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.”

The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Grand Haven Clubhouse, located at 1520 Grand Haven Rd. in Romeoville. Light refreshments will be provided.

"Every day, we benefit from the sacrifices and hard work of our veterans, and I simply cannot thank them enough for what they do. It is our civic duty as elected officials to support these local heroes by ensuring they have access to the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives," said state Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). "I encourage all who have served to join us for our event to learn more about state resources and programs we have created specifically to aid veterans.”

Loughran Cappel, Bertino-Tarrant, Manley and a representative from the Military and Veterans Rights Bureau are set to address those in attendance.

“I invite all local veterans to attend, connect with others, and learn about available programs and services. I’m glad to be hosting this seminar with Sen. Cappel,” said Bertino-Tarrant.

To accommodate all guests, registration is required for this event. To register, veterans can visit https://bit.ly/3f5ikrA or call Loughran Cappel’s office at (815) 267-6119.

JOLIET – To provide residents with a secure option for shredding documents containing personal information, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a free shred event next week.

“Securely discarding vulnerable documents is a strong effort to protect yourself and your family from identity fraud,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Many of us have piles of old, unnecessary documents cluttering our homes, and I encourage families to take advantage of this free community event to safely dispose unwanted papers containing personal information.”

Loughran Cappel is hosting a free shred event with Representative Natalie Manley next Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. – noon. The event will be in the parking lot of Joliet Public School District 86 administrative building, located at 420 N. Raynor Ave. People should enter off Taylor Street.

Examples of documents with personally identifiable information that should be safely discarded include bank statement, outdated medical records, tax returns, utility bills, junk mail, credit card applications and receipts. Residents are encouraged to attend and bring no more than two boxes of documents. No electronics will be accepted.

People with questions about either event can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

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 – Millions of Illinoisans are waiting to receive their tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding residents they can easily check their rebate status online.

 “These rebates will provide millions of residents with much-needed financial relief,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “People should be getting their paychecks any day now, and finding out the status of the rebate is simple.

Supported by Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. The rebates began to roll out Sept. 12, leaving many to wonder why they have yet to receive their relief.

People who filed taxes you will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. To check the status of a rebate, people can click here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” A person will need to have your IL-PIN number to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

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. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

“Rebates are on the way and will help with everyday needs, from buying gas to paying for childcare,” said Loughran Cappel. “If you still haven’t received your rebate, don’t fret. Check out your status online today.” 

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.