Loughran Cappel encourages families, teachers to take advantage of back to school tax benefits

CREST HILL – As students return to the classroom, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding families that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns. 

“Getting kids ready for school can be a financial burden for families,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “There are programs available that can put money back in your pockets. I encourage families and teachers to take advantage of these resources to help cut down on back-to-school costs.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students.

Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For home schooled students – book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.

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Loughran Cappel invites residents to Coffee and Conversation in Joliet

• Coffee & Conversation

CREST HILL – Whether it’s answering questions about state resources or hearing feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel enjoys sitting down with local residents to reflect on how she can best serve the 49th District. During a Coffee and Conversation event on Aug. 24, Loughran Cappel invites the community to join her at the Great American Bagel in Joliet to chat.

“As your state senator, I aim to make myself available across the district,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The best way for me to efficiently and effectively do my job is to meet with people face-to-face and hear their concerns.”

The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Great American Bagel located at 1101 Essington Rd. in Joliet.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Loughran Cappel seeks input through constituent survey

• Constituent Services

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is providing residents a chance to share their opinions and concerns through an online, interactive survey.

“I want feedback from constituents to ensure their voices are heard in Springfield,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The survey includes a number of topics, but I encourage residents to reach out to my office on any issue they are passionate about.”

Loughran Cappel’s survey aims to provide a better understanding of what issues residents care about, including education, jobs, small businesses, public safety and more.

“This past legislative session I championed measures that came directly from residents and organizations in our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “My top priority is addressing local issues that benefit the people I represent.”

Residents can complete the survey at SenatorLoughranCappel.com. People with concerns not covered in the survey can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or SenatorLoughranCappel.com/ContactUs.

Loughran Cappel prioritizes fair pay for teachers under new law

• Teacher Shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will be ensured fair compensation without financially burdening school boards under a new law backed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. 

“As a former teacher, I have continuously worked to uplift the education profession and will always be a voice for our teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to recruit and retain qualified teachers. Without adequately adjusting their salary, we are losing good teachers to another profession.”

The Loughran Cappel-supported law establishes the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability as the agency responsible for adjusting the teacher minimum salary in accordance with annual increases in inflation rates.

The law addresses concerns related to potential higher pension contributions resulting from increased minimum teacher salaries. It ensures that school boards will not be penalized for fulfilling their obligation to provide competitive compensation to teachers.

“Inflation has affected all of us,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is a step forward to promoting fairness, stability and excellence in education by fairly compensating our teachers and supporting our school boards.”

House Bill 300 was signed into law and took effect immediately.