Loughran Cappel to host mobile Secretary of State event in Plainfield

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a mobile Secretary of State event in Plainfield on June 8 to give area residents the opportunity to access DMV services at a location within the community.

“The mobile unit makes it easier for people to receive necessary services at a convenient location,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Spots are very limited — I encourage interested residents to make an appointment today.”

The event will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Plainfield Police Department, located at 14300 Coil Plus Dr. in Plainfield. Appointments must be made by calling Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

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Loughran Cappel invites residents to Joliet Traveling Office Hours

JOLIET – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s Office will be traveling to the Joliet Public Library on Thursday, May 16 to increase accessibility to residents across the 49^th District.

“I urge folks in need of services to take advantage of our traveling office hours,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Being accessible to the community is crucial and I hope we can reach more community members with this event.”

The free event will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Joliet Public Library, located at 3395 Black Rd. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

Staff from Loughran Cappel’s office will be onsite to offer assistance with state issues, provide resources and hear input from residents. Traveling office hours are hosted on different days, times and locations to improve accessibility.

For more information, residents can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Loughran Cappel fights to reduce delays in childcare employment process

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday that addresses background check delays at childcare facilities across the state.

“I continue to hear about delays with the state’s licensing process,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As we face a shortage of qualified early education teachers, we have to take the necessary steps to speed up the process.”

House Bill 4412 would allow a childcare facility, non-licensed service provider, day care center, or home-based day cares to use a third-party vendor licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the required fingerprinting that is part of the application process for facility licensure and as a condition of employment.

Loughran Cappel’s initiative aims to reduce delays to prevent qualified applicants from losing interest and seeking employment elsewhere. Currently the background check process takes between six and 12 weeks to receive results.

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Loughran Cappel measure prioritizing all special education students heads to the House

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is working on a measure that would bring equity to funding for special education students by creating a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“I spent 15 years in the classroom as a special education teacher,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure our students can receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment. This initiative would achieve equitable funding for all special needs students, no matter their placement.” 

Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

Under Loughran Cappel’s measure, public schools would be eligible to receive a reimbursement, regardless of where the student is sent, from ISBE for tuition costs for high-needs special education students that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.

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