Loughran Cappel sworn in to continue fight for education, mental health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel was sworn into office Wednesday for another term in the Illinois Senate.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I am proud to continue being a voice in Springfield for the residents of the 49^th District,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I will continue working through the challenges our communities face and will fight to better the lives of the people in Illinois.”

Loughran Cappel has represented the 49^th District since her appointment in 2020. The district includes parts of Will County including communities such as Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Joliet.

Loughran Cappel has championed many legislative issues, such as addressing the teacher shortage, providing funding for statewide breast cancer services, creating the Children’s Mental Health Council, and strongly advocating for education. She plans to continue fighting for investments in education and mental health services, and advocate for seniors, veterans and small businesses.

Loughran Cappel strives to keep constituents updated with helpful information and resources, and encourages people to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or SenatorLoughranCappel.com/ContactUs with questions or concerns.

This week marks the start of the 103^rd General Assembly.

Loughran Cappel supports expansion of health care

• HB4664

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement after the Senate passed a measure expanding health care across Illinois:

“The passing of this legislation expands access to health care for all. This is a positive step forward to ensuring every person has the accessibility to the fundamental right of health care.

“After months of working to find the best solution, women’s care and all other health care will be protected in Illinois. I will continue to support expanding access to health care and I’m proud of the work we have done.”

Loughran Cappel reminds residents of IDOT’s winter road conditions map ahead of winter storm

PLAINFIELD – As the temperatures continue to drop, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“During the winter months, let’s make sure we are careful and patient when driving in hazardous weather,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Being aware of the weather and road conditions can keep you and your loved ones safe.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways.

“This resource gives drivers a heads up to take precautions on the roads,” Cappel said. “Residents should view the map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe when traveling.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.

Loughran Cappel remembers the life of Senator Scott Bennett

PLAINFIELD – Following the death of her friend and colleague, Scott Bennett, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel released the following statement.

“The passing of Senator Scott Bennett is a devastating loss to the Senate and to the State of Illinois. He was an incredible legislator, and I have a deep respect for his leadership both on and off the Senate floor.

“Scott was a good, upstanding man whom I looked up to. He brought humor into everything he did. I’m going to miss him as a colleague, but most of all, I’m going to miss him as a friend.

“My heart is with his family and all who knew him.”