SPRINGFIELD – As a strong advocate for teachers, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded two measures through the Senate to continue her efforts to address the teacher shortage that would increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom and increase the annual pay cap for teachers who mentor or provide professional development.

“I want to express my support for teachers and acknowledge the difficulties faced by many school districts in finding teachers and substitutes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s important that we collaborate with school districts to provide them with the flexibility they need to adapt to different situations.”

House Bill 1291 would increase the annual pay cap from $1,500 to $2,250 for teachers with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designations who mentor or provide professional development for classroom teachers or counselors.

“During my time in the classroom, I relied on my colleagues to learn more, better my teaching skills, listen to the good and bad times, and so much more,” said Loughran Cappel. “I understand the struggle these professionals face and I want to continue uplifting educators and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”

To receive National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designation, a teacher must have a bachelor's degree, hold a state license and have at least three years of teaching or counseling experience. The candidate then takes a computer-based assessment and completes three portfolio entries. If the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards deems that a teacher passes all of the components, the teacher receives the designation.

Additionally, Loughran Cappel sponsored House Bill 3442 which would allow a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

Under current law, a substitute teacher may only fill a vacancy left by a licensed teacher under contract in an emergency situation for up to 30 days.

“Providing students with a high-quality education requires familiarity with their teachers,” said Loughran Cappel.  “Allowing substitute teachers to teach for an extended period ensures continuity of learning, promotes student growth, and maintains consistency in the classroom.”

House Bill 1291 and House Bill 3442 passed the Senate and now head to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would provide insurance coverage for vaginal estrogen when medically necessary.

“I have always been a strong advocate for women,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Providing coverage for vaginal estrogen will help many of the side effects women going through menopause have and allow them to continue living their best life.”

House Bill 1565 would require individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The measure would prohibit insurers from imposing a higher deductible, co-payment, or any other cost sharing requirement on vaginal estrogen than it would for a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Vaginal estrogen is a form of hormone replacement that is typically used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, painful or difficult urination, or the sudden need to urinate immediately. These symptoms typically occur in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. Vaginal estrogen can cost as low as $350 and as high as $500 because of the area of absorption and the medication itself.

“Women need to have the tools to take care of their health,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will continue removing the barriers women face by being a voice and empowering them.”

House Bill 1565 passed the Senate.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel secured over $1.6 million in funding for Will County to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to drive along the historic Route 66 and Enjoy Illinois.

“As a lifelong resident of Will County, I know there is so much here to offer to tourists,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Making strong investments into our communities will continue to keep Will County and Illinois on the map.”

The Route 66 Grant Program awarded $3.7 million in funding to seven recipients for the development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026. 300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and Route 66’s economic and historical impact is felt firsthand in communities across the state.

Part of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau’s $1,609,400 funding for a variety of statewide Route 66 promotional programs will be used to support EV charging station and landscaping projects in Lockport, Bolingbrook and Joliet, along with several Route 66 monuments, murals and Route 66-themed enhancements to welcome centers and local museums.

Additionally, Will County Lodging was awarded $30,000 through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program to support local tourism promotional efforts with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events across the state.

“I look forward to continue attracting tourists and bringing out the vibrant history Will County has to offer,” Loughran Cappel said.

To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here. For more information on the Route 66 Grant Program, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans deserve companionship – that’s why State Senator Loughran Cappel passed a measure out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Thursday that would waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats.

“There is a special bond people share with their animals,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “For our veterans, this bond can help their health and happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s measure would require animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness, and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

“Showing recognition and appreciation to military veterans and active duty service personnel goes a long way,” said Loughran Cappel. “This is a small expression of that.”

House Bill 2500 passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.