CHICAGO – Over 100 businesses on the Southwest Side and Southwest Suburbs were awarded more than $3.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Bill Cunningham, and State Representatives Fran Hurley and Kelly Burke. 

“After passing a fiscally responsible budget, I am thrilled to see new investment in our small business community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.

A total of $3.21 million was awarded to 106 businesses in the 18^th Senate District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“Let’s continue to shop local to show our support for small business and our local economy,” said Hurley (D-Chicago).

The state has seen five Illinois’ General Obligation bond rating upgrades in the last year from all three of the nation’s primary credit rating agencies. The latest two-notch upgrade comes from Fitch Ratings, as a result of the state paying down its bill backlog from over $16 billion to less than $3 billion in a course of just a few years.

“A good way to get our states finances back on track is by getting money back into the pockets of working people,” said Burke (D-Evergreen Park).

Due to fiscal responsibility, the state saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses.

Small businesses can visit the DCEO website for additional resources or contact DCEO’s First Stop Business Information Center Services at 800-252-2923 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham joins the Illinois Department of Labor in recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day.

“Today, I join working families across Illinois to remember the workers who put their lives on the line to provide for their family and never returned home,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs.

Workers Memorial Day – on April 28th – coincides with the legislative anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as we know it today.

“This day is a reminder of occupational risk and an opportunity to pay our respects to those who have died on the job. Each loss is a tragedy that has ripple effects on families, co-workers, and communities,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan.

Illinois OSHA protects the health and safety of public employees through the inspection, investigation and evaluation of public facilities and working conditions to ensure compliance with standards and provides educational resources to assure quality working conditions.

Average family of four set to receive $600 in direct relief

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a FY 23 budget and tax relief plan to offer $1.83 billion in relief to working families, and State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs, released the following statement in response:

“With inflation creating more economic challenges to hardworking families nationwide, Illinois has delivered a responsible budget plan to offer relief, make smart investments and provide economic stability. 

“By putting money back in residents’ pockets, our state is making an effort to support families with inflation-related burdens, create opportunity and set money aside for a rainy day.”