SPRINGFIELD – Illinois law enforcement officers will be honored the week of May 15 to May 21, 2022, thanks to a resolution led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to serving the community,” Loughran Cappel said. “This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who protect and serve the residents of Illinois.”

This week recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of local, state, and federal police officers and their service to the state. Law enforcement officers help prevent crime and provide assistance to those in need amongst an infinite amount of other tasks to encourage civic engagement and an investment in the well-being of all Illinoisans.

“These past two years have been especially difficult for law enforcement officers and their families, but they continue to answer the call of duty no matter the circumstances,” Loughran Cappel said. “I am glad to have the opportunity to recognize and appreciate them and the work they do.”

Loughran Cappel’s resolution received bipartisan support in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law that would prohibit standardized tests for students pre-K though second grade, supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, was signed into law on Friday.

“Standardized testing has become a hallmark of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Studies show that there are better ways than a high-stakes test to measure children’s learning, and that is through their play and interaction.”  

Senate Bill 3986 ensures the Illinois State Board of Education does not develop or administer standardized tests for students Pre-K through second grade, except for the case of diagnostic and screening tests including determining eligibility for special education services, bilingual services, dyslexia interventions, observational tools like the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, and the federally mandated English Learner assessments.

SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans will see a reduced registration fee under a new law by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel. 

“As inflation inches higher, some older adults worry about the rising cost of necessities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law offers a reduction in cost for a vehicle fee for older adults living on a limited income.”

The law will reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

SPRINGFIELD – A newly signed law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will waive application fees for short-term substitute teaching licenses.

“Over the past two years, every school across the state has had days when they have been unable to find substitute teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have a responsibility to do all we can to ensure our students have access to teachers, and this new law will get teachers in the classroom.”

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, there are more than 4,000 unfilled positions in schools. In an attempt to address the void, Loughran Cappel’s plan will waive the application fee for short-term substitute teaching licensees when the governor declares a disaster due to a public health emergency.