Memorial Park Recreation Center to be remodeled thanks to Cunningham

OAK LAWN – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced that the Oak Lawn Park District is set to receive $2.1 million in state funding to remodel the Memorial Park Recreation Center.

“Investing in public recreation is about investing in the well-being and shared experiences of every member of our community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “I will continue to push the state to provide more funding for local projects.”

The proposed remodel of the Memorial Park Recreation Center will include converting smaller rooms, such as locker rooms, shower facilities and storage areas, into larger multi-purpose rooms and new restrooms. The entry vestibule will be changed to a lobby and reception area.

“We’ve had great success this past year with getting grants to offset the cost to the taxpayer for some exciting, high-profile projects,” said Tom Hartwig, Oak Lawn Park District Executive Director. “This added space allows us to expand our program offerings and utilize a space that has sat dormant for years.”

The funding comes from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction grant program, which is part of the Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

For more information about the PARC grant program, visit the IDNR website.

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Police officers get well-earned pension victory under Cunningham, Gill law

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Mary Gill announced a well-deserved pension victory for Chicago police officers born after 1966 as Senate Bill 1956 was signed into law on Friday.

“Chicago police officers will now receive the same level of retirement benefits that most other public employees do,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This change is only fair, as we’re all still dealing with higher cost of living.”

The law removes the birth date requirement that was previously in place (born before Jan. 1, 1966) for Tier 1 retirees to be eligible for an annual 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The law also ensures that police officers born after Jan. 1, 1966, who received a retroactive increase of 1.5% in any year, will receive a proportional increase for that year so that the total increase is equal to 3% for each year.

“Our friends and neighbors who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community weren’t getting a fair shake,” said Gill (D-Chicago). “When I found out this injustice that was being done to our officers, I made passing this law a top priority.”

This achievement will have a major impact on the lives of retired and soon-to-be retired Chicago police officers. It means that they will receive a 3% COLA, doubling the previous 1.5% rate. This boost in benefits not only recognizes the dedication and sacrifices of Chicago police officers, but also provides them with greater financial security and stability in their retirement.

This legislative action will bring Chicago police officers in line with the current Chicago firefighter retirement standards.

Senate Bill 1956 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect immediately.

Cunningham highlights evidence-based funding impact on North Palos 117

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is highlighting major accomplishments North Palos School District 117 has achieved through the evidence-based funding model.

“Our local school districts challenge students to become the next generation of leaders,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The success of the evidence-based funding formula has shown us year after year how important it is to invest in education.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Cunningham-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of students with disabilities or English language learners, among other factors.

North Palos School District 117, which is located in Cunningham’s district, has seen a major boost in facility upgrades, extracurricular programs and more staff with this additional funding.

District 117 has received more than $10 million total over the last six years through the evidence-based funding formula. The funding has enabled the district to hire curriculum team leaders who facilitate data team meetings, lead curriculum development and provide professional development to staff. In addition, EBF has allowed the district to hire special education, ESL teachers and social workers to support the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of the student population. The funding has also allowed the district to attract and retain highly qualified educators with competitive pay.

Recently, District 117 has completed a number of facility upgrades to ensure the school’s quality facilities support student learning and safety. The district has renovated and expanded two of its elementary schools and is currently completing a $30 million expansion project at Conrady Junior High. Evidence-based funding allowed the district to accomplish these facility upgrades without raising taxes.

“The state and our community invest heavily in the education of our children,” said North Palos 117 Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stachowiak.  “We believe we have a responsibility to use our community resources to ensure that we provide students with the opportunities they deserve. In partnership with our learning community, we continue to strive to ensure that we live up to our motto of Investing in the Future, One Child at a Time.”