SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded a measure to add a council within the Children’s Mental Health Partnership in Illinois that was signed into law Wednesday.

“Many parents of children with mental disabilities need to reach out to agencies for support or information,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Agencies that work with children with mental disabilities deserve the opportunity to collaborate, so that the process is more accessible to parents.” 

Loughran Cappel worked directly with a concerned constituent who was struggling with this issue to craft the legislation. Under the new law, the council will look for ways to expand the available beds in the state, make it easier for out-of-state residential facilities to be approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, and offer recommendations on how the state can provide better support for children with mental health issues in an annual report to the governor and General Assembly.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois law enforcement officers will be honored the week of May 15 to May 21, 2022, thanks to a resolution led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to serving the community,” Loughran Cappel said. “This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who protect and serve the residents of Illinois.”

This week recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of local, state, and federal police officers and their service to the state. Law enforcement officers help prevent crime and provide assistance to those in need amongst an infinite amount of other tasks to encourage civic engagement and an investment in the well-being of all Illinoisans.

“These past two years have been especially difficult for law enforcement officers and their families, but they continue to answer the call of duty no matter the circumstances,” Loughran Cappel said. “I am glad to have the opportunity to recognize and appreciate them and the work they do.”

Loughran Cappel’s resolution received bipartisan support in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law that would prohibit standardized tests for students pre-K though second grade, supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, was signed into law on Friday.

“Standardized testing has become a hallmark of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Studies show that there are better ways than a high-stakes test to measure children’s learning, and that is through their play and interaction.”  

Senate Bill 3986 ensures the Illinois State Board of Education does not develop or administer standardized tests for students Pre-K through second grade, except for the case of diagnostic and screening tests including determining eligibility for special education services, bilingual services, dyslexia interventions, observational tools like the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, and the federally mandated English Learner assessments.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. 

“As inflation inches higher, some older adults worry about the rising cost of necessities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law offers a reduction in cost for a vehicle fee for older adults living on a limited income.”

The law will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.