SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, grieving family members will have one less task to worry about, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

Loughran Cappel’s law ends early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

“While a family is grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing they want to deal with is pesky utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “The new law will end this unfair practice and protect working families from unnecessary bills.”

This issue was raised by an Illinois resident after reading a news article highlighting a California family who was facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. New York passed a similar law.

“Enacting this new law sends a signal that Illinois is leading by taking a proactive approach to consumer protection,” Loughran Cappel said.

The legislation passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.  The law, now Public Act 102-0112, takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Naperville Public Library on Monday, Dec. 13 from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“We remain committed to ensuring our office is easily accessible to residents throughout the area” Loughran Cappel said. “I hope people take advantage of our traveling office hours to receive state services and voice their concerns on issues that matter most to our community,”

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Will and Kendall County residents to shop, think and buy local this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Loughran Cappel is reminding residents to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“Successful local businesses generate endless opportunities to grow and develop our local economy,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our entrepreneurs make investments in our communities every day, now it is our time to invest in them.”

Loughran Cappel kicks off holiday drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services

PLAINFIELD – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand this holiday season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is hosting a collection drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services until Nov. 30.

Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield will serve as a drop off location until the end of the collection drive.

“Giving back is small way we can all make a big difference in our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “While you are out shopping this holiday season, take a moment to think of our neighbors who may need some extra assistance during these cold months.”

A few high-demand items include:

• Ladies’ winter jackets (all sizes)
• Children’s hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Ladies’ hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Mini first aid kits
• Ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts (all sizes)

For a complete list of items, visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com or the Guardian Angel Community Services website at www.gacsprograms.org.

There will also be an opportunity for those interested in donating to drop off items with Loughran Cappel and her staff at her Oswego Traveling Office Hours on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.at the Oswego Public Library (32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego).

For more information about Guardian Angel Community Services visit www.gacsprograms.org.

PLAINFIELD – To help people stay safe this winter season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging drivers to utilize Getting Around Illinois to preview road conditions before traveling.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is debuting an improved road conditions map this year, which can be viewed at www.GettingAroundIllinois.com.

“The winter months bring unpredictable and possibly dangerous road conditions,” Loughran Cappel said. “If weather forecasts are not optimal, please check this vital resource to help you and your family stay safe and prepared during your holiday travels this year.”

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Oswego Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m.— 12:30 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“As we get ready for the next legislative session, it is vital that we take the opportunity to sit down and discuss issues that matter the most to our community and state,” Loughran Cappel said. “The work we do every day is guided by the opinions and input of area residents.”

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is inviting Joliet residents to attend her November Coffee and Conversation event on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

“We had a busy veto session and discussed many issues important to residents of the 49^th District,” Cappel Loughran said. “I look forward to meet and chat with people across our community about what we accomplished and what the future holds.”

The indoor event will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Room F at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Rd. in Joliet.

This is the third Coffee and Conversation Loughran Cappel has hosted this fall. It is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

Loughran Cappel is also collecting items to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services. Residents can drop off donations during the event or at Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield Office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield until Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Some items in high-demand include ladies winter jackets in all sizes, children’s and women’s gloves, hats and scarves, mini first aid kits and ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts. There is a complete list of items on her website.

“As you kick off your holiday shopping, please keep organizations like Guardian Angel Community Services in mind,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is one small way we can help lift up members of our community and lend them a helping hand.”

People 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.

PLAINFIELD – To increase college accessibility and affordability, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is excited to announce that college-bound students can apply to all Illinois public universities through Common App.

The governor’s office and Illinois Board of Higher Education worked with the Illinois General Assembly to utilize $1 million in funding to add all public schools and a dozen private universities to the Common App system.

“Streamlining the college application process will help us keep Illinois’ best and brightest in state,” Loughran Cappel said. “Expanding opportunities for our students will help encourage them to choose Illinois’ higher education facilities as the next step in their academic journey.”