SPRINGFIELD – To continue her fight to address the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure that would remove the number of days short term substitute teachers can be in the classroom and application fees for teaching licenses, which passed the Senate Thursday.

“As a former special education teacher, I know the struggle of finding substitute teachers, especially with the ever-growing teacher shortage,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve heard from superintendents in the 49^th District and across the state that are desperately trying to find substitute teachers. This is one step we can take to further address the teacher shortage.”

Senate Bill 2236 would remove the number of days for short-term substitute teachers to teach in the classroom – allowing them to spend more time in the classroom if needed. Current law prohibits short term substitute teachers from teaching more than 15 consecutive days per licensed teacher.

The Loughran Cappel-led measure also removes application fees for teaching licenses. The current application fee for professional educator licenses and educator licenses are $100, substitute teaching license are $50 and short term substitute teaching license are $25.

“Teachers work every day to educate our kids,” Loughran Cappel said. “We have to remove the barriers schools are facing and streamline the process as we continue fighting to end the teacher shortage.”

Senate Bill 2236 passed the Senate with a vote of 57-0 and now heads to the House of Representatives. 

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the White Oak Library on Thursday, March 23 to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49th District.

“My office is here to assist residents with any issues, share state resources and more,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I want to ensure that all constituents’ voices are heard and concerns are addressed.”

The event will be held on Thursday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the White Oak Library located at 201 West Normantown Road in Romeoville.

This free event is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability, accessibility and assist with state resources by hosting office hours at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – Consumers would be given clear notice before they enter contracts that automatically renew under a measure State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supports.

“Many of us have subscriptions from streaming services to phone contracts,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Most contracts are regularly renewed, often times without clear consent. Consumers need to be aware before they are automatically renewed.”

Senate Bill 328 would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. The Loughran Cappel-backed measure would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

“We can’t let big businesses continue to take advantage of consumers by automatically subscribing them,” Loughran Cappel said. “Closing the loopholes many find a way around increases transparency for consumers.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

CREST HILL – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel in partnership with the secretary of state’s office.

The free event will be available to drivers Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plainfield Law Enforcement Multi Purpose Room located at 14300 S. Coil Plus Dr. in Plainfield.

“The secretary of state’s mobile unit is a one-stop shop to help people utilize these important state services,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this convenient way to renew their driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations.”

The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents that REAL ID services will not be available at the mobile unit. The deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended to May 7, 2025.

In addition, Loughran Cappel invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran’s designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or NAF 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, residents can call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, residents can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit SenatorLoughranCappel.com.