CREST HILL – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $272 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“Continuing to invest in our roads increases safety, brings more jobs and boosts the local economy throughout our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We made the commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and we are seeing the benefits these investments are making that will have a lasting effect for residents here in Will County.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Loughran Cappel represents will see 19 infrastructure projects totaling more than $272 million over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“With this significant funding coming right to the roads we drive daily, our economy will continue to move forward and be set up for residents in the 49th District,” said Loughran Cappel.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

CREST HILL – Whether it’s answering questions about state resources or hearing 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 July 19, Loughran Cappel invites the community to join her at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook to chat.

“I want to make myself easily accessible for residents across the district,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The best way for me to efficiently and effectively do my job is to meet with people face-to-face and take in their concerns. Join me for a cup of coffee and conversations.”

The event will be held Wednesday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

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.

CREST HILL – Families can get their kids ready to head back to the classroom by attending State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Representative Natalie Manley’s Back to School Fair on July 29.

“With the school year right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to have an event that serves as a central location for connecting families with programs in our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We want families to have a chance to get free school supplies and useful resources all in one place.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at the University of St. Francis St. Clare Campus, located at 1550 Plainfield Road in Joliet. Loughran Cappel and Manley will be joined by community partners who can provide resources and supplies for students to use when they return to the classroom.

Students can receive free school supplies at the fair and learn about a number of services offered by organizations in the community. Students and families visiting the fair will be able to “Touch-a-truck,” enjoy food from Truckin Delicious Food Truck, engage with Bernie from the University of St. Francis, receive resources form local libraries and organizations, and more.

For more information on the Back to School Fair, people can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will help continue tackling the teacher shortage school districts across the state are facing.

“Here in Illinois, we are taking strides to address the teacher shortage head on,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s clear that there are issues recruiting and retaining teachers. We have to find the tools and resources to keep quality educators in the profession so our students can be lifelong learners.”

The new law provides retention bonuses of $4,000 per year, for two consecutive years to teachers who are National Board Certified and employed in hard-to-staff schools. A hard-to-staff school is a public school that no less than 30% of the student enrollment is considered low-income. Becoming a National Board Certified teacher is a career continuum for those who start in pre-service teacher preparation, leading aspiring teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification.

This measure aims to provide an incentive for teachers to work in underserved areas, as these are the areas that are most affected by the current teacher shortage.

“By investing in our educators, we are helping our students excel in the classroom,” said Loughran Cappel.

House Bill 3801 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.