SPRINGFIELD – Legislation led by Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that is aimed at addressing a glaring gap in financial preparedness among Illinois students passed through the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“One of the primary goals of our state’s education system is preparing students to lead fulfilling, successful adult lives,” Loughran Cappel said. “Part of that is knowing what to do with your money and practicing good financial habits. These key life skills, which can be carried for a student’s entire life, deserve to be promoted in our schools.”

Senate Bill 1830 would allow either one year, or a semester, of a financial literacy course to count toward the math requirement to graduate high school.

In a study conducted by USA TODAY, of those who attended college, only 41% said they received enough information in college to build good financial habits and 30% said their high school education did so. When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, financial topics were at the top of the list.

Currently, in order to receive a high school diploma, students must take three years of mathematics which must include one year of algebra I, one year that includes geometry content, and one year of either algebra II or Advanced Placement computer science. SB 1830 would add a financial literacy class to the list of courses that count toward the three year requirement.

The measure now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

PLAINFIELD – To give local students the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the state capitol, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) launched an art contest.

“As a freshman legislator, the process of decorating my office in Springfield is ongoing, but it won’t be complete without a few pieces of home,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my hope that this contest will inspire local students to showcase their talent and creativity.” 

This art competition is open to all students in the 49^th Legislative District, and will be divided into three categories: elementary, middle school and high school. All entries must include the student’s name, grade and school. Students can mail their artwork to 2009 S. Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60586. The deadline to submit an entry is May 15.

After entries have been received, they will be narrowed down to the top three pieces in each category. Loughran Cappel will then post a poll on her official Facebook account, where students and residents will be able to choose the winners. The poll will close May 25 at 5 p.m. and the winners will be announced shortly after. The winners will have their work displayed in Loughran Cappel’s Springfield office for the next year.

For questions related to the art contest, Loughran Cappel encourages residents to call her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.senatorloughrancappel.com to submit questions via email.

Hazardous road conditions cause spike in roadside crashes

WILL COUNTY – To help keep first responders safe while they assist motorists on the side of the road, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Plainfield) and State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) are reminding residents to reduce speed, switch lanes if possible and drive cautiously when emergency lights are visible.

"Scott's Law means move over for emergency vehicles, which is especially important with the winter weather conditions we're currently experiencing," Loughran Cappel said. "I am grateful the trooper involved in the accident in Will County has been released with non-life-threatening injuries, and I urge drivers to move over and drive slowly when passing emergency vehicles to prevent further tragedy." 

According to the Illinois State Police, District 5 covering Will County is investigating the second Scott’s Law-related crash in just a week. The first occurred on Feb. 15 while a trooper was assisting drivers on Interstate 55 northbound near US Route 30, and the trooper was airlifted to a local area hospital with serious injuries. The second crash happened on Feb. 16 while a trooper was responding to an accident on Interstate 80 over Interstate 55. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from hospital care.

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SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address Wednesday, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) says that his proposal is a good start to the budget process and she looks forward to being involved in negotiations this spring.

“This year has been tough on a lot of families, especially those with school-aged children,” said Loughran Cappel, vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee. “I am glad to see that the governor plans to maintain funding for higher education and increase funding for need-based tuition assistance programs.”

Additionally, Gov. Pritzker’s proposal utilizes an increase in funding for the Illinois Department of Employment Security to upgrade the system and increase call center capacity to help meet the unprecedented need during the pandemic. The proposal also includes competitive grant funding to provide infrastructure improvements to roads and highways to benefit the communities of Will and Kendall counties.

“We are living through unprecedented times, and I understand that some priorities will need to take precedent,” Loughran Cappel said. “I hope to work with my colleagues and the governor to pass a budget that provides stability for working families in the 49th District and restores predictability that will help get our local economy back on track.”