SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement after the Senate’s approval of a budget for Fiscal Year 2024 and revenue package:

“An additional pilot River Edge Redevelopment Zone will be coming to the City of Joliet to revitalize the area – something I strongly advocated for. Joliet will see a significant growth in the local economy and the revitalization will bring life to historic buildings, boost property values and more.

“As chair of the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee, I was a voice at the table for our teachers, students and educational professionals. Getting students in the classroom at an early age sets them up to be lifelong learners. Continuing our duty to fund the evidence-based funding model is crucial for schools to have the resources needed to provide a quality education and for teachers to be able to adequately and efficiently do their jobs.”