SHOREWOOD – Legislation championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood)  that will end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees was signed into law Friday.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Cracking down on predatory practices of all types will continue to be a priority of mine in the General Assembly.”

House Bill 122 will end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

This concern was raised by a constituent of House sponsor Rep. Dan Didech (D-Buffalo Grove) following publication of a news article which profiled a California family facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. Similar action has already been taken to prevent this sort of situation in the state of New York.

"The last thing grieving family members should be concerned about is whether or not they will be stuck with their recently deceased loved one's cell phone bill,” Didech said. “HB 122 ensures that decency and respect for struggling families will take priority over corporate greed. I am pleased that Sen. Loughran Cappel and I were able to make this important consumer protection a reality."

JOLIET – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosted a town hall in Joliet Tuesday evening to give local residents a legislative update and receive feedback on important issues in the community.

“I’m grateful to the community members who took the time to come speak with us and ask us the hard questions,” Connor said. “These discussions are not only my favorite part of being a legislator, they’re vital to the legislative process and ensuring that local needs and interests are brought to the table in Springfield.”

At the event, Senators Connor and Loughran Cappel updated residents on legislation that they worked on in the spring, and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions about issues that were important to them.

“It’s always a pleasure to get together with the people we represent and get to the heart of what matters most to them,” Loughran Cappel said. “I’m proud to be able to represent such a vibrant community, and I can’t stress how important their feedback is. The work I do every day, both here at home and down in Springfield, is shaped by the members of our community and the issues that are impacting them.”

Residents gathered at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library to bring their concerns to the senators. Those who were unable to attend can stay up to date with the senators and their legislative work by visiting their websites: SenatorConnor.com and SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) attended Outdoor Storytime at the Fountaindale Public Library Thursday evening to read books to children and promote their book club opportunities.

“Reading is absolutely vital for kids of all ages,” Connor said. “The opportunity to sit down with kids from our community and help instill a love of books was an honor, and I’m grateful to the Fountaindale Library for facilitating these opportunities through their Outdoor Storytime series.”

The Fountaindale Public Library has been serving the Bolingbrook and Romeoville areas, as well as surrounding communities, since 1970. In addition to offering a large selection of books at both its brick-and-mortar location as well as through its newly-updated bookmobile, the library hosts various events for community members of all ages. A full calendar of events and list of services can be found on the library’s website.

“An active public library can serve as a pillar of any community,” Loughran Cappel said. “The people at the Fountaindale Public Library have demonstrated a commitment to providing students with programs that help them stay sharp over the summer and I am grateful for their leadership.”

Connor and Loughran Cappel also took the opportunity to remind kids that they can still join their summer book clubs. Children in the community have until August 11 to read eight books of their choice and return a form signed by a parent, guardian, or other important adult to their senator’s office to receive a special reward. Printable book club forms can be accessed at SenatorConnor.com or SenatorLoughranCappel.com. Anyone with questions can reach out to Senator Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445 or Senator Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119.

JOLIET – To provide constituents with a legislative update and give them the opportunity to shape policy decisions in Springfield going forward, State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and John Connor (D-Lockport) will host a joint town hall event in Joliet next week.

“Constituent feedback is critical to the legislative process,” Loughran Cappel said. “The needs and wants of those we represent ought to drive the work we do in Springfield, and I look forward to hearing more from folks about the issues affecting their daily lives.”

“Sitting down with members of our community at a town hall is one of the aspects of my job I look forward to most,” Connor said. “I’m optimistic for a great turnout and excited to discuss how I can best bring local interests to the table in Springfield.”

What: Town hall event

When: 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 20

Where: Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

Who: State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport)