Loughran Cappel secures over $1.2 million for local park projects

• OSLAD

CREST HILL – With strong support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Villages of Shorewood and Plainfield and Plainfield Township Park District are set to receive over $1.2 million for land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects.

“Our neighborhood parks are a part of our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Investing in local parks provides a place for people to gather, enjoy and explore. We can see the benefits from spending time outside at parks such as reducing stress, lowering blood sugar and overall better physical health.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

The Village of Shorewood will receive $600,000, the Village of Plainfield will receive $284,500 and the Plainfield Township Park District is set to receive $377,500 to acquire and develop land for public parks and open space. OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.

Loughran Cappel invites community to new office opening

• Office Opening

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel invites local residents and friends to the grand opening of her new district office in Crest Hill on Thursday, March 16 from 3-6 p.m.

“As an elected official, I want residents to know I’m always available and where they can come seek assistance on local issues or get help with state resources,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “My staff and I are looking forward to greeting constituents and friends at our new Crest Hill office. I encourage those of you in the area to stop by.”

State and local officials are expected to join Loughran Cappel for an official ribbon cutting. Guests will be offered snacks and refreshments.

Media are welcome to attend. Ample parking is available.

WHAT: Grand opening of Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s new Crest Hill office

WHEN: Thursday, March 16 from 3-6 p.m.

WHERE: 20660 Caton Farm Rd., Unit D Crest Hill, IL 60403

Loughran Cappel declares February Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois

• CTE
• SR85

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that passed the Senate Thursday.

“College isn’t for everyone and I want graduating seniors to know about the practical, affordable, career-focused options that trade schools provide,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Trade schools open the door for additional career opportunities that can help students achieve their goals and build a successful future for themselves.”

Senate Resolution 85 declares February as Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois. Under the resolution, high school educators and counselors will be encouraged to assist each student to determine an appropriate post-secondary plan based upon their skills, strengths and goals and help them implement the best practices that improve career readiness after high school so that they can find an appropriate pathway.

CTE offers education and advanced training to support high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations, including careers in health care, information technology, agriculture, finance and education. About 12 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. Advance CTE reports that the high school graduation rate for students who concentrate on CTE is about 90% – 15 percentage points higher than the national average.

“National research shows students with 3 or more CTE classes in high school are far more likely to persevere in college and obtain a degree if they choose to pursue a college education,” said Brian Gordon, Director of Three Rivers Education for Employment System. “Career and Technical Education coursework keeps students in school by involving students in engaging work and authentic assessment.  It also teaches critical thinking and problem solving in "real world" situations.”

Senate Resolution 85 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

Loughran Cappel to join residents for Coffee and Conversation on Feb. 28

• Coffee & Conversation

PLAINFIELD – Whether it’s questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel loves sitting down with local residents to reflect on how she can best serve the 49th District. During a Coffee and Conversation event on Feb. 28, Loughran Cappel invites the community to join her at the Plainfield Public Library to chat.

“Each month I get the opportunity to hear from constituents about what’s important to them, issues they may be facing and legislative ideas I can take with me to Springfield,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible and each month I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and conversations.”

The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library located at 5020 Illinois St. in Plainfield.

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.