BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel stands in support with the United Auto Workers union strike in Bolingbrook. 

The UAW union expanded its strike against major carmakers Friday, walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts-distribution centers in 20 states, including about 100 workers at a GM facility in Bolingbrook and 100 at a Stellantis facility in Naperville. Loughran Cappel serves on the Senate Labor Committee and is a former union representative.

“I stand in solidarity with the UAW in Bolingbrook and across the country who are fighting for the rights they deserve and standing up against corporate America,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It should never be a question if we should prioritize big corporate profits over workers. Every worker has the right to a fair and equitable contract.”

According to the Associated Press, the union is pointing to the carmakers’ huge recent profits as it seeks wage increases of about 36% over four years. The companies have offered a little over half that amount.

“Here in Illinois, Will County and the 49^th Senate District, we will protect workers’ rights,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will always be a strong supporter, advocate and voice for the men and women of organized labor.”

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As energy costs continue to rise, I encourage residents to apply for assistance,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We are committed to helping working families and this is a great resource to take advantage of that can cut utility costs down.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

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CREST HILL – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel invites students to join her Youth Advisory Board.

“Students in high school and college are the leaders of our future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This generation is bright and innovative and their voices matter. Together, we can make Illinois a better place for all.”

Loughran Cappel’s Youth Advisory Board will meet quarterly to discuss issues that are important to young people and how she can use her position as a Senator to better serve younger generations. The board will be made up of students from local high schools and colleges.

Students interested in getting involved in state government and having their voice heard should apply for a position. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling bases and the first meeting will be Sept. 9. This class of members of the Youth Advisory Board will hold their positions until May 2024.

“The Youth Advisory Board is a great opportunity to have your voices heard and impact legislation,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some of the best pieces of legislation come from conversations I’ve had in the community.”

Students can apply here. People can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 with questions.

CREST HILL – As students return to the classroom, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding families that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns.

“Getting kids ready for school can be a financial burden for families,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “There are programs available that can put money back in your pockets. I encourage families and teachers to take advantage of these resources to help cut down on back-to-school costs.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students.

Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For home schooled students – book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

The K-12 Instructional Materials and Supplies Tax Credit allows eligible teachers of full-time K-12 students to receive a tax break for qualified expenses on classroom materials paid during the taxable year. To qualify, taxpayers must be teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides for at least 900 hours during a school year. Increasing from last year, they can now claim a credit up to $500 for qualified expenses they paid in the current taxable year. If spouses are both educators and are filing jointly, the maximum credit is $1,000.

“Teachers often spend their own money to fill their classroom with essential resources for students,” said Loughran Cappel. “We want our kids to be lifelong learners – to do so we have to prioritize the educators who use their own resources to benefit the students.”

Visit the Illinois Department of Revenue’s website for more information.