Meg Loughran Cappel: 2024 candidate for Illinois Senate District 49

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois Senate District 49

City: Shorewood

Age: 53

Occupation: State Senator and small business owner

Previous offices held: I am the current state senator for the 49th district. Previously, I was on the JTHS School Board.

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

The current migrant crisis is a multifaceted issue that reaches far beyond Illinois. As a teacher, I know the importance of access to a quality education. Everyone deserves access to a quality, public education.

As families with children enroll in school, I’m concerned about the strain that an influx of any children might place on our teachers and education system. Ensuring these students and Illinois teachers receive the support and resources they need is going to be crucial for maintaining high-quality public education for all. I believe that it is crucial during this time that we continue to look for alternative ways to fund education and infrastructure.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

In Illinois, teachers are held to the highest ethical standards and I believe our lawmakers should be held to the same level. As a former teacher and school board member, I set a high standard for myself and for our students.

I am committed to using my voice in Springfield to continue demonstrating and advocating for ethical leadership. I believe that elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards, just like all other employees.

That’s why I voted to close the “Revolving Door” loophole, which allowed legislators to become lobbyists immediately after leaving office. I also voted to impose term limits on legislative leaders to prevent any one person from holding too much power. I will always fight for stronger ethics laws in Springfield to ensure that all elected officials are held accountable.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

I believe that voters should have access to candidates and elected officials as they are running or working on behalf of their community. I would not oppose this requirement.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

Criminal justice reform is ever changing. I want residents across the district to feel safe and secure, 24/7. The SAFE-T Act had many important pieces of reform, especially for many marginalized residents. However, there’s still more work to be done in terms of rectifying and clarifying parts. I have a strong track record of advocating for our officers and their needs.

In the senate, I've worked to recruit and retain more officers and increased funding to address issues like carjacking & retail theft. My commitment to supporting law enforcement goes beyond their active service. Pensions are a promise to our officers, and I’ll always advocate for policies that uphold this commitment. I’ve championed legislation that provides financial support for the children of fallen officers, honoring their service.

Aware of the challenges our first responders face in finding reliable & affordable child care, I passed initiatives to improve access to child care for our officers during their work hours.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

Gun violence is a complex issue with no single solution. As a former teacher, school should be the safest place for children and teens — we should not live in a world where students fear for their lives when they walk out the door. There is no place for assault style weapons in schools.

The most effective approach involves implementing practical gun safety measures, such as background checks for domestic violence and mental health, and enhancing access to mental health care.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

I am an ardent advocate for our seniors. As a caregiver, I understand that our seniors inability to drive severely limits their independence. Many seniors are on a fixed income and cannot afford to regularly utilize ride-share services and they need to be able to pick up groceries, go to doctor appointments and socialize.

It is important to include all stakeholders including Illinois seniors when discussing any changes. I would be open to changes but would need to see how the policy is written and the ramifications it would have on Illinois residents.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

After teaching special education for 10+ years, I followed my passion & became a union rep for AFT-IFT Local 604. Then in 2015, I ran for the JTHS School Board, where I worked to improve safety & technical programs. During my career, I’ve been working to be a champion for teachers & students, offering support from birth through higher education, & beyond.

Growing up in Joliet, I’ve always been passionate about giving back to my community by volunteering. In a family full of teachers, as mom of 3 & a former caregiver, I know the importance of a pension.

In Springfield, I’ve fought to protect first responders pensions. Families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table or a quality education for their kids. That’s why I’ve worked to prevent fee hikes or increases to property taxes. I’ve supported & voted to freeze the gas tax & suspend the sales tax on groceries, providing direct relief to families & I’ll continue looking for ways to ease financial hardship on families.