SHOREWOOD – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel-supported Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“From pandemic losses to the increased cost-of-living, families across the state are facing financial distress,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a General Assembly, we recognized the daily struggles of hardworking people and passed a comprehensive plan to provide them with much-needed relief to help them get back on their feet.”

Supported by Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Senate championed Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three. 

Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointing – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.

People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so. 

“I want Illinois families to know they are not alone – we are in your corner to help you navigate this uncertain time,” Cappel said. “These rebates will help people with everyday expenses, like gas and groceries. However, should you choose to use it for leisure, please shop local.” 

For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.

SHOREWOOD – 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 49^th District. During a Coffee and Conversation event on Sept. 28, Cappel invites the community to join her at the Troy-Shorewood Public Library to chat.

“In order for me to be an effective leader of the community, it’s pertinent I meet with people face-to-face and take in their needs, desires and concerns,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I have found the best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible as often as possible. I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and candid conversations.”

The event will be held Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 10 to 12 p.m. at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library located at 650 Deerwood Drive in Shorewood.

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 Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SHOREWOOD – To provide residents with a secure option for shredding documents containing personal information, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel hosting two events in September to offer free, safe discarding services.

“Securely discarding vulnerable documents is a strong effort to protect yourself and your family from identity fraud,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Many of us have piles of old, unnecessary documents cluttering our homes, and I encourage families to take advantage of this free community event to safely dispose unwanted papers containing personal information.”

Cappel is hosting two free shred events during the month of September.  The first, in partnership with Representative Natalie Manley, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Grand Haven Life, located at 1520 Grand Haven Rd. in Romeoville.

The second, in partnership with Senator Eric Mattson and Representatives Dagmara Avelar and Larry Walsh, Jr. will be held on Friday, Sept 30 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Mattson's constituent services office, 20660 Canton Farm Rd. Unit D, Crest Hill.

“When it comes to protecting yourself against fraud and identity theft, you can never be too careful,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “Documents with personal information like your address, banking information or social security number should be securely shredded to keep them safe from prying eyes.”

Examples of documents with personally identifiable information that should be safely discarded include bank statement, outdated medical records, tax returns, utility bills, junk mail, credit card applications and receipts. Residents are encouraged to attend and bring no more than two boxes of documents. No electronics will be accepted.

People with questions about either event can contact Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

JOLIET – State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson helped secure $3 million to create a city square in Joliet on Chicago Street across from Rialto Square Theatre. The investment comes from the Cappel and Mattson-backed Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.

“Joliet is a vibrant community that continues to grow and attract families,” said Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Through the addition of a more centric meeting area in Joliet’s downtown area, we will captivate even more people which will in turn boost economic development and job growth for years to come.”

With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. Joliet is set to receive $3 million for the creation of a city square in Joliet.

“An investment into Joliet’s downtown is an investment into our community and the families who work and reside there,” said Mattson (D-Joliet). “Growing the downtown Joliet area and making it even more attractive and accessible will bring in more foot traffic for our local shops. This is a win for our community.”

Cappel and Mattson have been advocates for the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois program – a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities.

DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.

For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.