WILL COUNTY, Ill. – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Three organizations in Will County have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson announced Friday.  

“Every person – no matter their ZIP code or economic status – should have access to essential health care needs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure we are putting the state on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

ARISE for Will County, Junior Medic LLC, and Coordinated Care Alliance Will County are three of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Health inequities and lack of access to care were brought to the forefront during the pandemic,” said Mattson (D-Joliet) “No person should have to struggle without basic necessities like food, medications and other resources. This initiative will help combat those health inequities head on.”

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ARISE intends to support socio-economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities outside of Cook County that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Further, organizations will be able to address enduring health inequities in their communities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The selected ARISE Community Equity Zone communities will engage in a rigorous “learning-and-doing” capacity building program to advance health equity in the short, medium and long term. The community coalitions will address inequities in mental, physical and social well-being in communities that are experiencing the brunt of these disparities by connecting people to vaccinations, food, and other well-being needs. They will also address underlying community needs such as humane housing, reliable transportation, and the root causes of these inequities, including racism and poverty.

To learn more about the ARISE initiative, people can visit www.weintheworld.org/arise-project.

PLAINFIELD – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a Youth Advisory Board, which is accepting applications through Nov. 1.

“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 no later than Nov. 1. Applicants will be selected Nov. 15 and the first meeting will be Dec. 7. This class of members of the Youth Advisory Board will hold their positions until May 2023.

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

To apply, students can visit https://bit.ly/3COUmcG. People can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 with questions.

SHOREWOOD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel highlights the importance of manufacturers in Illinois.

“Manufacturing drive ours region’s economy,” said Loughran Cappel. “Careers in manufacturing are the jobs of tomorrow. The 49^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care. 

During the last legislative session, Loughran Cappel supported a number of measures to support and grow manufacturing in Illinois such as the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act that provides a range of tax credits for semiconductor, microchip and component part manufacturers to support new employee training while also encourage companies to develop operations in underserved communities and energy transition areas.

“The MICRO Act strengthens the in-state supply of semiconductors, microchips and their component parts and increase availability for manufacturing production nationwide,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is another way to put Illinois on the map as a top supplier.”

To learn more about careers in manufacturing residents can visit http://rcc6test.richland.edu/workforce.

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding residents that today, Oct. 17, is the last day for them to apply for income and property tax rebates as part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“As the back-to-school season ends and the holiday season approaches, many families are strapped for cash,” said Loughran Cappel. “These rebates can make all the difference for working families, but we can’t provide them with their well-deserved rebate without having their information on file.”

Supported by Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates. People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate – otherwise they have until today, Oct. 17, to do so.

Many Illinois taxpayers began receiving checks last month, but just because someone hasn’t received their refund, doesn’t mean they haven’t filed the proper forms. The comptroller’s office said it could take up to eight weeks to receive a rebate. People can check their status by clicking here and select “Where’s My Rebate?” A person will need to have your IL-PIN number to check the status. To find an IL-PIN number, click here and select “IL-PIN Inquiry.”

Under the Loughran Cappel-backed Illinois Family Relief Plan, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

“We are working to put your money back in your pocket,” Loughran Cappel said. “Make sure to check your status and file any missing forms to ensure you get the dollars you are owed.”

For additional information, visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates or call 1-800 732-8866 or 217-782-3336.