SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure through the Senate that would protect youth from the dangers of vaping by prohibiting e-cigarettes from being shipped to anyone in the state.

“Students can easily buy e-cigarettes on the internet, including ones that look like school supplies,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These vapes make it hard for teachers to decipher what it is. We have to take the necessary steps to protect our kids from the risks e-cigarettes pose on their health.”

Senate Bill 3098 would prohibit electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s initiative comes in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring equity to funding for special education students, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Education Committee that would create a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“Since I became a state senator, I’ve been working to level the playing field to ensure our students get a quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to ensure every child receives the education they deserve, no matter their ZIP code.”

Senate Bill 3606 would equalize the reimbursement rate received by public school districts from the Illinois State Board of Education when sending high-needs special education students to private and public special education day schools.

Under Loughran Cappel’s measure, public schools would be eligible to receive a reimbursement from ISBE for tuition costs for high-needs special education students that exceed the average cost for students not receiving special education services.

“Special education schools prioritize students by giving them the resources and tools they need to thrive,” said Loughran Cappel. “Some students have additional needs, which increase the costs for the school. This is an effort to achieve equitable funding for our special needs students across the state.”

Senate Bill 3606 passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect youth from the dangers of vaping, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is sponsoring a measure that would prohibit shipping e-cigarettes to anyone in the state.

“The internet makes it easy for kids to access vapes,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to do what we can to protect our youth from the risks e-cigarettes pose to their health.”

Senate Bill 3098 would prohibit electronic cigarettes purchased by mail, online or through other remote sale methods from being shipped to anyone in the state other than a distributor or retailer. Loughran Cappel’s initiative comes in response to students obtaining e-cigarettes that are designed to look like everyday objects, such as highlighters.

SPRINGFIELD – In order to bring awareness to dyscalculia, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel has declared March 3 Dyscalculia Awareness Day.

“Dyscalculia is an often misunderstood learning disability, leading to many individuals living undiagnosed,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By bringing awareness, there is hope for a future where those suffering will find the most effective strategies possible.”

Senate Resolution 703 declares March 3, 2024 as Dyscalculia Awareness Day in Illinois. Dyscalculia is a condition that affects a person’s ability to comprehend mathematical tasks and concepts. Symptoms of dyscalculia are more likely to be present during childhood.