SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a staunch supporter of education, supported a new law requiring the option for full-day kindergarten across the state.

“Research shows the positive impact of getting kids in the classroom at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Creating access to education at every level is significant to set students up to be lifelong learners.”

Parents who live in districts without the option of full-day kindergarten are often faced with additional barriers to preparing their children for early elementary school. These barriers include, but are not limited to, mid-day transportation, loss of income due to being home with the child or finding additional child care, and ensuring developmentally appropriate activities are being provided throughout the day.

Currently, it is optional for school districts to offer full-day kindergarten. The Loughran Cappel-backed law provides full-day kindergarten options with developmentally appropriate play-based learning opportunities for families throughout the state.

“Full-day kindergarten will give parents peace of mind knowing their child is in a stable learning environment preparing them for early elementary school,” said Loughran Cappel. “I was proud to support expanding access to full-day kindergarten for families across the state, giving students every opportunity they deserve.”

House Bill 2396 was signed into law Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – Grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County will have a better understanding of what state programs are available under a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Grandparents often take on the role of raising their grandchildren,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We’re streamlining the process so they have a direct, local contact to connect with about the resources available.”

The new law creates the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County which will designate an intake coordinator to collect resources offered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Department of Healthcare and Family Services and State Board of Education, and provide coordination and education services at Senior Service Centers to serve Will County residents.

Loughran Cappel’s law requires the intake coordinator to be knowledgeable about the Extended Family Support Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Children’s Health Insurance Program and be a designated point of contact at each agency within 14 days of appointment.

An annual report will be required to be submitted to the General Assembly including the number of families who received referrals to relevant services, specific services each family was referred to and received, and related information regarding frequency of calls and visits to the coordinator's office in the previous calendar year.

“Together, State Representative Natalie Manley and I want grandparents who raise their grandchildren to have a better understanding of what resources are available right here in Will County,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is a way to address the needs of caretakers while also helping our youth succeed on a path towards a bright future.”

House Bill 780 was signed into law Wednesday.

CREST HILL – The Village of Plainfield will receive over $437,000 in funding from the Illinois EPA to replace lead water service lines, announced State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“By investing in the replacement of lead service lines, we are taking proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This funding will ensure Plainfield residents are protected against potential health risks that come with lead exposure.”

The Illinois EPA’s State Revolving Fund provides low-interest loan funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects. The Village of Plainfield will receive $437,521 and anticipates replacing lead services lines along Bartlett Avenue and Evans, Amboy and Center Streets.

Many older homes still have lead service lines. Lead, a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time, can enter drinking water when pipes or fixtures corrode. Replacing lead service lines will help reduce residents’ exposure to lead.

Additional information is available on the Illinois EPA website.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Fountaindale Public  Library District on Thursday, July 27 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 residents to know that their voices are heard and concerns are addressed.”

The event will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library District located at 300 West Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

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 to reach 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.