Loughran Cappel passes measure to ban shipping e-cigarettes

• Vapes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would protect youth from the dangers of vaping by prohibiting e-cigarettes from being shipped to anyone in the state.

“Students can easily buy e-cigarettes on the internet, including ones that look like school supplies,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These vapes make it hard for teachers to decipher what it is. We have to take the necessary steps to protect our kids from the risks e-cigarettes pose on 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 to host Coffee & Conversation in Joliet

• Coffee & Conversation

JOLIET – Local residents are invited to join State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel for a cup of coffee and conversations on April 2, where she will discuss with attendees how she can best serve her district.

“A good cup of coffee and a conversation can go a long way,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I hope residents will take this opportunity to chat about any issues or concerns that they may have.”

The free event will be held Tuesday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Donut Den, located at 3043 Theodore St. in Joliet.

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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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