CREST HILL – To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Seniors are a big part of our community, and writing them a note can remind them they’re appreciated,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Taking time out of our days to do a little act of kindness can go a long way to make someone feel loved this Valentine’s Day.”

Loughran Cappel is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults living in various senior facilities across the 49th District. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Feb. 6 to Loughran Cappel’s office located at 20660 Caton Farm Rd., Unit D in Crest Hill.

For more information, contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the freezing of $10 billion in federal funding for social services and child care, including $1 billion for Illinois:

“The federal administration’s actions speak volumes about their priorities. Freezing federal dollars for our state is not only an insult to working families, but it will have a lasting effect on our child care system. It's not only local daycares that will close, but after-school programs like Girls and Boys Club or the local YMCA also rely heavily on this funding and may be forced to close their doors if the Trump administration gets their way. 

“As a state senator, lifelong Illinois resident and a former educator, I will never turn my back on our children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities.”

SPRINGFIELD – All educators, including substitute teachers, will be more prepared for emergencies starting Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel requiring training in evacuation and lockdown procedures prior to being in the classroom.

“Substitute teachers only work certain days in a school so they are less likely to know what the protocols are when lock down or evacuation drills occur,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Full-time teachers receive training on all emergency protocols, and substitute teachers should receive the same.”

The Loughran Cappel law requires school districts in Illinois to provide training to all substitute teachers on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills. Additionally, all substitutes will be given the same information as full-time employees outlining all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps will be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points.

“When we drop our kids off at school, we expect them to return at the end of the day,” said Loughran Cappel. “With this new law, you can have peace of mind knowing the person teaching your child will know exactly what to do in a crisis situation.”

House Bill 1787 takes effect Jan. 1.

To give back to the community, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Representative Natalie Manley have teamed up with local elected officials to host a free holiday turkey and ham giveaway.

“Now more than ever, we need to give back to our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s important to provide a little more security in the form of a warm meal to those who need it most this season. Events like these truly showcase the spirit of the holidays.”

The free event will be held at the Romeoville Village Hall parking lot, located at 1050 W. Rodeo Rd. on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 4-5:30 p.m. or while supplies last. The giveaway will be conducted drive-through style and one turkey or ham will be provided per household.