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This statement was created on 19 May 2026 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement in response to the federal administration taking steps to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education:

“Dismantling the Department of Education hurts early childhood education, children with disabilities, under-resourced and rural schools and basic protections for civil rights. This federal administration's actions are extremely dangerous and its effects will be felt by all.

“States cannot adequately fund the federal mandates placed on public schools without the help of the federal government. This, once again, shows the blatant ineptitude of those in charge of the department. Gutting our children's futures is despicable.”

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced that seven school districts across the area will receive over $19 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years. 

“When we invest in our schools, we put our students first, ensuring a successful path toward a bright future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Students in Will County deserve the best educational opportunities, and I’m glad to see we’re continuing to prioritize funding for our schools.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

Local schools set to receive funding through the formula:

• Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C: $133,969
• Richland School District 88A: $16,863
• Plainfield School District 202: $13,186,759
• Joliet Public School District 86: $4,337,711
• Joliet Township High School District 204: $609,869
• Chaney-Monge School District 88: $368,899
• Valley View Community Unit School District 365U: $857,329

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget invested $350 million in new funding into students’ success through the evidence-based funding model.

For more information on the FY 24 evidence-based funding distribution, visit the Illinois State Board of Education’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel was sworn into office Wednesday for another term in the Illinois Senate.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I am proud to continue being a voice in Springfield for the residents of the 49^th District,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I will continue working through the challenges our communities face and will fight to better the lives of the people in Illinois.”

Loughran Cappel has represented the 49^th District since her appointment in 2020. The district includes parts of Will County including communities such as Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Joliet.

Loughran Cappel has championed many legislative issues, such as addressing the teacher shortage, providing funding for statewide breast cancer services, creating the Children’s Mental Health Council, and strongly advocating for education. She plans to continue fighting for investments in education and mental health services, and advocate for seniors, veterans and small businesses.

Loughran Cappel strives to keep constituents updated with helpful information and resources, and encourages people to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or SenatorLoughranCappel.com/ContactUs with questions or concerns.

This week marks the start of the 103^rd General Assembly.