SPRINGFIELD – Fitch Rating released a revised outlook on Illinois’ financial forecast earlier this week, a move several suburban lawmakers praise as a direct result of responsible spending.

“Despite navigating a global pandemic, we were able to cut spending by nearly $1 billion since 2020 while simultaneously meeting our pension obligations and increasing investments in K-12 education by $350 million,” said State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It is incredibly gratifying to see positive results stem from responsible budget action.”

"After years of fiscal irresponsibility and chaos under the previous governor, these rating upgrades are an example of what we can accomplish by working together to implement responsible budgets,” said State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).. “This is a vote of confidence in the future of our state.”

“Legislative actions have consequences and we are seeing the choices made by the General Assembly over the past several years yield positive results,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport).“The bottom line is that this is a concrete example of fiscal responsibility creating an incredibly bright future for our state.”

Fitch’s is the third ratings agency to upgrade the state’s forecast, in addition to Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s.

Highlights from Fitch’s analysis include:

• “Recent fiscal results and the enacted fiscal 2022 budget suggest further improvements in operating performance and structural balance in the near and medium-term that could support a return to the pre-pandemic rating or higher.”
• “Recent improvements including reduction in accounts payable and enacting plans for early retirement of federal pandemic loans, signal improvement in budget management.”
• “Broadly, the state reports a $1 billion reduction in total general fund spending for fiscal 2022 ($42.3 billion) versus the current services estimate provided in November 2020. General fund base operating spending remains flat in the fiscal 2022 enacted budget versus fiscal 2021 at $30.8 billion. Funding for K-12 and higher education is up 3%, including a $350 million increase for K-12.”

PLAINFIELD – To end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees by, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging Governor Pritzker to sign House Bill 122 into law.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people through unnecessary fees is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Governor Pritzker has the ability to immediately crack down on this predatory practice by signing a piece of legislation currently sitting on his desk. It is my hope that he will take swift action on this measure to protect Illinois families of all backgrounds.”

House Bill 122 would 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 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.

SHOREWOOD – To help kids have fun and stay engaged this summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are hosting a Summer Book Club for kids across the 49^th and 43^rd Senate Districts.

“Even though school’s out, it’s critical for students to keep their minds active,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that kids of all ages will take advantage of this opportunity to stay sharp, creative and have fun during the summer months.”

The book club requires kids to read any eight books they choose, record them on a form with a parent, guardian, or other important adult’s signature, and return the form by Aug. 11. Everyone who completes Senator Connor’s summer book club will be invited to attend an ice cream social hosted by Senator Connor at Cool Creations Homemade Ice Cream to celebrate. Those who complete Senator Loughran Cappel’s summer book club will receive a gift card to use at a local small business.

“Kids can go on all kinds of adventures this summer through books,” Connor said. “Reading over summer break can also help keep students sharp and ready to head back to class in the fall.”

Book club forms can be printed off at www.senatorlougrancappel.com orwww.senatorconnor.com. They can also be requested via mail by calling Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445 or Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119.

Residents with any further questions are welcome to call the district office.

SHOREWOOD – Plainfield and Oswego will see a combined $475,990 investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Wednesday.

“Infrastructure maintenance is important at every single level of a community,” Loughran Cappel said. “Though they can be overlooked, bike paths and walking trails are vital structures that deserve regular attention and care.”

Residents will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including Wolfs Crossing Road at Harvey Road Intersection in Oswego, and DuPage River Trail at Renwick Road in Plainfield.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Our residents are extremely fortunate to have accessible, clean trails that give everyone the chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Loughran Cappel said. “Investments such as this ensure long-term viability and encourage active lifestyles.”