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.”

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.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel announced five school districts in Romeoville, Crest Hill, Plainfield and Shorewood have received more than $38,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“As a former special education teacher, I have seen the educational value school libraries provide to a student’s success,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Ensuring school libraries are equipped with fundamental resources allows students to expand their knowledge and interests.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

CREST HILL – With support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, St. Francis University will receive nearly $100,000 to provide necessary resources for students and address the issue of student homelessness.

“Students don’t need the distraction of wondering where their next meal is coming from or if they’ll have a roof over their head,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We must do everything in our power to ensure students’ basic needs are met so they can be set up for future successes.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded these grants, called End Student Housing Insecurity grants. St. Francis University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE to support ongoing efforts to address causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity.