Loughran Cappel fights for equal funding for special education students

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring equity to funding for special education students, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Education Committee that would create a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“Since I became a state senator, I’ve been working to level the playing field to ensure our students get a quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure every child receives the education they deserve, no matter their ZIP code.”

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 from ISBE for tuition costs for high-needs special education students that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.

“Special education schools prioritize students by giving them the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some students have additional needs, which increase the costs for the school. This is an effort to achieve equitable funding for our special needs students across the state.”

Senate Bill 3606 passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

Loughran Cappel hosts traveling office hours in Romeoville

• Traveling Office Hours

ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will hold office hours at the Romeoville Branch of the White Oak Library District on Tuesday, March 12 to give residents an opportunity to receive assistance and ask questions.

“Community office hours ensure residents have an avenue to have their voices heard,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “My staff will be available to deliver helpful insight, discuss legislation and provide information about resources and programs available for residents. I encourage all of our community members to take advantage of this opportunity.” 

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the White Oak Library District, located at 201 Normantown Rd. in Romeoville. Loughran Cappel’s office will provide coffee for attendees.

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Loughran Cappel measure protecting youth from e-cigarettes advances

• Vapes

SPRINGFIELD – To protect youth from the dangers of vaping, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is sponsoring a measure that would prohibit shipping e-cigarettes to anyone in the state.

“The internet makes it easy for kids to access vapes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to do what we can to protect our youth from the risks e-cigarettes pose to their health.”

Senate Bill 3098 would prohibit electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s initiative comes in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters.

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Loughran Cappel holds Coffee and Conversation in Plainfield

• Coffee & Conversation

PLAINFIELD – Local residents are invited to join State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel for a cup of coffee and conversations on Feb. 29, where she will discuss with attendees how she can best serve her district.

“Each and every month, I look forward to hearing from residents about what I can do to help them,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).  “A cup of coffee and a conversation is a great way for me to better understand the issues constituents care about.”

The event will be held Thursday, Feb. 29 from 4-6 p.m. at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe, located at 16108 Illinois Route 59 in Plainfield. Coffee will be provided for attendees.

Monthly Coffee and Conversations serve as open forums for community members to share their concerns and talk with the senator about state issues.

This event is free and open to residents of the area. People with questions and concerns can contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.