SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Bill Cunningham today voted against legislation that would cost local suburban schools nearly $22 million in state funding according to the Illinois State Board of Education’s projections. The proposal, which would create a windfall of funding for many poorer downstate schools, would also drastically slash state funding to suburban schools that are struggling to make ends meet with current levels of funding. 
SPRINGFIELD – The Blue Star Family Platoon recently named State Sen. Bill Cunningham a Blue Star Honor Roll Legislator for his support of military families. Cunningham is co-sponsoring House Bill 5872, which would allow the state of Illinois to issue Blue Star Banner license plates to the direct families of active military members. For nearly 100 years, military families have proudly displayed Blue Stars at their homes in support of their family members fighting abroad. Cunningham hopes to give families the same ability to show their support on their vehicles.
“This legislation is a simple reminder that we need to continue to support our military families. Having a loved one fighting for our country thousands of miles away, while being a source of immense pride for these families, is also incredibly difficult. We must continue to stand up for them as a community during these tough times,” Cunningham said.
House Bill 5872 recently passed the Illinois House of Representatives by a vote of 105-3 and is currently in the Senate Committee on Assignments.
CHICAGO – State Sen. Bill Cunningham held a subject-matter only hearing in Chicago on Friday regarding Senate Bills 2156 and 3460. Both pieces of legislation have been brought forward with the intention of limiting the amount of standardized testing students must participate in within the Chicago Public School District.
SPRINGFIELD –In an effort to promote uniform public safety laws in all Illinois schools, yesterday State Sen. Bill Cunningham passed legislation requiring non-public schools to annually meet with local safety officials. Unlike public schools, non-public schools do not currently have to hold annual meetings with local police and fire departments to discuss safety measures. 
SPRINGFIELD – Oak Lawn native John Vranas joined State Sen. Bill Cunningham Wednesday, March 26 as his “Page for a Day” at the Illinois State Capitol. Vranas spent the day with Cunningham going to committees and learning about the legislative process. He is currently a third grader at Kolmar School and enjoys learning about U.S. Presidents.
