SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a new law signed Friday that gives residents a new option to support families of first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

“First responders are always the first to arrive on the scene of a stressful and draining situation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By creating this option, we are supporting the children and families of these brave individuals who have sacrificed everything to keep us safe.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state.

The law is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents in Illinois will have additional access to mental and behavioral health specialists, under a new state law supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. 

“The shortage of behavioral health care professionals has put residents living with mental health issues at risk,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law will help address the shortage and ensure there are enough providers for people to get the help that they need.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Because of this gap, many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely.

JOLIET – To give people the opportunity to ask questions, interact with their neighbors and get updates about what’s going on in the community, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is inviting residents to attend her monthly Coffee and Conversation event.

“The best part of being an elected official is getting to know the members of the community, but the pandemic has made it more difficult to connect with each other,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Friday, June 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. 

SPRINGFIELD – To help the Illinois State Police reduce the rise in unsolved carjackings, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a new measure that will give additional counties across the state more access to funding for expressway cameras.

“It’s vital that we protect people who travel on our roads,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Expanding access to camera technology will equip our law enforcement officials with the tools they need to help reduce crime.”

Cameras are an important resource for law enforcement to investigate crimes that occur on the road. Under current law, the Illinois Department of Transportation must use revenue from the Road Fund to fund any cameras on expressways under their jurisdiction.