Loughran Cappel law aims to further tackle teacher shortage

• Teacher Shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Substitute teachers will be able to spend more time in the classroom under a law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel in an effort to continue her fight to tackling the teacher shortage.

“Students need to be familiar with their teacher, even if it’s for a short period of time,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “For students, they will be able to continue learning and growing while maintaining consistency in the classroom.”

The new law allows a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school district files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

Previously, a substitute teacher could only fill a vacancy left by a licensed teacher under contract in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

“We continue to see the impact the teacher shortage has on our students, schools and teachers,” said Loughran Cappel. “We have to collaborate with school districts so they have the resources to be flexible and adapt to unforeseen situations.”

House Bill 3442 was signed into law Friday.

Loughran Cappel law provides coverage for trauma survivors’ reconstructive surgeries

SPRINGFIELD – Reconstructive surgeries as a result of a traumatic experience will be covered by insurance under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“It’s not easy to be reminded of a traumatic experience every time a survivor looks in the mirror,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to provide the essential resources so survivors can recover without being burdened by hospital bills.”

The new law requires HMOs, Medicaid and individual and group health insurance policies to cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries to restore a person’s physical appearance that was damaged by trauma.

Currently, Medicare patients pay 100% of non-covered services, including most cosmetic surgeries. There are no provisions for cosmetic surgery for state employee’s group insurance. Reconstructive breast surgery is covered if it’s in connection with a mastectomy.

“This initiative was designed to help survivors continue to process and recover from their tragedy,” said Loughran Cappel. “They no longer will have to weigh the cost versus necessary health care.”

House Bill 1384 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Loughran Cappel law honors submarine veterans

SPRINGFIELD – United States Submarine Veterans can now receive a special license plate, thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that was signed into law Friday.

“We have to uplift our veterans by honoring the sacrifices they have made,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is one way we can show our support and thank them for their service.”

The new law allows the Secretary of State to issue United States Submarine Veteran license plates to Illinois residents who served in the United States Navy as a submariner. New York and Connecticut offer similar submarine service license plates.

The Illinois Secretary of State's Office offers a number of different specialty license plates. Requests for these license plates can be accepted at Driver Services Facilities.

"I think it has been at least five or six years since we began to push the idea of Illinois Submariner license plates,” said United States Submarine Veteran Steve Benicke. “Although few in number, the WWII heroes, Cold War and peacetime veterans and currently serving Illinois submariners can now be recognized with the issuance of the Submariner plates. It is important to recognize those "Brothers of the 'Phin" who diligently pursued the idea, as well as the support and advocacy given to us by the many State of Illinois Senators and Representatives, who voted the idea to fruition.”

House Bill 1581 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Loughran Cappel kicks off summer reading program

• Summer Book Club

CREST HILL – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“This is a great opportunity for students to better their education by reading throughout the summer, expanding their wealth of knowledge,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage families to participate in this program that will get kids excited about reading.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Loughran Cappel’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Loughran Cappel.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorLoughranCappel.com. People with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.