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.”

Cunningham expands access to ABLE accounts

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham spearheaded legislation that expands access to savings accounts for people living with disabilities, known as the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program.

“ABLE accounts provide much-needed protections for people living with disabilities and their families by allowing them to build financial wellness without risking their federal government benefits,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “We chose to expand this program because it’s proven to work and is a testament to our commitment to those who deserve our support.”

House Bill 3641 makes expansive changes to the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program, which helps people with disabilities and their families save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without jeopardizing their eligibility for certain government benefits. The measure allows people over the age of 18 to start an IL ABLE account and enables the accounts to conserve additional benefits, such as VA benefits.

“As our friends and neighbors with disabilities continue to navigate everything that life throws at them, it’s my hope that this measure can empower them to live with dignity,” said Cunningham.

House Bill 3641 was signed into law Friday. To read more about the Senator Scott Bennett ABLE Program including benefits and eligibility, click here.

Cunningham, Gill celebrate major victory for retired Chicago police officers

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham and State Representative Mary Gill announced a substantial victory for the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our communities following the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill 1956.

“Despite having one of the most dangerous jobs in the state, Chicago police officers have never received the same level of retirement benefits enjoyed by other public employees,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This new law is a big step toward changing that by ensuring the pensions of Chicago police officers will grow at a modest rate, which will help them deal with the increasing cost of living.”

Senate Bill 1956 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 legislation 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.

“CPD officers who spent their career serving our community were getting the short end of the stick, and we wanted to change that,” said Gill (D-Chicago). “I will continue to be a fierce advocate for Chicago police officers and every working person who calls Illinois home.”

This monumental achievement will have a major impact on the lives of retired Chicago police officers. It means that they will now 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 retired Chicago police officers in line with the current Chicago firefighter retirement standards.

Senate Bill 1956 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and advances to the governor for final approval.

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