Loughran Cappel measure providing consideration when sentencing mothers signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois children will receive additional consideration during a mother’s sentencing under a proposal from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), which was signed into law Friday.

“Making the choice to deprive a child of a mother’s love and support because of one mistake is irresponsible,” Loughran Cappel said. “Compassion ought to be a guiding light when making decisions that can alter a child’s entire life.”

To discourage further disruption of families caused by a parent going to jail, Loughran Cappel’s initiative, Senate Bill 1566, creates a weighing factor for courts to consider when determining the imprisonment time of pregnant women or women with young children in their care.

This law was the result of discussions between the Senate Women’s Caucus and First Lady Pritzker. Both parties will continue to seek to pass legislation addressing the effects on the family when an individual in that family is incarcerated.

Loughran Cappel, Manley partner to host Secretary of State mobile unit

JOLIET – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet)  in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to residents Tuesday, August 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the IBEW 176 Hall, located at 1100 NE Frontage Road in Joliet.

“I encourage folks to take advantage of this safe and convenient way to renew driver’s licenses or vehicle registration,” Loughran Cappel said. “The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop-shop to help residents utilize these vital state services.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers. REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit, however, the deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 3, 2023. Attendees must wear face coverings, and social distancing rules must be followed.

“With the Secretary of State’s Office being closed for much of the past year, there has never been a better time to take advantage of the many services the Mobile Driver Service Unit offers,” said Manley. “I highly encourage residents to skip the long lines and use this opportunity to conveniently access the Secretary of State’s services.”

In addition, Loughran Cappel and Manley invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, contact Senator Loughran Cappel’s office at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com or call 815-267-6119 or call Rep. Manley’s office at (815) 725-2741.

Loughran Cappel plan to end early termination fees for deceased customers signed into law

SHOREWOOD – Legislation championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood)  that will end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees was signed into law Friday.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Cracking down on predatory practices of all types will continue to be a priority of mine in the General Assembly.”

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

This concern was raised by a constituent of House sponsor Rep. Dan Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) following publication of a news article which profiled a California family facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. Similar action has already been taken to prevent this sort of situation in the state of New York.

"The last thing grieving family members should be concerned about is whether or not they will be stuck with their recently deceased loved one's cell phone bill,” Didech said. “HB 122 ensures that decency and respect for struggling families will take priority over corporate greed. I am pleased that Sen. Loughran Cappel and I were able to make this important consumer protection a reality."

Loughran Cappel, Connor host joint town hall

JOLIET – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosted a town hall in Joliet Tuesday evening to give local residents a legislative update and receive feedback on important issues in the community.

“I’m grateful to the community members who took the time to come speak with us and ask us the hard questions,” Connor said. “These discussions are not only my favorite part of being a legislator, they’re vital to the legislative process and ensuring that local needs and interests are brought to the table in Springfield.”

At the event, Senators Connor and Loughran Cappel updated residents on legislation that they worked on in the spring, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about issues that were important to them.

“It’s always a pleasure to get together with the people we represent and get to the heart of what matters most to them,” Loughran Cappel said. “I’m proud to be able to represent such a vibrant community, and I can’t stress how important their feedback is. The work I do every day, both here at home and down in Springfield, is shaped by the members of our community and the issues that are impacting them.”

Residents gathered at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library to bring their concerns to the senators. Those who were unable to attend can stay up to date with the senators and their legislative work by visiting their websites: SenatorConnor.com and SenatorLoughranCappel.com.