SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed two new laws to help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.

“Illinois, like everywhere else in the country, is facing challenges with recruiting and retaining teachers,” said Loughran Cappel, who attened the bill signing ceremony at Springfield High School in Springfield. “It was a struggle even before the pandemic hit, but now, finding someone to sub in when a teacher is out sick is even harder for Illinois schools.”

According to a survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 90% of Illinois schools are currently experiencing staffing shortages. Loughran Cappel’s law, originally House Bill 4246, will reduce the renewal fees for substitute teachers’ licenses to $50 instead of $500.

SHOREWOOD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s (D-Shorewood) will be traveling to the Shorewood-Troy Public Library on Friday, April 29 from noon to 1 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout Will and Kendall Counties.

Loughran Cappel hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“We remain committed to ensuring our office is easily accessible to residents throughout the area,” Loughran Cappel said. “I urge folks who need assistance accessing state and local resources to stop by and find out about new programs and services available.”

Loughran Cappel encourages residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (Shorewood) invites residents to ask questions and get assistance with state matters at her coffee and conversation event on Wednesday, April 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library District located at 15025 S. Illinois St. in Plainfield.

“This event is a great opportunity for folks to ask questions, learn about legislation that passed during the spring legislative session and access constituent services,” Loughran Cappel said. “I hope you’re able to join me for a cup of coffee and a casual conversation.”

Community members are welcome to stop by the library to work with the senator’s staff and receive assistance with different services. Attendees can receive help with FOID card applications, unemployment and much more.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at (815) 267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is pleased with the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax relief plan, which passed the Senate Saturday. The budget prioritizes working families and provides them with relief following two years of financial distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “As families prepare to send their children back to school this fall, more than 95% of taxpayers will receive a one-time tax refund,” Loughran Cappel said. “This will give parents relief knowing they’ll be receiving a check to help them with the associated costs.”

This relief plan will also help families with back-to-school shopping by creating a state sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14 of 2022. Additionally, it gives teachers a tax credit of up to $500 for supplies bought for their classrooms.