PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging residents to renew eligible professional licenses from the comfort of their own home.

Illinois residents can now renew certain professional licenses online. In addition, licensees’ renewal deadlines have been extended to Dec. 31, 2021.

“This is one small way that the State of Illinois is working to eliminate red tape and streamline the process to allow people to renew their professional licenses from the comfort of their own home,” Loughran Cappel said. “Please renew your licenses as soon as possible to avoid late fees and ensure you are up to date.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reports that more than 150,000 licenses are up for renewal.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents to renew their licenses online by going to https://idfpr.com/Renewals/defaultSSL.asp.

Below is a list of professions whose licensees will now have until Dec. 31 to renew:

• Certified Public Accountant/Registered Certified Public Accountant
• Cosmetologist
• Dentist
• Dental Anesthesia Permit Holder
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Specialist
• Esthetician
• Interior Designer
• Orthotist
• Pedorthist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Prosthetist

If area residents have questions or concerns, Loughran Cappel urges them to reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

PLAINFIELD – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee and Conversation event, Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield. 

“The legislative process should always involve seeking the input of those who will be directly impacted by our decisions in Springfield,” Loughran Cappel said. “That’s why giving constituents a seat at the table through events like this one is crucial. I look forward to seeing everyone and hearing their thoughts, ideas and concerns.”

The event will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Boy Scout Park Pavilion in Plainfield.

This is an outdoor event, so masks will not be required, and social distancing will be observed. With questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119. Those who cannot attend can also provide input by completing a legislative survey at www.senatorloughrancappel.com. 

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host traveling office hours to assist residents with legislative issues, hear their input and direct them toward helpful state resources.

“Feedback and input from the people I represent is absolutely vital,” Loughran Cappel said. “When I have the opportunity to sit down with residents and discuss what matters most to them, I’m able to bring their needs to the table in Springfield and help them find solutions.”

The traveling office hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fountaindale Library, located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

“The work I do every day is shaped by my community,” Loughran Cappel. “I’m looking forward to having meaningful discussions with residents and learning more about how I can best serve them.”

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

PLAINFIELD – Local libraries will soon receive service upgrades thanks to more than $230,000 in grants, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Friday.

“Libraries are a foundational part of every community and ought to be invested in as such,” Loughran Cappel said. “I thank Secretary White for his commitment to maintaining excellent learning environments in every part of the state.”

The $230,344 received by four local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.  

“It’s incredibly important our libraries have what is necessary to keep up with the constantly evolving technology landscape,” Loughran Cappel said. “This funding will ensure our residents have access to modern learning tools.”

The following libraries in the district represented by Loughran Cappel will receive funds:

• Plainfield Public Library District, $111,122
• Oswego Public Library District, $90,851
• Shorewood-Troy Public Library District $28,371

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.