SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday that would ensure customers get a discount when supermarkets put products on sale.

“Right now, shoppers are only seeing the final price of an item that’s being scanned at the supermarket,” Loughran Cappel said. “This leaves customers often confused as to whether or not they received their sale price because the screen only shows the final price.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. 

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host a Facebook Live with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Tuesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. to share details about programs within the treasurer’s office, including the popular I-Cash program.

“The treasurer’s office has a great team that educates Illinoisans about their programs including helping people find their unclaimed funds,” Loughran Cappel said. “This online event will be an excellent resource for residents that may have unclaimed property, have questions about college savings, or are interested in learning more about our state’s investments.”

Frerichs’ office protects consumers by safeguarding more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed property, encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, assisting people with disabilities save without losing government benefits, and removing barriers to a secure retirement.

“We know when we get money back in the hands of residents it does more good for our economy than sitting in a bank,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. “If you cannot join us, please visit our website today at illinoistreasurer.gov/ICASH and find out if you or someone you know has cash or property to claim.”

The virtual event will be streamed live on Sen. Loughran Cappel’s Facebook page.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans may be eligible for a significant discount on their registration fee thanks to a measure introduced by State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“We know the rising cost of living has made it difficult for a lot of people to afford the things they need,” Loughran Cappel said. “These expanded benefits help some of our most vulnerable residents save money.”

Loughran Cappel’s proposal would reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) spearheaded two measures out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday that would help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.

“Our schools need our help, now more than ever,” said Senate Education Committee Vice-Chair Loughran Cappel. “As schools continue to struggle to find substitute teachers, there is a great amount of pressure being placed on teachers, which is in turncausing learning disruptions for students.”

According to a survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 90% of Illinois schools are currently experiencing staffing shortages. Loughran Cappel introduced House Bill 4246 to address the issue, which would reduce the renewal fees for substitute teachers’ licenses to $50 instead of $500.