Cunningham closes conflict of interest loophole

SPRINGFIELD – A bipartisan measure to close a conflict of interest loophole in Illinois state law passed the Illinois Senate on Tuesday.

“No one should be exempt from good government,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “This will close a loophole that could have caused severe conflicts of interest.”

The bipartisan measure, House Bill 2439, would not allow members of the Illinois Energy Conservation Advisory Council to receive any state grants for teaching continuing education regarding any rule proposed by the council.

“It is unethical to receive state funds to teach about rules you are creating,” Cunningham said. “Illinois needs to continue to close these loopholes and today we took a strong step towards doing that.”

The measure now moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Cunningham statement on property tax freeze votes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) had the following statement after votes being taken on a property tax freeze.
 
“The Illinois Senate has voted to deliver much needed property tax relief to homeowners throughout the state,” Cunningham said. “This is another step the Senate has taken to make a serious attempt to end the impasse by passing a balanced budget and significant reforms that protect working families.”

Cunningham: Time to provide necessary resources to handle mental health issues

SPRINGFIELD – Custody of defendants with mental health issues could become more streamlined and appropriate due to legislation that passed the Illinois Senate on Monday.

“We need to provide the necessary resources to ensure the mental health of those determined to be unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity be dealt with appropriately,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “It will only help to keep our communities safer in the long run.”

The legislation, House Bill 649, would create a formal process for the county sheriff and the Department of Human Services to handle custody of defendants found unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity. It provides requirements regarding the evaluation and transportation of the defendant to a secure facility.

The legislation now moves to the governor’s desk for approval.

Cunningham supports solution to budget impasse

• 2017
• Budget Impasse

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, the Illinois Senate advanced a balanced budget proposal for the first time in two years to end the fiscal crisis. Senator Bill Cunningham issued the following statement in response to the votes taken today:

“We have been limping along for the last two years and allowed our higher education infrastructure to be decimated. Universities and Colleges across the state need stable and certain funding to ensure they can keep doors open and provide students an excellent education for their students.

“We needed a real solution that cut spending and we cut over $3 billion in this plan. It’s a plan that is balanced and ensures that the state is starting its path out of the financial doldrums we have been in since 2015.”