SPRINGFIELD – Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We have seen the benefits pets can give to our veterans,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship and many have a special bond with their pets. Providing the resources to improve our veteran’s health and overall happiness was the driving force behind this law.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet are important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness, and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

“It’s a small way to thank, appreciate, honor and show our support for the sacrifices veterans have made,” said Loughran Cappel.

House Bill 2500 was signed into law Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a staunch supporter of education, supported a new law requiring the option for full-day kindergarten across the state.

“Research shows the positive impact of getting kids in the classroom at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Creating access to education at every level is significant to set students up to be lifelong learners.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional child care, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. The Loughran Cappel-backed law provides full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.

“Full-day kindergarten will give parents peace of mind knowing their child is in a stable learning environment preparing them for early elementary school,” said Loughran Cappel. “I was proud to support expanding access to full-day kindergarten for families across the state, giving students every opportunity they deserve.”

House Bill 2396 was signed into law Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County will have a better understanding of what state programs are available under a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Grandparents often take on the role of raising their grandchildren,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We’re streamlining the process so they have a direct, local contact to connect with about the resources available.”

The new law creates the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County which will designate an intake coordinator to collect resources offered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Department of Healthcare and Family Services and State Board of Education, and provide coordination and education services at Senior Service Centers to serve Will County residents.

Loughran Cappel’s law requires the intake coordinator to be knowledgeable about the Extended Family Support Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Children’s Health Insurance Program and be a designated point of contact at each agency within 14 days of appointment.

An annual report will be required to be submitted to the General Assembly including the number of families who received referrals to relevant services, specific services each family was referred to and received, and related information regarding frequency of calls and visits to the coordinator's office in the previous calendar year.

“Together, State Representative Natalie Manley and I want grandparents who raise their grandchildren to have a better understanding of what resources are available right here in Will County,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is a way to address the needs of caretakers while also helping our youth succeed on a path towards a bright future.”

House Bill 780 was signed into law Wednesday.

CREST HILL – The Village of Plainfield will receive over $437,000 in funding from the Illinois EPA to replace lead water service lines, announced State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“By investing in the replacement of lead service lines, we are taking proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This funding will ensure Plainfield residents are protected against potential health risks that come with lead exposure.”

The Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund provides low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects. The Village of Plainfield will receive $437,521 and anticipates replacing lead services lines along Bartlett Avenue and Evans, Amboy and Center Streets.

Many older homes still have lead service lines. Lead, a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, can enter drinking water when pipes or fixtures corrode. Replacing lead service lines will help reduce residents’ exposure to lead.

Additional information is available on the Illinois EPA website.