SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that would improve financial preparedness among Illinois students was signed into law Friday.

“A major part of our responsibility as educators is to prepare kids for life beyond the classroom,” Loughran Cappel said. “Applicable, real life skills ought to receive greater attention in the classroom, and it is my pledge to continue finding ways to address these critical gaps in our curriculum.”

Senate Bill 1830 allows either one year, or a semester, of a financial literacy course to count toward the social studies requirement to graduate high school.

In a study conducted by USA TODAY, of those who attended college, only 41% said they received enough information in college to build good financial habits, and 30% said their high school education did so. When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, financial topics were at the top of the list.

This legislation is effective immediately.

PLAINFIELD – Local pet and businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a pet expo hosted by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“The joy and support pets can provide on a daily basis cannot be underestimated,” Loughran Cappel said. “This expo will display a diverse array of animals that people of all ages can enjoy spending their time with.”

The expo is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Clow Stephens Dog Park, 16676 S. Lily Cache Road, Plainfield, IL, and is free. Area residents will be provided educational opportunities and resources while enjoying time with animals at the event.

"As a dog owner, I know firsthand the unconditional love that our pets show us," Connor said.  "This is an opportunity for community members to return that love with a morning of fun for their furry friends."

Local pet businesses are invited to showcase their services and provide information to attendees. Interested businesses can apply by visiting Senator Connor or Senator Loughran Cappel’s websites, SenatorConnor.com and SenatorLoughranCappel.com. Registration is free, and approved participants will receive confirmation at a later date.

More information is available from Senator Connor’s office at 815-207-4445 or Senator Loughran Cappel’s offices at 815-267-6119.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is providing residents with a chance to help shape her legislative agenda moving forward through a new survey.

“The best results of the legislative process come from being informed by public opinion,” Loughran Cappel said. “I hope residents take advantage of this opportunity to make their voice heard and potentially shape my legislative agenda moving forward.”

Topics covered in the survey include small business, support for older Illinoisans, job growth, education, and public safety measures.

“Though we are seeking input on a set number of topics in this survey, folks should always feel free to reach out to my office regarding any issue they are passionate about,” Loughran Cappel said. “My staff responds to all inquiries and brings them to my attention as soon as possible.”

Residents can complete the survey at www.senatorloughrancappel.com or by visiting her official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/senatormegloughrancappel. Those with concerns not covered in the survey can reach out to her office by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the district office at (815) 267-6119.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois children will receive additional consideration during a mother’s sentencing under a proposal from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood), which was signed into law Friday.

“Making the choice to deprive a child of a mother’s love and support because of one mistake is irresponsible,” Loughran Cappel said. “Compassion ought to be a guiding light when making decisions that can alter a child’s entire life.”

To discourage further disruption of families caused by a parent going to jail, Loughran Cappel’s initiative, Senate Bill 1566, creates a weighing factor for courts to consider when determining the imprisonment time of pregnant women or women with young children in their care.

This law was the result of discussions between the Senate Women’s Caucus and First Lady Pritzker. Both parties will continue to seek to pass legislation addressing the effects on the family when an individual in that family is incarcerated.