CREST HILL – With strong support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Stepping Stones Treatment Center is set to receive $240,000 to help address physical construction and accessibility needs.

“Stepping Stones plays an important role in our community by providing treatment services for those in need,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This strong investment allows the center to grow and continue making a positive impact on residents in Joliet and across Will County.”

A total of $14 million was awarded to 70 human services providers across the state through the Human Services Capital Investment Grant program. The program was designed to prioritize disproportionately impacted areas, the expansion of human services, and to address fire prevention and mitigation.

Stepping Stones in Joliet professionally treats addiction, anxiety, depression and dual diagnosis. The $240,000 grant will be used to expand treatment service physical capacity by 34 people and meet all ADA and safety compliance standards to ensure a safe, healthy environment for staff and clients. With the funding, the center will add beds and a kitchen for the two extended care units, replace its outdated HVAC system and degraded exterior siding and windows, update its electrical system to meet safety compliance requirements, and remodel two bathrooms.

Click here for a full list of Human Services Capital Investment Grant program recipients.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is inviting local residents to ask questions about state resources and provide feedback on legislative priorities at her upcoming Coffee and Conversation event on April 14.

“Being accessible to residents is of the utmost importance,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Our monthly chats ensure that I know the best way to represent the 49^th District as your voice in Springfield. Join me for a cup of coffee and meaningful conversations.”

The event will be held Friday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Troy Public Library located at 650 Deerwood Dr. in Shorewood.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – To continue her fight to address the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure that would remove the number of days short term substitute teachers can be in the classroom and application fees for teaching licenses, which passed the Senate Thursday.

“As a former special education teacher, I know the struggle of finding substitute teachers, especially with the ever-growing teacher shortage,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve heard from superintendents in the 49^th District and across the state that are desperately trying to find substitute teachers. This is one step we can take to further address the teacher shortage.”

Senate Bill 2236 would remove the number of days for short-term substitute teachers to teach in the classroom – allowing them to spend more time in the classroom if needed. Current law prohibits short term substitute teachers from teaching more than 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher.

The Loughran Cappel-led measure also removes application fees for teaching licenses. The current application fee for professional educator licenses and educator licenses are $100, substitute teaching license are $50 and short term substitute teaching license are $25.

“Teachers work every day to educate our kids,” Loughran Cappel said. “We have to remove the barriers schools are facing and streamline the process as we continue fighting to end the teacher shortage.”

Senate Bill 2236 passed the Senate with a vote of 57-0 and now heads to the House of Representatives. 

SPRINGFIELD – Consumers would be given clear notice before they enter contracts that automatically renew under a measure State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supports.

“Many of us have subscriptions from streaming services to phone contracts,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Most contracts are regularly renewed, often times without clear consent. Consumers need to be aware before they are automatically renewed.”

Senate Bill 328 would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. The Loughran Cappel-backed measure would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

“We can’t let big businesses continue to take advantage of consumers by automatically subscribing them,” Loughran Cappel said. “Closing the loopholes many find a way around increases transparency for consumers.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.