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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure in the Illinois Senate that makes it easier for callers to reach 9-1-1 from hotels and businesses during an emergency on Thursday.

“This initiative will help ensure a quick response 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 9-1-1 and making it easier for first responders to locate the caller.”

Under current law, multi-line telephone systems require dialing "9" or another number to reach an outside line. Places like businesses, hotels and government buildings use these systems to handle two or more calls coming in at the same time. Under the new law, MLTS vendors and manufacturers must configure new systems to support direct dialing 9-1-1.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham provided the following statement after hearing the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“The governor has presented a responsible budget plan that pays the state’s bills and meets our pension obligations. This fiscal stability will help allow the state’s economy to continue to grow.”

EVERGREEN PARK – The Evergreen Park Public Library will receive nearly $10,000 in grant money to provide the community with vital education resources thanks to support from State Senator Bill Cunningham.

“Libraries are necessary in giving access to knowledge,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “The funding granted to Evergreen Park Library will help it continue to provide a safe learning space for our community.” 

The funding is allocated to libraries across the state to make upgrades, assist with the development of the local workforce and ensure the library stays open safely for families. The grant is comprised of both state and federal dollars.

CHICAGO – State Senator Bill Cunningham is joining Representatives Fran Hurley and Kelly Burke to host a virtual town hall via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

The three will update audience members on new laws that passed the General Assembly last spring, discuss upcoming legislative issues, and answer questions from residents.

“We wanted to find a safe way to connect with the people we represent, despite the ongoing pandemic,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “A virtual town hall will allow everyone to participate, no matter their health concerns.”

Cunningham, Hurley, and Burke encourage local residents to submit questions in advance on Sen. Cunningham’s website, https://senatorbillcunningham.com/.

They’re also requesting participants register in advance in order to receive the Zoom link at www.SenatorBillCunningham.com/VTH1007.