JOLIET – To provide constituents with a legislative update and give them the opportunity to shape policy decisions in Springfield going forward, State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and John Connor (D-Lockport) will host a joint town hall event in Joliet next week.

“Constituent feedback is critical to the legislative process,” Loughran Cappel said. “The needs and wants of those we represent ought to drive the work we do in Springfield, and I look forward to hearing more from folks about the issues affecting their daily lives.”

“Sitting down with members of our community at a town hall is one of the aspects of my job I look forward to most,” Connor said. “I’m optimistic for a great turnout and excited to discuss how I can best bring local interests to the table in Springfield.”

What: Town hall event

When: 6 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 20

Where: Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

Who: State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport)

SHOREWOOD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batinick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active was signed into law today.

“Reckless driving should be discouraged everywhere, but especially around our students,” Loughran Cappel said. “This expansion of safety guidelines to accommodate the busy schedules of students represents a commitment to public safety across the state.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

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Will County, Ill.  – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Senator John Connor are partnering with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Workforce Center of Will County to host a series of workshops to provide local residents with the tools necessary for a successful job search.

“As we move through the waning days of the pandemic, we expect to see our state’s employment numbers continue to rise,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).“By doing our part to provide resources for local job seekers through partnerships with entities like IDES and the Workforce Center of Will County, Illinois can re-emerge with one of our nation’s strongest economies.”

“When our workforce is strong, our economy flourishes,” said Connor (D-Lockport).“Programs like these are crucial to rebuilding our state post-pandemic and ensuring that Illinoisans looking for work have the resources necessary to take advantage of opportunities that come their way.”

Workshops will be centered on the topics of searching for jobs, interview preparation, and career changes. They will be held on the following dates:

• July 13, 10:00 a.m. – Master Your Job Search: A review of basic job search techniques, including networking, how to use the Internet to conduct your job search, and salary negotiation.
• July 20, 10:00 a.m. – Career Information Systems (CIS): For those preparing for a career change, returning to the workforce after a break in employment, or both. CISJR features job search resources, career planning guidance, and then connects you to Illinois Job Link – the Illinois Labor Exchange system – to see actual jobs posted by Illinois employers. Use Jobseeker Success Mindset Training to help overcome potential barriers to reemployment and find your new career direction.
• July 27, 10:00 a.m. – Online Interview Workshop: Learn how to prepare for a virtual or in-person job interview so you will be confident and ready to make a positive impression

People interested in attending these free events must register and can do so by calling Senator Loughran Cappel’s District Office at (815) 267-6119, Senator Connor’s district office at (815) 207-4445, and by visiting either www.senatorloughrancappel.com or www.senatorconnor.com.

PLAINFIELD – Gracie Benstine, a recent graduate of Oswego High School, was one of just five students statewide selected by the Illinois Conservation Foundation to receive the Conservation Achievement Scholarship, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Friday.

Benstine was chosen for the $2,000 scholarship because of her dedication to environmental protection in her community.

“Positive change always starts at the local level,” Loughran Cappel said. “In order to curb the very real effects of climate change, we need more people like Gracie Benstine to lead the way in our communities.”

Volunteering at a community food pantry garden, Benstine composted natural fertilizer, collected rainwater, and helped provide 2,000 pounds of produce for families in need. As a member of the local Student Leadership Initiative Program and the National Honor Society, Benstine also helped remove invasive plants at local forest preserves, participated in cleanups along the Fox River, raised money for tree planting efforts, and organized student-to-student efforts to study and combat impacts of climate change.

“Gracie’s long list of accomplishments speak for themselves, and I could not be more proud of her for taking the initiative to make a difference in her community,” Loughran Cappel said.

Benstine’s nominators praised her community service ethic and student leadership roles. Benstine plans to attend Augustana College in Rock Island.

More information on the scholarship program and a list of other recipients can be found on ICF’s website.