Cappel, Deane-Schlottman Vie For 49th District Seat: IL Election 2024

JOLIET — The voters in the State Senate 49th District will decide in Tuesday's election whether to keep incumbent Shorewood Democrat Meg Loughran Cappel in office or replace her with Katie Deane-Schlottman, the Republican challenger from Joliet.

According to the incumbent's website, "A mother of three and caregiver to her elderly father, Meg knows what it’s like living paycheck to paycheck. Meg knows firsthand how important pensions are to working families, as she and her husband, Jason—who is also a public school teacher—have paid into Illinois’ pension system their whole professional careers."

More than five years ago, her website explained, "Meg and Jason started their own small business—Elite Driving School in Shorewood—to help put her children through college and cover healthcare costs. Meg understands that many other families face the same financial challenges posed by higher education and rising healthcare costs, so Meg will take action to support working families and small businesses, while also addressing the need for access to quality, affordable healthcare."

On Oct. 28, State Senator Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” remarked Loughran Cappel. “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”

According to the press release, the Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.

“Senator Cappel represents what we need more of in the legislature, business-minded leaders that achieve results that benefit Illinois communities,” said Lou Sandoval, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. “It is an honor to present her with this award, and we look forward to continuing our work with the senator in the upcoming session.”

In August, Loughran Cappel issued a press release letting everyone know that "A new law led by State Senator Loughran Cappel will get more teachers in the classroom, continuing her commitment to addressing the ongoing teacher shortage.

“Every year we have taken necessary steps to tackle the teacher shortage, getting more educators in the classroom,” the Shorewood Democrat announced at the time of her new law. “People who want to be teachers need support and encouragement. We can’t risk losing aspiring educators – we need to ensure they can get their licenses without delays.”

House Bill 5057 allows those applying for teaching licenses to take content area tests before, during and after student teaching. Loughran Cappel’s law will ensure applicants receive their license in a timely manner, she noted.

“As a former educator, I understand the hurdles many teachers face to obtain their license,” said Loughran Cappel. “Under this law, students will be given more opportunities to thrive because we are able to get qualified teachers in the classroom more quickly, providing a stable learning environment for all.”

Deane-Schlottman Looks To Unseat Cappel

As for Loughran Cappel's challenger, "Katie Deane-Schlottman is a devoted mother of three, wife of a police officer, teacher, and proud Air Force veteran, draws deep inspiration from her father, a respected Vietnam Veteran," her campaign website touts. "His legacy motivated her to serve with dedication, leading to her election to the Will County Board in 2021. As Chairwoman of the Landfill Committee and as a member of several other key committees, Katie actively drives significant local initiatives."

If Deane-Schlottman wins the 49th District State Senate race, she announced, her top priority is fostering economic growth to create jobs and secure financial stability without burdening taxpayers. Deane-Schlottman said she wants to shape a prosperous future for Senate District 49 where her commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and community empowerment leads the way.

"Katie champions balanced budgets, responsible spending, and ethical governance. Committed to bipartisan solutions, she advocates for fair policies to address Illinois' migrant crisis and supports strong legislation to reduce crime, enhancing community safety," her website proclaims. "Her 15 years as an educator underscore her dedication to empowering the next generation through education and job and growth initatives. Her service in the US Air Force Reserve, marked by an honorable discharge, further exemplifies her values of integrity and leadership."

The Joliet Republican also lists several "priorities" on her campaign website. Deane-Schlottman's major priorities include:

Economic Development: "Katie proposes initiatives to stimulate the economy and encourage business growth. Her approach is to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and established businesses, enhancing job creation and securing economic stability for all sectors."

Tax Policy Reform: "Katie's record on the Will County Board shows a consistent stance against tax hikes, demonstrating her commitment to fiscal responsibility. In Springfield, she aims to overturn the tax-and-spend policies that resulted in a $1 billion increase in taxes, focusing on sustainable financial solutions that alleviate the burden on Illinois families."

The Joliet Republican also is calling for ending Governor JB Pritzker's "invited migrant crisis and rising crime."

"Katie challenges the current fiscal policies that prioritize non-citizen welfare over state residents," her website pointed out. "She opposes the $1 billion spending on free healthcare for migrants, advocating instead for a budget that supports essential services for Illinois citizens first."

As far as making the Joliet area streets safer for people, "Katie is dedicated to reversing 'catch and release' policies that jeopardize community safety. She supports legislation that enforces stricter penalties for crimes and ensures that criminals are held accountable," her website noted. "Katie advocates for better resources and support systems for police officers to safely and effectively do their jobs, ensuring they have the tools needed to protect our communities."

Deane-Schlottman also wanted voters to know she promises to empower parents, if elected to represent them in Springfield.

"Katie will fight for policies that give parents the authority to decide the educational paths that align with their family values, ensuring parents have a significant role in their children's education. She supports expanding educational options, including charter schools and voucher programs, to provide parents with more choices to find the best educational settings for their children."