CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined state and local officials at Joliet Junior College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Thursday.

“Investing in our community colleges across the state gives students the opportunity to get a good paying job after graduation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Continuing to invest in Joliet Junior College and offering workforce training and development, manufacturing, EV technology and more puts students on a path toward exceling in a career that fits them.”

JJC is the nation’s first public community college, and currently serves around 27,000 students each year across six campuses. Illinois has the third largest community college system in the country.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Crest Hill residents have clean drinking water, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel sponsored a measure that would construct a Lake Michigan water receiving station, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

“Water is basic need for everyone,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Ensuring Crest Hill has access to Lake Michigan’s water supply is vital. This initiative would help the city for decades to come.”

Crest Hill's switch to Lake Michigan as a source of treated water supply needs to be finished by the end of 2029. The new water supply operation would be able to serve both the city's water system pressure zones and would be capable of meeting all of its water supply needs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel has been appointed to chair the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee to ensure Illinois schools are adequately funded.

“As a special education teacher, I believe my work in the classroom has given me the perspective to understand what teachers need to do their job and succeed,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve been a devoted advocate for teachers for many years. I want to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely when funding our schools for the benefit of our students and education professionals.”

Loughran Cappel entered the professional world as a special education teacher. In 2015, Loughran Cappel became a union representative for her school’s teacher’s union — AFT-IFT Local 604 – to support other educators and help them have meaningful careers. In 2017 she served on the Joliet High School Board, where she worked to improve school safety and technical problems within the district.

SHOREWOOD – Whether people have questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel enjoys meeting with residents of the 49^th District. To further connect with the community, Cappel is hosting a Coffee and Conversation event as well as traveling office hours.

During a Coffee and Conversation event on Thursday, Nov. 10, Cappel invites the community to join her at the White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch to discuss any thoughts or concerns they may have.

“In order for me to be an effective leader of the community, it’s pertinent I meet with people face-to-face and take in their needs, desires and concerns,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I have found the best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible as often as possible. I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and candid conversations.”

The Coffee and Conversation event will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m. at the White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch, located at 20670 Len Kubinski Dr.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The following week – on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Cappel encourages people to stop by the library to meet with a member of her office to receive assistance with state and local resources.

The events are free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SHOREWOOD – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“As a mother of college-aged students, I know firsthand how confusing the college admissions process can be,” said Loughran Cappel. “It’s a stressful enough time for students and their families – they don’t need the added worries about how to apply for financial assistance or wondering if they’ll qualify for help.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

Despite a temporary block on the program from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, federal authorities still encourage borrowers to apply as the block does not impact the ability of the Department of Education to collect and review applications.

In addition, employees of a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government or non-profit organization may be eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven after making 120 payments while working for a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is assisting students and families who have questions about the program or need help determining their eligibility through informational webinars. The PSLF Limited Waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022, so anyone who thinks they might qualify should apply as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available, making this the perfect time for anyone who might be interested in attending college next year to apply for financial aid. Illinois students who are ineligible for federal financial aid can check out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to apply for the state MAP Grant and institutional aid.

“College application season should be an exciting time – not a stressful one,” said Loughran Cappel. “I encourage students and their families to take advantage of the number of opportunities available to help them tackle the process.”

To connect with free one-on-one assistance and explore online tools for college planning and financial aid, visit the ISAC Student Portal. Borrowers interested in applying for one-time federal loan forgiveness can learn more at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Borrowers who work in public service can learn more about PSLF eligibility and complete the form by Oct. 31, 2022 at studentaid.gov/pslf.

PLAINFIELD – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a Youth Advisory Board, which is accepting applications through Nov. 1.

“Students in high school and college are the leaders of our future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This generation is bright and innovative and their voices matter. Together, we can make Illinois a better place for all.”

SHOREWOOD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel highlights the importance of manufacturers in Illinois.

“Manufacturing drive ours region’s economy,” said Loughran Cappel. “Careers in manufacturing are the jobs of tomorrow. The 49^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care. 

ROMEOVILLE – The brave men and women who served our nation and safeguarded our freedom deserve gratitude and to know that once they come home, they will be supported. That’s why State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, State Representative Natalie Manley, and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant will partner with local groups to host a Veterans Rights Seminar Nov. 19.

“People who put their lives on hold in service of something greater than themselves deserve to know their rights,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This event serves as a small token of appreciation for our local heroes, helps them connect with others who have served, and gives them an opportunity to learn more about their rights as veterans.”