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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham voted to approve a series of changes to the Illinois SAFE-T Act last week, including provisions that will make it easier for police to enforce trespassing laws and track down offenders who attempt to escape electronic monitoring.

“I voted against the SAFE-T Act when it passed nearly two years ago and I have been working with law enforcement ever since to amend the law,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “These latest changes make the law more workable for officers on the street.”

The new legislation, House Bill 1095, was passed during this fall’s Veto Session. It provides clarifications to the SAFE-T Act, which was initially voted into law in January 2021. In recent months, a campaign against the law overwhelmed social media with exaggerated and false claims, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does and leaving law enforcement with a number of questions.

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham encourages Chicago residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel this Friday, Oct. 28 to celebrate First Responders Day.

“First responders put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This Friday, and every day, these courageous individuals deserve our appreciation.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

CHICAGO – Thanks to a new round of funding from the Illinois State Board of Education, State Senator Bill Cunningham announced seven area schools will receive a total of $350,000 in grants for infrastructure improvements.

“Funding school projects helps improve the education experience of our students,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Prioritizing schools shows we are prioritizing students.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

Projects made possible thanks to these grants include updates to heating and cooling, improvements to ventilation, increased accessibility throughout buildings and more.

Projects in Cunningham’s district include the following schools:

• Palos Community Consolidated School District 118
• Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123
• Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124
• Worth School District 127
• Chicago Ridge School District 127-5
• Orland School District 135
• Oak Lawn Community High School District 229

“The type of learning environment a student is in can make all the difference,” Cunningham said. “These grants show we see the needs of our students and we are stepping up by investing in their futures.”

A full list of grantees and awards can be viewed on the ISBE website.