PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host a virtual Theft and Scams Prevention Workshop with the office of the Illinois comptroller Wednesday.

The hour-long workshop, which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 12 p.m., will inform residents of the best practices to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, scams and identity theft

It will be livestreamed through State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s Facebook Page, which can be found at @SenatorMegLoughranCappel.

“The pandemic has opened more opportunities for scammers to take advantage of residents,” Loughran Cappel said. “Join our informative virtual seminar from the comfort of your own home to learn about signs to look out for, and resources to take advantage of if you fall victim.”

From phishing emails to illegal robocalls, scammers are getting creative with how they take advantage of their victims. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made these issues worse, with some scammers asking people to give their bank account information to receive fraudulent checks, invest in fake companies and more.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to reach out to her office with questions or concerns at 815-267-6119. If someone is unable to watch the livestream of the workshop a recording will be accessible on her Facebook Page account at a later date.

PLAINFIELD – In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors in the 49^th District, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood)  invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines to support seniors.

“This is one small way to brighten the day for our seniors,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge area residents of all ages to take a few minutes to make or buy a Valentine’s Day card to make sure our seniors know we are thinking of them during these winter months.”

Loughran Cappel is encouraging churches, schools and community members in the region to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to her district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various senior facilities in the 49^th District.

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Thursday, Feb. 10. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at Loughran Cappel’s office or mail them to:

Senator Loughran Cappel

2009 S. Route 59

Plainfield, IL  60586

For more information, residents can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office is starting off the new year with traveling office hours at the Troy-Shorewood Public Library on Friday, Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. – noon to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49th 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.

“Government works best when we are easily accessible and accountable to the people who live in our communities,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge folks who need assistance accessing state and local resources to stop by and find out about new programs and services available.”

Previous traveling office hours have been hosted in Naperville, Oswego and Bolingbrook.

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 to take her legislative survey.

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.