Upcoming forums:

• Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 4:15 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 3 at 4:15 p.m.

CREST HILL – Continuing her support for education, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a series of teacher forums to hear feedback and work collaboratively with educators across the 49^th District. 

“As a former special education teacher, I’m a strong advocate for our teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I spent 15 years in the classroom. I understand the importance of hearing educators’ concerns and finding the best solutions to set up our students up for a bright future.”

Loughran Cappel’s forums aim to address the issues teachers face in the classroom, ensure they have the tools and resources available to effectively do their job, and set students on a path of success.

The forums are held at Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D in Crest Hill.

RSVP by calling the district office at 815-267-6119.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office with questions.

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.

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.

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.