SPRINGFIELD – Older Illinoisans may be eligible for a significant discount on their registration fee thanks to a measure introduced by State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“We know the rising cost of living has made it difficult for a lot of people to afford the things they need,” Loughran Cappel said. “These expanded benefits help some of our most vulnerable residents save money.”

Loughran Cappel’s proposal would 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 – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) spearheaded two measures out of the Senate Education Committee Tuesday that would help address the ongoing statewide teacher shortage.

“Our schools need our help, now more than ever,” said Senate Education Committee Vice-Chair Loughran Cappel. “As schools continue to struggle to find substitute teachers, there is a great amount of pressure being placed on teachers, which is in turncausing learning disruptions for students.”

According to a survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 90% of Illinois schools are currently experiencing staffing shortages. Loughran Cappel introduced House Bill 4246 to address the issue, which would reduce the renewal fees for substitute teachers’ licenses to $50 instead of $500.

BOLINGBROOK – In an effort to be more accessible to community members, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will be holding a Coffee and Conversation event on Monday, March 21. 

“This is a great opportunity for residents in Bolingbrook and surrounding communities to enjoy a cup of coffee while having a conversation about what’s happening in state government, or to simply bring an issue to my attention,” Loughran Cappel said. “I look forward to meeting everyone that attends.”

The event will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

This is another effort from Loughran Cappel’s office to increase government accountability and accessibly by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will and Kendall Counties.

The event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at (815) 267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – To improve career readiness after high school, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) supported a resolution in the Senate urging high school educators and counselors to promote career and technical education.

“When students and families are thinking about a post-high school education, trade schools are not always considered a viable option,” Loughran Cappel said. “It’s vital that we create opportunities for students to learn about additional career opportunities that they can succeed in.”

Under the resolution, high school educators and counselors would be encouraged to assist each student to determine an appropriate post-secondary plan based upon their skills, strengths and goals and help them implement the best practices that improve career readiness after high school so that they can find an appropriate pathway.

“The reality is that trade schools are a practical, affordable, career-focused option for many graduating seniors,” Loughran Cappel said. “This resolution will set students up for success by giving them the guidance they need to determine the best career plan after graduation.”

Senate Resolution 834 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.