a new property tax repayment plan, giving counties the authority to establish structured payment options for homeowners with unpaid taxes. For the 2025 tax year, unpaid taxes would begin accruing interest at a reduced rate, providing taxpayers more time and flexibility to meet their obligations without facing harsh penalties. Counties would be able to offer payment plans during the redemption period and waive interest penalties for participants who comply with their plan’s terms – making it easier for older adults to recover from temporary financial setbacks.

Senate Bill 642 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham backed an energy relief package Thursday that is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion over the next two decades, marking a turning point in Illinois’ pursuit of a sustainable and renewable energy future.

“Nationwide, we’ve seen electricity bills skyrocket this summer,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Without meaningful relief, this trend will continue – leaving families and small businesses to foot the bill for a broken system.”

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 measure contains multiple provisions to tackle rising energy costs while transitioning Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid.

The legislation 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.

“Taking action with energy relief will reduce rate hikes and save customers billions — proving that we don’t have to choose between investing in new technologies, lowering utility bills and keeping clean energy jobs in Illinois,” Cunningham said.

Senate Bill 25 passed the Senate Thursday.

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.”