PLAINFIELD –  State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging area residents, organizations and students to work together to write letters to veterans’ homes residents ahead of Veterans Day this year.

“Our heroes and their loved ones have sacrificed so much to protect our democratic values and freedoms,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge folks to take a few minutes out of their day to drop a quick note in the mail to show appreciation to our veterans.”

Operation Rising Spirit is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs that encourages communities to write letters to residents in the care of veterans’ homes in Illinois. At a time when isolation is at a record high, the letters are meant to extend friendly affirmation for the bravery and courage of veterans both throughout their service and the pandemic.

The effort was first launched in 2020 ahead of Veterans Day in November. The letter-writing campaign will focus on the veterans’ homes in Illinois, located in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy.

“Writing a letter may only take a few minutes but can change the day of any veteran for the better,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is a small gesture that can go a long way in honoring and recognizing the importance of our brave veterans’ dedication to our great nation.”

To send a message to a veteran or a veteran home, visit Send-a-note. Locations for each of the veterans’ homes in Illinois can be found here, where letters can be mailed.

PLAINFIELD – To increase college accessibility and affordability, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel            (D-Shorewood) is excited to announce that college-bound students can apply to all Illinois public universities through Common App.

The governor’s office and Illinois Board of Higher Education worked with the Illinois General Assembly to utilize $1 million in funding to add all public schools and a dozen private universities to the Common App system.

“Streamlining the college application process will help us keep Illinois’ best and brightest in state,” Loughran Cappel said. “Expanding opportunities for our students will help encourage them to choose Illinois’ higher education facilities as the next step in their academic journey.”

For students and families concerned about the cost of applying for college, waivers are available for low-income Common App applicants. Some colleges and universities either have no application fees or will waive fees if needed.

SPRINGFIELD – October is now known as Manufacturing Month in Illinois, thanks to State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) served as chief cosponsor of Senate Resolution 581, which allows Illinois to join other large manufacturing states in the nation to acknowledge the contributions manufacturers make to the state’s economy.

“I am glad to join the Senate in celebrating the women and men who work tirelessly to keep the shelves of our grocery stores stocked, equip our health care workers with the tools to keep Will County’s residents healthy and safe, and keep Illinois strong,” Loughran Cappel said.

Manufacturing generates more than $304 billion in economic output, which contributes the largest share of any industry in to the state’s gross domestic product. Manufacturers employ 550,000 women and men in Illinois at an average salary of $88,691, providing $52 billion in wages and benefits.

Senate Resolution 581 was adopted with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois first responders will now be honored on Oct. 28, thanks to the help of State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a measure that declares Oct. 28, 2021 First Responders Day in Illinois.

“Every day, our first responders and their families make sacrifices to serve a cause greater than themselves,” Loughran Cappel said. “This resolution is one small step we can take to highlight and honor our heroes.”

Loughran Cappel served as chief cosponsor of Senate Resolution 534 which declares Oct. 28, 2021 as First Responders Day in Illinois. The federal government has also declared the date as National First Responders Day.

“I will continue to work to ensure our first responders receive the recognition and resources they deserve for their dedication to our communities,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge residents to thank our first responders year round for their endless sacrifices to preserving our safety.”

Senate Resolution 534 was adopted with bipartisan support.