SHOREWOOD – Legislation that would end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is the lead Senate sponsor of the measure.

“Grieving families have enough on their plate without having to worry about being saddled with wrongful utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “Ending the practice of charging next of kin in the event of an untimely death is a simple solution that I am proud to support.”

House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

This concern was raised by a constituent of House sponsor Rep. Dan Didech following publication of a news article which profiled a California family facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. Similar action has already been taken to prevent this sort of situation in the state of New York.

“It is encouraging to see similar measures being taken to close this loophole in other states,” Loughran Cappel said. “Enacting this legislation sends a signal that Illinois is leading by taking a proactive approach to consumer protection.”

This legislation now awaits the governor’s approval.

SHOREWOOD – Additional improvements to local roads and bridges are set to commence in 2022 thanks to the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced.

The plan, passed in 2019, will provide residents with faster commutes, safer intersections, and fewer potholes.

“The Rebuild Illinois plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” Loughran Cappel said. “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

2022 will see the commencement of six projects totaling $49,252,000 across the 49^th District. Projects include:

• Rehabilitation and repaving along I-55 in Shorewood, Joliet, and Romeoville
• Reconstruction along US 30/143^rd Street in Plainfield
• Pavement along US 52/Jefferson Street in Joliet and Shorewood
• Bridge replacement and construction along Theodore Street in Joliet

These projects are a part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, which outlines $20.7 billion in statewide construction projects for the next six fiscal years through Rebuild Illinois. Of that total, $3.32 billion will be invested in statewide projects that begin in 2022, spurring the state’s COVID-19 recovery effort.

“As we enter our post-COVID future, job creation must be a priority,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

For a complete list of upcoming projects in the 49^th District, visit IDOT’s website.

SHOREWOOD – Legislation that would end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees unanimously passed the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is the lead sponsor of the measure.

“As most of us unfortunately know, losing a loved one is emotionally and financially taxing,” Loughran Cappel said. “People in this circumstance have suffered enough and should not be shouldered with additional costs following a loss.”

House Bill 122 would end early termination fees for utility customers who died before the end of a contract.

“This is a simple way we can continue to look out for the best interests of consumers in Illinois,” Loughran Cappel said.

This legislation will now be considered before the full Senate.

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is offering congratulations to over 200 local high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“Over the past year, our students were faced with more things working against them than they deserved,” Loughran Cappel said. “Despite these obstacles, they excelled through a global pandemic, and I am so proud of their progress.”

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

Scholars from the 49^th District include students from five area high schools, including Oswego High School, Joliet Catholic Academy, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield East High School, Plainfield North High School.

“As a mother and former educator, I know just how crucial quality schools are to a young person’s growth,” Loughran Cappel said. “We are lucky to live in an area served by schools with such an excellent track record fostering successful students.”

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.