CREST HILL – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel invites students to join her Youth Advisory Board.

“Students in high school and college are the leaders of our future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This generation is bright and innovative and their voices matter. Together, we can make Illinois a better place for all.”

Loughran Cappel’s Youth Advisory Board will meet quarterly to discuss issues that are important to young people and how she can use her position as a Senator to better serve younger generations. The board will be made up of students from local high schools and colleges.

Students interested in getting involved in state government and having their voice heard should apply for a position. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling bases and the first meeting will be Sept. 9. This class of members of the Youth Advisory Board will hold their positions until May 2024.

“The Youth Advisory Board is a great opportunity to have your voices heard and impact legislation,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some of the best pieces of legislation come from conversations I’ve had in the community.”

Students can apply here. People can call Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 with questions.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Plainfield Area Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49th District.

“My office is here to assist residents with any issues, share state resources and more,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I want residents to know that their voices are heard and concerns are addressed.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Plainfield Area Public Library located at 15025 S. Illinois St. in Plainfield.

This free event is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability, accessibility and assist with state resources by hosting office hours at different times, locations and days of the week to reach working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com

Upcoming forums:

• Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 4:15 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 3 at 4:15 p.m.

CREST HILL – Continuing her support for education, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a series of teacher forums to hear feedback and work collaboratively with educators across the 49^th District. 

“As a former special education teacher, I’m a strong advocate for our teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I spent 15 years in the classroom. I understand the importance of hearing educators’ concerns and finding the best solutions to set up our students up for a bright future.”

Loughran Cappel’s forums aim to address the issues teachers face in the classroom, ensure they have the tools and resources available to effectively do their job, and set students on a path of success.

The forums are held at Loughran Cappel’s district office located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D in Crest Hill.

RSVP by calling the district office at 815-267-6119.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office with questions.

CREST HILL – As students return to the classroom, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is reminding families that they may be able to claim school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2023 Illinois individual income tax returns. 

“Getting kids ready for school can be a financial burden for families,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “There are programs available that can put money back in your pockets. I encourage families and teachers to take advantage of these resources to help cut down on back-to-school costs.”

The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying students.

Qualified educational expenses include tuition, book rental and lab fees in excess of $250 paid to the school where the student is enrolled on a full-time basis. For home schooled students – book rental and lab fees greater than $250 are eligible when attending a qualified home school program.