SHOREWOOD – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced millions in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.

“This plan is a symbol of the things that can be accomplished by a government that works together,” said Loughran Cappe (D-Shorewood). “Only good can come of prioritizing public safety and good paying jobs.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Cappel represents will see 11 infrastructure projects totaling more than $18 million over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include intersection improvement and construction engineering in Plainfield at 127^th Street.

These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.  

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Not only will these projects make our community more vibrant, it will bring forth good paying jobs,” Loughran Cappel said. “Thanks to this program, people have the opportunity to seek out a good job that can sustain them and their families for the foreseeable future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

JOLIET – Families can get their kids ready to head back to the classroom by attending Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and Representative Natalie Manley’s Back-To-School Fair Aug. 13.

The free event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch, located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and Manley (D-Joliet) will be joined by community partners who can provide resources and referrals and a team from Brookfield Zoo, who will be on site for a live animal demonstration.

“With the school year right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to have an event that serves as a central location for programs that are available for people in our community,” said Loughran Cappel.

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PLAINFIELD – The Illinois 10-day tax holiday on school supplies begins today, Aug. 5. Families and teachers can expect to have reduced shopping costs ahead of the upcoming school year, thanks to the support of Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“I know as a parent and educator, back-to-school shopping can be extremely expensive to teachers and families,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This state sales tax holiday is a small way to reduce the financial burden on the residents of Illinois.”

Loughran Cappel cosponsored the bipartisan law that lowers the state tax rate on school supplies and eligible clothes and footwear from 6.25% down to 1.25% for 10 days, which starts today, Aug. 5 and will run through Aug. 14, 2022.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to shop and think local as they go out shopping.

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PLAINFIELD – Thanks to funds distributed by the Illinois State Board of Education supported by Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, two local school districts will see a combined $100,000 for investments in education infrastructure.

“Students and teachers spend so much of their time in schools, so it’s important that their learning environments are up-to-date and safe,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These investments reflect our state’s commitment to educating our next generation of leaders.”

A total of $30 million in 2022 School Maintenance Grants was distributed to districts across the state. To be eligible for the grants, applicants were required to match the state funds and commit to completing proposed projects within two years.

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