SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Senate Executive Committee which aims to provide mental health support and education for law enforcement officers who are facing post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We owe it to our law enforcement officers to provide them with the support and resources they need to manage their mental health, especially in light of the demanding nature of their work,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation creates a supportive resource for officers seeking help after specific traumatic situations and for PTSD."

The Statewide PTSD Mental Health Coordinator will be appointed by the governor and serve for a term of four years. The coordinator will be responsible for providing resources, information, and assistance to law enforcement officers who may be experiencing PTSD symptoms or other mental health issues related to their work.

Senate Bill 1543 is an initiative of the Illinois Fire and Police Commissioners Association, who have found that 47% of law enforcement officers screen positive for PTSD, which is ten times greater than the general population. The bill is not intended to mandate that local police departments implement a plan to address PTSD or a set of requirements for how to operate mental health and wellness plans within their department, but rather to provide a supportive resource that departments and individual officers can turn to when seeking help.

"This is about helping our law enforcement officers manage their mental health, so they can continue to serve and protect our communities effectively,” said Cunningham.

Senate Bill 1543 advanced through the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and awaits further action in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Senate Executive Committee to outlaw unregulated electronic sweepstakes machines.

"Sweepstakes machines are not subject to the same licensing and regulation requirements as video gaming terminals, which can lead to illegal gambling activities and harm consumers,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This bill will help protect Illinoisans from the negative effects of unregulated electronic sweepstakes machines."

Sweepstakes games are a type of game where customers put money into machines, usually kiosks, and the machine prints a coupon which can be used to purchase goods at a particular website. In addition to the coupon, the customer is allowed credits to play slot-like games on the machine, and if the customer wins, any winnings he or she receives based on playing the machine are printed on a receipt which may be redeemed at the bar or machine location for cash.

Unregulated sweepstakes machines have recently been tied to organized crime and corruption. This regulatory measure will move Illinois in a direction away from the breach of public trust committed by bad actors.

Under current Illinois law, all video game terminals must be licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board before placement or operation. However, there is nothing in statute to prohibit the use of a game device only if the game device is used in an activity that is not gambling. A violation amounts to a Class 4 felony.

“As Illinois looks to be a model for the rest of the country on video gaming and sports wagering regulation, we must ensure that protections are in place for those who are following the rules and serious repercussions are handed down to those who abuse the system,” said Cunningham.

SPRINGFIELD – With a looming power shortage on the grid, Illinois received a major boost to its renewable energy sector thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham.

“There is an energy shortage in Illinois right now, and it is causing uncertainly, which leads prices to spike and potentially future brownouts,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help solve that problem by expanding renewable energy opportunities.”

The law aims to relax restrictive zoning regulations that have slowed wind and solar energy projects to a near stop in Illinois. Without this measure, the state would lose 17,000 construction jobs and over $8 billion in economic impact during construction.

This package will make energy bills more affordable, bring thousands of jobs to the state and have great economic impact on local communities.

"Sen. Cunningham's bill is exactly what Illinois needs to create more good-paying construction jobs," said Sean Stott of the Laborers' International Union. "Too often, wind and solar projects are being delayed for years, if not blocked permanently. This bill will bring more renewable projects online in Illinois and help create thousands of jobs in the process."

Public Act 102-1123 was signed into law on Friday and took effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for a veteran non-profit to fundraise.

“This bill helps a public-private network provide more support services for our veterans,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “When veterans need assistance, it only makes sense to give the Illinois Joining Forces network a greater ability to fundraise.”

House Bill 5542 makes several changes to the Illinois Joining Forces network at their request. The bill removes the executive board, which allows the foundation to add an additional 18 members, nine of which can be appointed by the foundation themselves, to assist with fundraising.

The bill also changes a definition to allow other entities funded by the State to join the Foundation. IJF operations are supported by fundraising efforts that include soliciting private donations as well as public and private grant funding. IJF is not funded by state appropriations and all funds collected are considered private funds, though they are subject to financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Illinois State Auditing Act.

"The General Assembly's support of IJF's mission and its public-private partnership is critical in ensuring all those that served are connected to the resources they need to live the life they stood to protect,” said IJF Executive Director Brenda Osuch. “IJF is grateful for the work done by Senator Cunningham to advance House Bill 5542 through the Senate."

House Bill 5542 passed the Illinois Senate Thursday and heads to the governor’s desk.