PLAINFIELD – Following the death of her friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel released the following statement.

“The passing of Senator Scott Bennett is a devastating loss to the Senate and to the State of Illinois. He was an incredible legislator, and I have a deep respect for his leadership both on and off the Senate floor.

“Scott was a good, upstanding man whom I looked up to. He brought humor into everything he did. I’m going to miss him as a colleague, but most of all, I’m going to miss him as a friend.

“My heart is with his family and all who knew him.”

PLAINFIELD – To spread holiday cheer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors across the community.

“We often lose track of what’s most important this season – and that’s spreading joy,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone enjoys a small yet meaningful act of kindness during the holidays.”

Loughran Cappel is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her district office, located at 2009 Illinois Rte. 59, Plainfield, IL 60586. She is collecting cards until Dec. 16 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

Loughran Cappel encourages teachers and students to participate in the seasonal event.

“As a former teacher, I saw how excited students are to do crafts, and that there is a learning aspect to each activity,” Loughran Cappel said. “The holiday season is about making a difference in people’s lives, even if you don’t know them personally. I hope teachers and residents will take advantage of this opportunity.”

People with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

ROMEOVILLE – Lewis University Airport recently completed construction on a new air traffic control tower championed by State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson.

“This completed project shows our commitment to reinvigorating our infrastructure for the next generation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I am happy to see the project completed just in time for the holiday travel season.”

The new tower not only will increase safety at the airport, but it will benefit airspace in the entire region, which includes Midway and O’Hare international airports, as well as provide enhanced training for aviation students at Lewis University. As the first air traffic control tower in Will County, it also will foster economic opportunity and new transport options in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state.

“Will County is one of the fastest growing areas in our state and we need to match that growth with investments in infrastructure,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “Our future pilots will benefit from better security and communication that the tower will provide.”

The majority of the funding for this tower came from the historic Rebuild Illinois bipartisan infrastructure plan, which is investing a total of $150 million in aviation.

The new tower is set to open on December 1, 2022.

PLAINFIELD – The holiday season is among us, and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is collecting toys for underprivileged children across Will County.

“Many of us take for granted our ability to give and receive gifts during the holidays – but the reality is, hundreds of children in our community go without them each year,” said Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This season, let’s not just think about our own families, but the families around us.”

Loughran Cappel’s office – located at 2009 Illinois Route 59 in Plainfield – will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off location now through Dec. 16. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. The toys will be gifted to children in need throughout the holiday months.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute toys as Christmas gifts to children in the community.

For more information, call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.