To promote resources available to small businesses and hear from local owners and entrepreneurs, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 49^th Senate District.

“As a small business owner myself, I understand how important they are to communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I want to show my support to small business owners, uplift their establishments and encourage residents to shop small.”

Interested business owners can find the application here. The program will start in the coming weeks, and Loughran Cappel requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of her team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

ROMEOVILLE – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a Coffee with Cappel event with State Representative Natalie Manley in the evening on June 16. Local residents are encouraged to come share their thoughts and discuss issues that are important to the community.

“Residents’ voices matter, and I want people to know I’m here to listen,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’m excited to have this event in the evening and hope the later hours will allow additional people to stop by.”

The free event will be held Monday, June, 16 from 4-6 p.m. at McWethy’s Tavern, located at 1700 W. Renwick Road in Romeoville.

Coffee with Cappel events serve as open forums for community members to share their concerns and talk with the senator about state issues.

People with questions or concerns can contact Loughran Cappel’s Crest Hill office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Following the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement regarding her support:

“The Fiscal Year 2026 budget touches on key components that will prioritize working families in Illinois, while still maintaining our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“One of the most important investments prioritized in the budget is continued and much-needed funding for our education system and public schools. As a former teacher, and now chair of the Senate Education Committee, I understand how crucial financial support is to not only our schools, but also the children who attend them.

“Aside from investments in K-12 schools, this budget maintains significant commitments to early childhood education and higher education. It continues to fund Smart Start Illinois, expanding preschool access for children, and provides funding for the new Department of Early Childhood that will focus on administering early childhood education programs. Higher education will also see investments, including a $10 million increase for MAP grant funding.

“With uncertainties present in federal funding, Illinois is making it clear that we care about our education system, and we will do everything we can to ensure schools get the funding they deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – To better prepare all educators – including substitute teachers – for emergencies at school, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced a measure out of the Senate that requires training in evacuation and lockdown procedures prior to being in the classroom.

“This measure ensures that anyone teaching students knows exactly what to do in case of a crisis situation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “You never know when an emergency will happen, so requiring this training is the logical thing to do.”

House Bill 1787 would require school districts in Illinois to provide training to all substitute teachers on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills. Additionally, all substitutes would be given the same information as full-time employees that outlines all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps would be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points.