SPRINGFIELD – To honor law enforcement officers across the state, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s (D-Shorewood) proposal to make the week of May 15 to May 21, 2022 Police Appreciation Week in Illinois was adopted by the Senate Friday.

“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve the residents in our communities,” Loughran Cappel said. “They help prevent crime and provide assistance to those in need and deserve our recognition and support.”

Loughran Cappel’s proposal would recognize the dedication and sacrifice of local, state, and federal police officers and their service to the state. Additionally, the families of the state’s law enforcement officers deserve to be duly recognized for their endless sacrifices and commitment to keeping Illinois neighborhoods safe and ensuring the general welfare of society.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce recidivism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a measure to help fund mental health and substance use prevention services for incarcerated individuals and people scheduled for release from the criminal justice system.

“So many issues surrounding recidivism and our criminal justice system are rooted in mental health and substance use disorders,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ensuring our local governments can help people where it is most needed will benefit not just the incarcerated individuals, but also the community as a whole.”

Under Loughran Cappel’s plan, House Bill 4364 would create the Fund Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention Fund to create grants for local governments and public universities to provide mental health and substance use prevention to people who are incarcerated.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) joined her colleagues in the Senate and police advocates Monday to unveil a legislative package aimed at supporting law enforcement officers and improving the state’s criminal justice system.

“Each day our police officers serve our communities with courage and bravery,” Loughran Cappel said. “These brave men and women continuously show up for us, and that’s why my colleagues and I have introduced legislation to address public safety issues facing our communities today.”

To help promote fair compensation across the state, House Bill 4228 requires a county sheriffs’ salary to equal at least 80% of the county’s state’s attorney’s salary. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and help retention strategies.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon the commitment to budget in a responsible, equitable way that benefits communities in all corners of the state, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is proud to support a $1.8 billion tax relief plan that would put money back in people’s pockets.

“Too many working families struggle to afford the growing cost of raising children,” Loughran Cappel said. “That’s why my colleagues and I have brought forth this plan to help Illinois families get money back in their pockets.”

The plan outlined Friday would directly deliver relief checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.