SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, grieving family members will have one less task to worry about, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

Loughran Cappel’s law ends early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

“While a family is grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing they want to deal with is pesky utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “The new law will end this unfair practice and protect working families from unnecessary bills.”

This issue was raised by an Illinois resident after reading a news article highlighting a California family who was facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. New York passed a similar law.

“Enacting this new law sends a signal that Illinois is leading by taking a proactive approach to consumer protection,” Loughran Cappel said.

The legislation passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.  The law, now Public Act 102-0112, takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Naperville Public Library on Monday, Dec. 13 from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“We remain committed to ensuring our office is easily accessible to residents throughout the area” Loughran Cappel said. “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,”

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Will and Kendall County residents to shop, think and buy local this holiday season.

As families kick off their shopping this year, Loughran Cappel is reminding residents to frequent local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27.

“Successful local businesses generate endless opportunities to grow and develop our local economy,” Loughran Cappel said. “Our entrepreneurs make investments in our communities every day, now it is our time to invest in them.”

Forbes reported that 78% of the small businesses surveyed said holiday sales will impact their ability to continue business next year with more than half saying holiday sales need to be better or above average to succeed.

To highlight small businesses in the 49^th District, Loughran Cappel is reminding local businesses to invite her to tour their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from restaurants to medical offices.

“Our small businesses are resilient and have adopted creative business practices to combat the pandemic,” Loughran Cappel said. “I look forward to meeting with local business owners to discuss their challenges and ways the state can be a partner in revitalizing our business community.” 

Business owners visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to sign up for a meeting. Once an application is received, a member of Loughran Cappel’s team will reach out with additional details.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com with questions and concerns.

PLAINFIELD – To lift up area residents in need of a helping hand this holiday season, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is hosting a collection drive to benefit Guardian Angel Community Services until Nov. 30.

Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 2009 S. Route 59 in Plainfield will serve as a drop off location until the end of the collection drive.

“Giving back is small way we can all make a big difference in our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “While you are out shopping this holiday season, take a moment to think of our neighbors who may need some extra assistance during these cold months.”

A few high-demand items include:

• Ladies’ winter jackets (all sizes)
• Children’s hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Ladies’ hats/gloves/scarves (all sizes)
• Mini first aid kits
• Ladies’ long sleeve t-shirts (all sizes)

For a complete list of items, visit the Guardian Angel Community Services website at www.gacsprograms.org.

There will also be opportunities for those interested in donating to drop off items with Loughran Cappel and her staff at her Joliet Coffee and Conversation on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in Meeting Room F at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch (3395 Black Rd., Joliet) and Oswego Traveling Office Hours on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.at the Oswego Public Library (32 W. Jefferson St., Oswego).

For more information about Guardian Angel Community Services visit www.gacsprograms.org.