PLAINFIELD – To end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees by, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Governor Pritzker to sign House Bill 122 into law.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people through unnecessary fees is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Governor Pritzker has the ability to immediately crack down on this predatory practice by signing a piece of legislation currently sitting on his desk. It is my hope that he will take swift action on this measure to protect Illinois families of all backgrounds.”

House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

SHOREWOOD – To help kids have fun and stay engaged this summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are hosting a Summer Book Club for kids across the 49^th and 43^rd Senate Districts.

“Even though school’s out, it’s critical for students to keep their minds active,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that kids of all ages will take advantage of this opportunity to stay sharp, creative and have fun during the summer months.”

The book club requires kids to read any eight books they choose, record them on a form with a parent, guardian, or other important adult’s signature, and return the form by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes Senator Connor’s summer book club will be invited to attend an ice cream social hosted by Senator Connor at Cool Creations Homemade Ice Cream to celebrate. Those who complete Senator Loughran Cappel’s summer book club will receive a gift card to use at a local small business.

“Kids can go on all kinds of adventures this summer through books,” Connor said. “Reading over summer break can also help keep students sharp and ready to head back to class in the fall.”

Book club forms can be printed off at www.senatorlougrancappel.com orwww.senatorconnor.com. They can also be requested via mail by calling Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445 or Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119.

Residents with any further questions are welcome to call the district office.

SHOREWOOD – To honor the life of a local hero, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) passed a resolution to designate the section of Illinois Route 59 from Canton Farm Road to Illinois Route 126 as the “PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Highway.”

“Private First Class Andrew Meari led a service driven life worthy of commemoration,” Loughran Cappel said. “His contribution to our community and sacrifice for the country should never be forgotten.”

SHOREWOOD – Following the Senate’s passage of a budget that honors the state’s commitment to fully funding K-12 education, bolsters unemployment insurance systems, and keeps property tax levels flat, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) issued the following statement:

“I am confident the budget we sent to Governor Pritzker is one that puts the immediate needs of Illinoisans first. We accomplished this, in part, by including the full $350 million investment in our children’s success through the evidence-based funding model. As a former educator who worked in the classroom prior to and following the EBF model’s implementation, the difference is stark and I am relieved the program will remain intact.

“In addition, we were able to provide full funding for local government entities, which will result in preventing undue property taxes from further burdening working families after an incredibly difficult year. This budget will serve as a bridge to a brighter, prosperous post-COVID-19 future in Illinois.”

SHOREWOOD – Legislation that would end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is the lead Senate sponsor of the measure.

“Grieving families have enough on their plate without having to worry about being saddled with wrongful utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ending the practice of charging next of kin in the event of an untimely death is a simple solution that I am proud to support.”

House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

SHOREWOOD –  A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batinick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active passed the Senate unanimously Wednesday.

“Prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our students is a choice,” Loughran Cappel said. “I am proud my colleagues in the General Assembly took it upon themselves to give our kids the additional protections they deserve.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

SHOREWOOD – Additional improvements to local roads and bridges are set to commence in 2022 thanks to the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced.

The plan, passed in 2019, will provide residents with faster commutes, safer intersections, and fewer potholes.

“The Rebuild Illinois plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” Loughran Cappel said. “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batnick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“More students are taking advantage of the extra opportunities for help available to them before school,” Loughran Cappel said. “While this is encouraging, it’s important that we expand safety guidelines to accommodate their schedules.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.