Loughran Cappel stands for education investments

• budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“We have to continue our commitment to adequately funding our schools. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Committee, I want to see us invest in K-12 education to ensure students get a quality education that sets them up to be lifelong learners. When we prioritize funding education, we are giving people a break on their property taxes.

“I have been a devoted advocate for all levels of education and teachers even before I was a state senator. It’s important to provide the essential resources for students to have the chance to go to college without placing a financial burden on working families. The proposed budget builds upon last year, making higher education a priority with strong investments in MAP grants.

“In the months to come, I look forward to negotiating and passing a budget that prioritizes education, working families and fiscal stability.”

Loughran Cappel hosts traveling office hours in Plainfield

• Traveling Office Hours

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will hold office hours at the Plainfield Area Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to give residents an opportunity to receive assistance and ask questions.

“Office hours provide an opportunity for my staff to assist residents with legislative issues, hear helpful input and help direct people to state resources,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage residents to participate in office hours to ensure their voices are heard.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Plainfield Area Public Library, located at 15025 S. Illinois St. in Plainfield. Loughran Cappel’s office provides coffee for attendees.

This free event is an initiative from Loughran Cappel’s office to assist residents with state resources, as well as increase accessibility and government accountability by holding office hours at different days, times and locations.

If anyone has questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Purse, feminine care products drive hosted by Loughran Cappel underway

• Donation Drive

CREST HILL – In an effort to give back to women in the community, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a purse and feminine care product drive to benefit the Will County Center for Community Concerns.

“I want to uplift the women in our communities, and providing purses full of hygiene products will help them cut down on costs for basic toiletries,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I hope community members will join us so we can give back to those who need it most.”  

The purse and feminine care product drive will run through Feb. 29. Loughran Cappel’s office is collecting new purses and feminine care products, which will be put in the purse and dispersed to women in need in coordination with the Will County Center for Community Concerns.

Suggested toiletries to include with the purse donation are deodorant, soap, lotion, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, lip balm, nail files, shower slippers, socks, hairbrushes and compact mirrors.

“These purses become more than just material possessions — they transform into heartfelt tokens, symbolizing the care and compassion we extend to each individual in our community,” said Will County Center for Community Concerns Executive Director Kris White. “We are grateful for Senator Loughran Cappel's commitment to fostering a community that cares, and we appreciate the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of those we serve.”

Purses and personal care products can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Loughran Cappel’s office, 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D, Crest Hill
• Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
• White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch, 20670 City Center Blvd., Crest Hill
• Village of Shorewood, One Towne Center Blvd, Shorewood

Residents with questions can reach out to Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119.

Teachers could see classroom planning time each day under Loughran Cappel proposal

• Teachers

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.

Read more …