CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.

“Senator Cappel represents what we need more of in the legislature, business-minded leaders that achieve results that benefit Illinois communities,” said Lou Sandoval, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. “It is an honor to present her with this award and we look forward to continuing our work with the senator in the upcoming session.”

For more information, visit the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s website.

BOLINGBROOK – Local residents are invited to join State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel for a cup of coffee and conversations on Sept. 24, where she will discuss with attendees how she can best serve her district.

“Each and every month, I look forward to hearing from residents about what I can do to help them,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Having direct conversations with residents is a great way for me to better understand the issues they care about.”

The free event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Charlie’s Restaurant, located at 130 Clow International Parkway in Bolingbrook.

Monthly Coffee and Conversations serve as open forums for community members to share their concerns and talk with the senator about state issues. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

People with questions or concerns can contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Loughran Cappel will get more teachers in the classroom, continuing her commitment of addressing the ongoing teacher shortage.

“Every year we have taken necessary steps to tackle the teacher shortage, getting more educators in the classroom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “People who want to be teachers need support and encouragement. We can’t risk losing aspiring educators – we need to ensure they can get their licenses without delays.”

House Bill 5057 allows those applying for teaching licenses to take content area tests before, during and after student teaching. Loughran Cappel’s law will ensure applicants receive their license in a timely manner.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect youth from the dangers of vaping, e-cigarettes will no longer be shipped to Illinois under a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“The internet has made it very easy for kids to get vapes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Manufacturers are making e-cigarettes look like school supplies, making it difficult for teachers to decipher if it’s a vape or not. After hearing from local elected officials who were seeing an uptick in the usage of vapes in schools, it was clear we had to put guardrails in place to protect kids from the dangers of smoking.”

Senate Bill 3098 prohibits electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s law came in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters.