Cunningham welcomes local STEM students to Illinois Tech Day 2018

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Bill Cunningham was joined by students from Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, and Palos Park for this year's Student Tech Showcase at the state Capitol.

Organized by Illinois Computing Educators, Tech Day aims to increase awareness of the critical role technology plays in the modern learning environment by offering student an opportunity to demonstrate their projects while highlighting the need for adequate funding for educational technology.

"In today's world, tech education is essential for setting our kids up for success," Cunningham said. "These projects demonstrate just how creative our kids are when given resources and tols to apply their ideas using technology."

The event featured students from High Point Elementary School and Liberty School in Orland Park; Oak Ridge Elementary School in Palos Hills; Palos East Elementary School in Palos Heights; Palos West Elementary School in Palos Park; Oak Lawn Community High School; and Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills.

Lawmakers pass Cunningham vaccine bill to fight flu epidemic

SPRINGFIELD – A legislative effort by State Senator Bill Cunningham to help stop the spread of influenza in hospitals and other health facilities passed the Illinois Senate today.

The measure, House Bill 2984, allows certified local health departments and any facility licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement more stringent flu vaccination policies aimed at protecting patients from exposure to the flu and improving vaccination rates.

“Given the concrete science behind the effectiveness of flu vaccines, we have a responsibility to protect patients from being exposed to the flu virus by the public employees charged with caring for them,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs.

Under current law, employees of hospitals can refuse a flu vaccination for any reason as long as they declare a “philosophical objection.” Public health experts have testified that this loophole leaves patients vulnerable to the spread of influenza while they are hospitalized. If HB 2984 becomes law, only hospital employees with religious objections and certain medical conditions will be able to refuse the offer of a vaccination.

HB 2984 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Cunningham honors fallen firefighters at annual memorial service

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Bill Cunningham joined firefighters and their families from across the state today for the 25th annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Capitol.

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial is dedicated to the firefighters of Illinois, who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those firefighters who heroically serve with courage, pride and honor. The Line of Duty Death Award is given to the family of a firefighter deceased in, or as a result of, the performance of their duty. In addition to firefighters and fire officials, the event features the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard and Pipes & Drums.

This year, State Fire Marshall Matt Perez honored two firefighters: John “Mike” Cummins of the Homer Fire Protection District and Lawrence Matthews of the Dolton Fire Department.

Cunningham announces state grants for local libraries

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White has awarded more than $15 million in funding to libraries statewide through Illinois Public Library Per Capita grants to help with such expenses as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology.

“Since the time Abe Lincoln taught himself to be a lawyer, libraries have been a pillar of our community,” Cunningham said. “These grant will allow them to continue that important role.”

 Libraries in Cunningham’s district will receive almost $275,000 in funding through the grants. The following Southwest Suburban libraries will receive funds: