After acknowledging a gap in early childhood disability advocacy, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a new law that ensures stronger representation for young children with disabilities.

“When Early Childhood Education is being discussed, it’s essential we include a representative to advocate for what’s in the best interest of all children, including those with disabilities, ,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “In Illinois, we have made strides in our early childhood education efforts, and this law continues to prove that we care about all children getting the education they need. .”

The law adds the secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood as a member of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities. The role of the Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, which is housed under the Illinois State Board of Education, is to be a protective body, advising the governor, legislature and ISBE on current issues relating to the education of children with disabilities.

“We already know that early detection of a disability in children makes for better long-term outcomes,” said Loughran Cappel. “Adding the secretary of early childhood to the advisory council shows the inclusiveness of our education system and gives young children with disabilities a proper voice for better advocacy in schools.”

Senate Bill 1555 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect immediately.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging organizations to apply for the fifth round of funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades.

“There are job opportunities out there for everyone, all requiring different skillsets,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The pre-apprenticeship program is an amazing opportunity Illinois offers that people should take advantage of so we can continue to build an equipped workforce throughout the state.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the construction trades – including people of color, veterans and women. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

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 26.

“It may be hard to believe, but the beginning of the school year is right around the corner,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former teacher, I love hosting this event and seeing children get excited for the start of a new school year.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at Joliet West High School, in the cafeteria, located at 401 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet. Loughran Cappel and Manley will be joined by community partners who will provide resources and supplies for students to use when they return to the classroom. Students in attendance can receive free school supplies at the fair and learn about a number of services offered by organizations in the community.

“This is a one-stop shop for parents and students to prepare for the upcoming school year and discover what services and resources are available to them,” said Loughran Cappel.

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

To provide residents with a secure option for shredding documents containing personal information, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a free shred event next week.

“Shredding unneeded documents is a good practice, especially with cases of fraud and identity theft increasing,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is a great opportunity to declutter your drawers at home while feeling confident about getting rid of old papers and statements in a safe way.”

Loughran Cappel’s shred event is in collaboration with State Representative Natalie Manley and will be held Wednesday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will be at the Plainfield Township office, located at 22525 W. Lockport St. in Plainfield.

Examples of documents with personally identifiable information that should be safely discarded include bank statements, outdated medical records, tax returns, utility bills, junk mail, credit card applications and receipts. Residents are encouraged to attend and bring no more than two boxes of documents. No electronics will be accepted.

People with questions can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.