SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure that would allow paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license to become fully licensed once their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals are an important part of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide crucial support for instructional, behavioral and personal care for students under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is heading a measure that would prevent software companies from stopping local governments’ use of certain payment processing systems.

“This measure gives power back to local governments,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Software companies should not be dictating how governments work. That should be up to the governments to decide what is best for themselves.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement regarding the governor’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget address on Wednesday:

“The governor’s budget proposal includes many important investments for our community, ensuring K-12 education remains funded and health and human services stays a priority.

“In the wake of the federal funding loss, we also need to be responsible with our spending. I am hopeful that we can pass a budget that moves Illinois forward, supports working families and keeps essential programs funded.”

CREST HILL – Thanks to strong support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Plainfield Park District received a total of $600,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“It might be wintertime and a lot of people aren’t thinking about their local parks, but the programming that park districts provide for our community are such an asset to Will County,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I am happy to have helped secure funding for Plainfield Park District so they can continue to provide safe and fun activities for families.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.