State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-18th), who represents Beverly, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood, was named president pro tempore of the Illinois Senate on Jan. 28 by state Senate President Don Harmon.

According to a news release, in his new role, Cunningham “will serve as a trusted advisor to the Senate president and a senior member of his leadership team.”

Cunningham said local residents will benefit from his appointment.

“I think one of the main benefits for my constituents is it places me into a better position to look out for the district,” Cunningham said, “and to make sure we get our fair share of services from the state.”

Since 2013, Cunningham has represented the 18th District, which includes several city neighborhoods and southwest suburbs. The Mt. Carmel High School graduate has also served as an Illinois state representative.

Harmon, a Democrat from Oak Park, was recently elected as Senate president by a 37-12 vote. He succeeded state Sen. John Cullerton, who served five terms as president and spent four decades in the General Assembly. Harmon previously served as president pro tempore under Cullerton.

The Democrats currently hold a supermajority in both Illinois chambers.

Cunningham said he will take a more active role developing legislative strategy and garnering support for certain legislative measures. He will also advise new members of the state legislature.

In the news release, Cunningham said he is looking forward to addressing major issues such as reducing “out of control” property taxes and reforming ethics laws.

Cunningham expressed enthusiasm about the start of the $45-billion capital project called Rebuild Illinois. The plan was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last June, and several local schools and institutions will benefit.

“We have infrastructure needs that must be addressed, whether they pertain to roads or railroad crossings or even projects at our parks and schools,” Cunningham said, “and those are things that the state is going to be in a better position to address this year than in previous years because of the capital bill.”