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.

JOLIET – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch on Monday, June 13 to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49th District.

“It’s my top priority to serve as a resource for all of you to ensure community needs are met,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I hope people take advantage of our traveling office hours to receive state services and voice their concerns on issues that matter most to our community.”

The event will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet.