JOLIET – Families can get their kids ready to head back to the classroom by attending State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and State Representative Natalie Manley’s Back to School Fair on July 20.

“The school year will be here before we know it,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s a perfect time to have an event that serves as a central location for connecting families with programs in our community. We want families to have a chance to get free school supplies and useful resources all in one place.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 at the University of St. Francis St. Clare Campus, located at 1550 Plainfield Road in Joliet. Loughran Cappel and Manley will be joined by community partners who will provide resources and supplies for students to use when they return to the classroom. Students can receive free school supplies at the fair and learn about a number of services offered by organizations in the community.

SPRINGFIELD – To streamline the administration of early childhood education programs and services, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a new law creating the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

“Illinois has been a champion in education, ensuring every child is set up to be a lifelong learner at an early age,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As a former educator, I’m confident this is a necessary step for kids across the state to be given more opportunities to succeed with the support, resources and stability they need and deserve.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Department of Early Childhood to be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families in Illinois. The new agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

CREST HILL – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $6.4 million in road improvement projects in Romeoville.

“By improving our state’s aging infrastructure, we are improving the lives of all residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This significant investment will increase safety, bring good-paying jobs to the community and boost the local economy.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Loughran Cappel represents will see three infrastructure projects totaling $6.4 million next year.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Find a full list of projects slated for the 49^th Senate District here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed legislation to help get more teachers in the classroom, continuing her commitment to address the ongoing teacher shortage across Illinois.

“As we face a teacher shortage, it’s important we give aspiring teachers the support and encouragement they need,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to act now to get teachers their licenses so they can get in the classroom and start shaping our future generations.”

House Bill 5057 would allow applicants for teacher licenses to take content area tests before, during and after student teaching. Loughran Cappel’s measure aims to ensure applicants can receive their license in a timely manner.