JOLIET – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will hold office hours at the Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch on Thursday, Dec. 21 to provide residents with the chance to receive help and ask pertinent questions.

“My office is here to help with local issues, state resources and more,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As we head into the new year, it’s important for my office to be accessible across the 49^th District.”

The event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch, located at 3395 Black Rd. in Joliet.

This is a free event, and is an effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to assist residents with resources they may need from the state, as well as to provide a range of dates, times and locations that will increase accessibility.

With questions or concerns, people can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans will be able to adopt a pet without paying fees on Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship, and we have seen the benefits pets can give veterans including improved health and overall happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s new law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

“This new law is a small way to show our veterans we appreciate them,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will always be an advocate for uplifting our armed forces, and I was proud to pass legislation that extends our sincere gratitude for their sacrifices, giving them an opportunity to adopt a pet without worrying about the fees.”

House Bill 2500 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a measure to help modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process that was signed into law Friday.

“We are streamlining the licensure process, ensuring professionals can get to work and residents are not hampered by the availability of essential services in our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Recently, we have seen health care workforce shortages across the state. We are directly addressing the issue head on by making the process more efficient and effective.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers licenses for over 100 professions in Illinois including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel encourages area residents, service organizations, schools and individuals to support the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 2023 Operation Rising Spirit in writing letters of appreciation to honor our former service members currently residing in state veterans’ homes.

“Our veterans who receive holiday letters are reminded of our gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of our nation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The thoughtful effort in writing a letter allows us to share our joy and support, letting these local heroes know they are valued and loved.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“Operation Rising Spirit serves as a tribute to the individuals who protected us and connects them to the community,” said Loughran Cappel. “I invite all residents to recognize our former service members in writing them a letter this holiday season.”

Participants can mail letters directly to IDVA or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 S. Spring St.

Springfield, IL 62794-9432