PLAINFIELD – To give residents the chance to discuss their concerns and ideas, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will hold an outdoor Coffee and Conversation event.

“Community feedback gives me a better idea of how I can best serve those I represent,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my goal to be as helpful and accommodating as I possibly can, and I look forward to seeing how my office can continue to be helpful moving forward.”

The event will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Boy Scout Park Pavilion in Plainfield.

This is an outdoor event, so masks will not be required and social distancing will be observed. With questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

PLAINFIELD– In an effort to promote local businesses and assist recovery efforts, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewod) is interested in touring small business tours within the 49^th District.

“Businesses are still struggling and recovery efforts are still ongoing, so it is more important than ever to support our local shops,” Loughran Cappel said. “Through these tours local businesses will be highlighted by my office and hopefully receive a much needed boost in traffic.”

Loughran Cappel launched an application process to tour restaurants, retail, and businesses that provide personal services, such as barber shops and salons. Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application here. Once the application is received, a member of Sen. Loughran Cappel’s team will respond with additional details.

Representatives of businesses with questions can call Sen. Loughran Cappel’s office at (815) 267-6119 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that would improve financial preparedness among Illinois students was signed into law Friday.

“A major part of our responsibility as educators is to prepare kids for life beyond the classroom,” Loughran Cappel said. “Applicable, real life skills ought to receive greater attention in the classroom, and it is my pledge to continue finding ways to address these critical gaps in our curriculum.”

Senate Bill 1830 allows either one year, or a semester, of a financial literacy course to count toward the social studies requirement to graduate high school.

In a study conducted by USA TODAY, of those who attended college, only 41% said they received enough information in college to build good financial habits, and 30% said their high school education did so. When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, financial topics were at the top of the list.

This legislation is effective immediately.

PLAINFIELD – Local pet and businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a pet expo hosted by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“The joy and support pets can provide on a daily basis cannot be underestimated,” Loughran Cappel said. “This expo will display a diverse array of animals that people of all ages can enjoy spending their time with.”

The expo is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Clow Stephens Dog Park, 16676 S. Lily Cache Road, Plainfield, IL, and is free. Area residents will be provided educational opportunities and resources while enjoying time with animals at the event.

"As a dog owner, I know firsthand the unconditional love that our pets show us," Connor said.  "This is an opportunity for community members to return that love with a morning of fun for their furry friends."

Local pet businesses are invited to showcase their services and provide information to attendees. Interested businesses can apply by visiting Senator Connor or Senator Loughran Cappel’s websites, SenatorConnor.com and SenatorLoughranCappel.com. Registration is free, and approved participants will receive confirmation at a later date.

More information is available from Senator Connor’s office at 815-207-4445 or Senator Loughran Cappel’s offices at 815-267-6119.