CHICAGO – New law co-sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Friday.

“This new law creates a convenient way for us to give back to first responders,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs.

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham supported a new law that aims to reduce catalytic converter thefts.

“This is a smart way to combat rising catalytic converter thefts,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This law prevents handshake cash deals on these converters, which will reduce the monetary motive to commit this crime.”

The law, filed under House Bill 107, adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring businesses to keep record on catalytic converter sales. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen is now required.

In addition, the measure prohibits a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.

House Bill 107 is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham sponsored legislation that makes it easier for callers to reach 911 during an emergency was signed into law Friday.

“This new law helps children during times of an emergency,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “We are removing barriers that hinder people from calling 911 and we are making it easier for first responders to locate the caller.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help correctional officers and deputy sheriffs utilize their training for secondary employment, a new law sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham will allow correctional officers and deputy sheriffs to carry a firearm off duty.

“Our law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The ability to utilize peace officer training in secondary employment will help them financially and protect businesses in our community.”

Under current law, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard’s Board excludes correctional officers and deputy sheriffs from benefits and protections under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. While federal law deems all correctional officers and deputy sheriffs as qualified law enforcement officers, Illinois is the only state that undercuts these federal protections.

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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – To help correctional officers and deputy sheriffs utilize their training for secondary employment, State Senator Bill Cunningham passed a measure through the Illinois Senate that would allow correctional officers and deputy sheriffs to carry a firearm off duty.

“Our law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The ability to utilize peace officer training in secondary employment will help them financially and protect businesses in our community.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham announced more than $1.8 million awarded to local businesses from the Back to Business program.

“I am committed to helping our small businesses recover from COVID-19,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This support for small business is good for our economy.”

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.