Loughran Cappel-backed law prioritizes Illinois children

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the administration of early childhood education programs and services, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a new law creating the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

“Illinois has been a champion in education, ensuring every child is set up to be a lifelong learner at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former educator, I’m confident this is a necessary step for kids across the state to be given more opportunities to succeed with the support, resources and stability they need and deserve.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Department of Early Childhood to be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families in Illinois. The new agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

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Loughran Cappel secures $6.4 million investment to upgrade roads in Romeoville

CREST HILL – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $6.4 million in road improvement projects in Romeoville.

“By improving our state’s aging infrastructure, we are improving the lives of all residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This significant investment will increase safety, bring good-paying jobs to the community and boost the local economy.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Loughran Cappel represents will see three infrastructure projects totaling $6.4 million next year.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District here.

Loughran Cappel launches 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.

“As a former teacher, I have seen the positive benefits reading during the summer months has on students,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is a great opportunity for students to better their education and expand their wealth of knowledge.”

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. 16. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will be invited to an ice cream social and receive 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.

Loughran Cappel continues to tackle teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed legislation to help get more teachers in the classroom, continuing her commitment to address the ongoing teacher shortage across Illinois.

“As we face a teacher shortage, it’s important we give aspiring teachers the support and encouragement they need,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to act now to get teachers their licenses so they can get in the classroom and start shaping our future generations.”

House Bill 5057 would allow applicants for teacher licenses to take content area tests before, during and after student teaching. Loughran Cappel’s measure aims to ensure applicants can receive their license in a timely manner.

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