SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize educators, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel introduced a measure that would guarantee teachers have classroom planning time built into each school day.

“During my 15 years in the classroom, I experienced firsthand the struggle many teachers face when trying to find time to plan,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Teachers are often forced to plan lessons before or after school. By providing time during the school day, we can ensure better quality plans while avoiding extensive hours outside the classroom for educators.”

Senate Bill 2721 would guarantee that every teacher receives at least 45 minutes of continuous, uninterrupted individual classroom planning time per day. The requirement would apply to all public school districts in Illinois.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced five school districts in Romeoville, Crest Hill, Plainfield and Shorewood have received more than $38,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“As a former special education teacher, I have seen the educational value school libraries provide to a student’s success,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Ensuring school libraries are equipped with fundamental resources allows students to expand their knowledge and interests.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

CREST HILL – With support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, St. Francis University will receive nearly $100,000 to provide necessary resources for students and address the issue of student homelessness.

“Students don’t need the distraction of wondering where their next meal is coming from or if they’ll have a roof over their head,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We must do everything in our power to ensure students’ basic needs are met so they can be set up for future successes.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded these grants, called End Student Housing Insecurity grants. St. Francis University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE to support ongoing efforts to address causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity.

SPRINGFIELD – Grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County will have a better understanding of available state programs, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Grandparents often take on the role of raising their grandchildren, and it’s important that they are given the support they deserve,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Under this new law, we are streamlining the process so caregivers have a direct, local contact to connect them to available resources.”

House Bill 780 creates the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County which designates an intake coordinator to collect resources offered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Department of Healthcare and Family Services and State Board of Education, and provide coordination and education services at Senior Service Centers to serve Will County residents.

Loughran Cappel’s law requires the intake coordinator to be knowledgeable about the Extended Family Support Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and Children’s Health Insurance Program and be a designated point of contact at each agency within 14 days of appointment.