SPRINGFIELD – Consumers would be given clear notice before they enter contracts that automatically renew under a measure State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supports.

“Many of us have subscriptions from streaming services to phone contracts,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Most contracts are regularly renewed, often times without clear consent. Consumers need to be aware before they are automatically renewed.”

Senate Bill 328 would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. The Loughran Cappel-backed measure would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

“We can’t let big businesses continue to take advantage of consumers by automatically subscribing them,” Loughran Cappel said. “Closing the loopholes many find a way around increases transparency for consumers.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

CREST HILL – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

The free event will be available to drivers Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plainfield Law Enforcement Multi Purpose Room located at 14300 S. Coil Plus Dr. in Plainfield.

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people utilize these important state services,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this convenient way to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 7, 2025.

In addition, Loughran Cappel invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

CREST HILL – The Village of Romeoville is set to receive nearly $160,000 to support workers impacted by plant or mine retirements established under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act with strong support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“The communities affected by CEJA, like Romeoville, deserve investments to help ease the transition to a limited emissions energy economy,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to uplift the local economies that were impacted and continue investing so our working families aren’t left to fend for themselves.”

The $40 million program was designed to meet the needs of individual localities by addressing the economic and social impacts of plant closures. The $158,155 coming to Romeoville can be used on a variety of initiatives and investments, including workforce initiatives, housing support, business attraction efforts and more.

As part of the program, Romeoville will develop detailed plans for the grant funding – which includes stakeholder engagement, a detailed project design and budget which outlines specific intended uses for the funds. The community stakeholder engagement process is a critical element designed to ensure grantees solicit community input and consult with a diverse set of stakeholders to best support those most impacted by energy transitions.

To learn more about the Energy Transition Community Grant Program, click here.

ROMEOVILLE – Whether it’s questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel loves sitting down with local residents to reflect on how she can best serve the 49th District. During a Coffee and Conversation event on March 16, Loughran Cappel invites the community to join her at the White Oak Library in Romeoville to chat.

“I want to make myself easily accessible for residents across the district,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The best way for me to efficiently and effectively do my job is to meet with people face-to-face and take in their concerns. Join me for a cup of coffee and conversations.”

The event will be held Thursday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the White Oak Library located at 201 West Normantown Road in Romeoville.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.