SPRINGFIELD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batnick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active passed the both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.

“More students are taking advantage of the extra opportunities for help available to them before school,” Loughran Cappel said. “While this is encouraging, it’s important that we expand safety guidelines to accommodate their schedules.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

Under House Bill 343, school zone speed limits on school days would begin at 6:30 a.m. rather than 7 a.m.

Violation of the speed zone limits would still result in a subsequent fine or possible incarceration depending on the speed violation.

“The cost for violating the safety of our students is still quite steep,” Loughran Cappel said. “It’s my hope that by bringing this law back into the public conversation, people will be reminded of the dangers presented by reckless driving.”

This measure now awaits the governor's approval.

SHOREWOOD – To honor the life of a local hero, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) passed a resolution to designate the section of Illinois Route 59 from Canton Farm Road to Illinois Route 126 as the “PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Highway.”

“Private First Class Andrew Meari led a service driven life worthy of commemoration,” Loughran Cappel said. “His contribution to our community and sacrifice for the country should never be forgotten.”

PFC Meari was a Private First Class in the 1^st battalion, 502^nd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Bridge Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division while assigned to service in Afghanistan. On Nov. 1^st 2010, he was killed in the line of duty as he intercepted a suicide bomber who was trying to get into the American combat camp. His actions saved the lives of multiple people in the camp.

Throughout his military career, PFC Meari was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge. He has also been commemorated in his hometown of Plainfield with the creation of PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Park.

SHOREWOOD – Following the Senate’s passage of a budget that honors the state’s commitment to fully funding K-12 education, bolsters unemployment insurance systems, and keeps property tax levels flat, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) issued the following statement:

“I am confident the budget we sent to Governor Pritzker is one that puts the immediate needs of Illinoisans first. We accomplished this, in part, by including the full $350 million investment in our children’s success through the evidence-based funding model. As a former educator who worked in the classroom prior to and following the EBF model’s implementation, the difference is stark and I am relieved the program will remain intact. 

“In addition, we were able to provide full funding for local government entities, which will result in preventing undue property taxes from further burdening working families after an incredibly difficult year. This budget will serve as a bridge to a brighter, prosperous post-COVID-19 future in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that would improve financial preparedness among Illinois students passed both chambers of the General Assembly.

“The existing gap between students who feel prepared to do their own taxes or make investments and those who do not is glaring,” Loughran Cappel said. “Making sure students have the ability to learn real-life skills that are applicable in adulthood needs to be a priority.”

Senate Bill 1830 would allow either one year, or a semester, of a financial literacy course to count toward the social studies requirement to graduate high school.

In a study conducted by USA TODAY, of those who attended college, only 41% said they received enough information in college to build good financial habits and 30% said their high school education did so. When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, financial topics were at the top of the list.

“It’s clear that we need to do more to provide our kids with incentives to take classes that can pay dividends for the rest of their adult lives,” Loughran Cappel said. “Passing legislation like this is simply one way to accomplish that and I look forward to seeking additional ways to help our kids grow.”

The legislation now awaits the governor's approval.