Cunningham introduces bill to prohibit excessive idling

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Bill Cunningham has introduced a bill this legislative session that would seek to solve residential noise and air quality issues by prohibiting diesel trucks from idling excessively in residential areas.

Senate Bill 1256 would prevent diesel trucks from idling for more than a total of ten minutes in an hour if the vehicle is within 200 feet of a residential area.

Cunningham credited Cook County residents living near a trucking yard in Merrionette Park for bringing the issue to his attention. The residents identified persistent noise and air quality issues with the trucking yard that needed to be addressed.

“Illinois residents should not have to deal with excessive noise and poor air quality at their own homes,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “This bill is intended to finally bring some peace and quiet to families that live near these commercial trucking yards.”

Senate Bill 1256 is currently in the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee.

Breakfast with Legislators 3/9/19

Meet and Greet with Rep. Burke 3/9/19

Committee approves Cunningham’s bill for senior tax relief

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham that would make it easier for seniors to receive a tax break passed the Senate Revenue Committee in a bipartisan vote Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1257 would eliminate the need for Cook County residents aged 65 or older to reapply annually to receive the Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption, a property tax exemption designed to assist senior citizens financially.

Currently, every county in Illinois other than Cook may allow seniors to receive the exemption without reapplying.

“The requirement to reapply annually for this tax break places an undue burden on our senior citizens,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “Eliminating this requirement will not only assist our seniors by streamlining the process, but also eliminate an unnecessary use of resources that could be directed elsewhere.”

The measure also requires the Cook County Accessor’s Office and the Recorder of Deeds Office to communicate when a home receiving an exemption is sold to ensure the tax break is not awarded to residents who do not qualify.

Senate Bill 1257 will now go before the entire Senate.