CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel invites local residents and friends to the grand opening of her new district office in Crest Hill on Thursday, March 16 from 3-6 p.m.

“As an elected official, I want residents to know I’m always available and where they can come seek assistance on local issues or get help with state resources,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “My staff and I are looking forward to greeting constituents and friends at our new Crest Hill office. I encourage those of you in the area to stop by.”

State and local officials are expected to join Loughran Cappel for an official ribbon cutting. Guests will be offered snacks and refreshments.

Media are welcome to attend. Ample parking is available.

WHAT: Grand opening of Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s new Crest Hill office

WHEN: Thursday, March 16 from 3-6 p.m.

WHERE: 20660 Caton Farm Rd., Unit D Crest Hill, IL 60403

SPRINGFIELD – The achievements and accomplishments of Career and Technical Education programs across the state will be recognized this February under a measure sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that passed the Senate Thursday.

“College isn’t for everyone and I want graduating seniors to know about the practical, affordable, career-focused options that trade schools provide,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Trade schools open the door for additional career opportunities that can help students achieve their goals and build a successful future for themselves.”

Senate Resolution 85 declares February as Career and Technical Education Month in Illinois. Under the resolution, high school educators and counselors will be encouraged to assist each student to determine an appropriate post-secondary plan based upon their skills, strengths and goals and help them implement the best practices that improve career readiness after high school so that they can find an appropriate pathway.

CTE offers education and advanced training to support high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations, including careers in health care, information technology, agriculture, finance and education. About 12 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE across the nation. Advance CTE reports that the high school graduation rate for students who concentrate on CTE is about 90% – 15 percentage points higher than the national average.

“National research shows students with 3 or more CTE classes in high school are far more likely to persevere in college and obtain a degree if they choose to pursue a college education,” said Brian Gordon, Director of Three Rivers Education for Employment System. “Career and Technical Education coursework keeps students in school by involving students in engaging work and authentic assessment.  It also teaches critical thinking and problem solving in "real world" situations.”

Senate Resolution 85 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

PLAINFIELD – Whether it’s questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel loves sitting down with local residents to reflect on how she can best serve the 49th District. During a Coffee and Conversation event on Feb. 28, Loughran Cappel invites the community to join her at the Plainfield Public Library to chat.

“Each month I get the opportunity to hear from constituents about what’s important to them, issues they may be facing and legislative ideas I can take with me to Springfield,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible and each month I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and conversations.”

The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library located at 5020 Illinois St. in Plainfield.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Loughran Cappel sees a strong framework that would make key investments for Illinois’ education systems outlined in the governor’s proposed budget.

The proposed budget includes $250 million to prepare children to be lifelong learners and strengthen students’ futures by providing greater opportunities from birth to college.

“As a former special education teacher, I know the importance of getting kids in the classroom at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve heard a number of stories from parents that encounter barriers to sending their kids to early childhood programs. It’s time for us to prioritize a child’s education from a young age so they can have every opportunity to learn more as they get older.”

The proposal also continues the commitment of a $350 million increase to the Evidence-Based Funding model for K-12 education to help Illinois students succeed in the classroom.

Increased funding to make college more affordable for working families through the MAP grant program was proposed – a move Loughran Cappel believes is vital for students who want to pursue higher education.

Additionally, the proposal includes building the teacher pipeline by providing funding for teacher recruitment and retention.

“I have been a devoted advocate for all levels of education and teachers even before I was state senator,” Loughran Cappel said. “We have to provide the much needed resources for students so they can go to school without leaving a financial burden on themselves or their families and ensure that teachers can efficiently and successfully do their jobs. This proposal provides a framework that we can work through to prioritize education for all.”

Workforce development and Career and Technical Education investments are also included in the budget proposal, setting up Illinois’ workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.

Loughran Cappel serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee for the 103rd General Assembly. The committee will work through the budget process to allocate funding for early education, K-12 education and higher education across the state.