CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As energy costs continue to rise, I encourage residents to apply for assistance,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We are committed to helping working families and this is a great resource to take advantage of that can cut utility costs down.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

CREST HILL – To show appreciation for older adults, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a Grandparents Day event on Sept. 13 in Romeoville.

“Seniors play an important role in our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We want to show our appreciation by hosting a fun, informative event for grandparents and seniors to celebrate their hard work.”

Loughran Cappel has teamed up with State Representatives Natalie Manley and Dee Avelar, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Senior Services of Will County and the Village of Romeoville to host an event for seniors to take part in a variety of activities, access community services, and meet with local leaders to express their thoughts and concerns on state and local issues that are important to them.

The free event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 9-11 a.m. at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center located at 55 Phelps Ave. Seating is limited. Residents can call 815-723-9713 to register.

Contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 for questions.

CREST HILL – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel invites students to join her Youth Advisory Board.

“Students in high school and college are the leaders of our future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This generation is bright and innovative and their voices matter. Together, we can make Illinois a better place for all.”

Loughran Cappel’s Youth Advisory Board will meet quarterly to discuss issues that are important to young people and how she can use her position as a Senator to better serve younger generations. The board will be made up of students from local high schools and colleges.

Students interested in getting involved in state government and having their voice heard should apply for a position. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling bases and the first meeting will be Sept. 9. This class of members of the Youth Advisory Board will hold their positions until May 2024.

“The Youth Advisory Board is a great opportunity to have your voices heard and impact legislation,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some of the best pieces of legislation come from conversations I’ve had in the community.”

Students can apply here. People can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 with questions.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Plainfield Area Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49th District.

“My office is here to assist residents with any issues, share state resources and more,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I want residents to know that their voices are heard and concerns are addressed.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Plainfield Area Public Library located at 15025 S. Illinois St. in Plainfield.

This free event is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability, accessibility and assist with state resources by hosting office hours at different times, locations and days of the week to reach working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com