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, Oct. 13, Cappel invites the community to join her at the White Oak Library District: Romeoville 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, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the White Oak Library District: Romeoville Branch, 201 Normantown Rd.

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 Oct. 20 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 – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel-supported Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“From pandemic losses to the increased cost-of-living, families across the state are facing financial distress,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a General Assembly, we recognized the daily struggles of hardworking people and passed a comprehensive plan to provide them with much-needed relief to help them get back on their feet.”

Supported by Cappel, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

SHOREWOOD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced millions in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Cappel represents will see 11 infrastructure projects totaling more than $18 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include intersection improvement and construction engineering in Plainfield at 127^th Street.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Not only will these projects make our community more vibrant, it will bring forth good paying jobs,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

PLAINFIELD – With Independence Day right around the corner, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is joining law enforcement officials in reminding people to celebrate safely and drive sober.

“The top priority for everyone has to be keeping themselves and others safe, and that starts by planning ahead on how you’re going to safely travel home,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I wish you all a safe and happy Fourth of July.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation launched a multimedia safety campaign – “It’s Not a Game” – that drives home the message there are no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances to get it right when you are behind the wheel.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a new law requiring public water supply operators to notify all health care facilities served by the public water supply of a water disruption event.

“The loss of clean water can create a dangerous environment for patients at hospitals and other health care facilities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Since Legionnaire’s disease can thrive in water pipes, it’s vital that we take preventative measures so the illness isn’t contracted and spread in the case of a water disruption event.”

SPRINGFIELD – Condominium owners may soon see reduced fees thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“No one should have to pay excessive fees to get the documents required by law to sell their property,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law protects residents from exorbitant fees and will ensure that they receive necessary documentation in a reasonable time.”

Under current law, a seller must provide prospective buyers several documents concerning the condominium owner association, including governance documents, anticipated expenditures, COA funds in reserve, and more. House Bill 5246 caps the amount of fees a condominium association may charge to retrieve or copy those records at $375, and no more than $100 for rush service. The new law further requires that those documents be produced within 10 days of the request.

SPRINGFIELD – Patients with breast cancer will soon see expanded navigation services through the Department of Public Health thanks to new funding from special license plates under a law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Survivors of breast cancer deserve the best possible care we can provide,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These special license plates will ensure that the Department of Public Health has the necessary funds to help survivors connect with the services and care they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded a measure to add a council within the Children’s Mental Health Partnership in Illinois that was signed into law Wednesday.

“Many parents of children with mental disabilities need to reach out to agencies for support or information,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Agencies that work with children with mental disabilities deserve the opportunity to collaborate, so that the process is more accessible to parents.”