BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will hold office hours at the Fountaindale Public Library District on Thursday, July 18 to give residents an opportunity to receive assistance and ask questions.

“My staff will be available to deliver helpful insights, discuss legislation and provide information about resources and programs available for residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I encourage all of our community members to take advantage of the office hours.”

The event will be held on Thursday, July 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fountaindale Public Library District, located at 300 W. Briarcliff Rd. in Bolingbrook. Loughran Cappel’s office will provide coffee for attendees.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel secured a strong investment for Joliet Junior College, Village of Romeoville and the City of Lockport to increase opportunities in the trade industry and expand the clean energy talent pipeline.

“Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have worked to expand opportunities and bring more jobs to Will County and these key investments will open a number of doors for residents.”

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program prioritizes underrepresented populations and people living in communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers, bolstering a diverse workforce in the clean energy industry.

SPRINGFIELD – Career and technical education teachers will now be granted tenure under a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for CTE, which gives students the opportunity to receive a hands-on academic experience,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “With the ongoing teacher shortage, we need to ensure CTE teachers receive the benefits they are entitled to and deserve.”

Senate Bill 463 allows CTE teachers to be granted tenure if they have a license with credentials. Loughran Cappel’s law aims to expand tenure eligibility from only educators with a Professional Educator License to include CTE teachers.

SPRINGFIELD – Funding for special education students will be more equitable under a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that creates a fair reimbursement rate for special education day schools.

“Since joining the General Assembly, I have worked to ensure all special education students receive a quality education in the least restrictive environment,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “With this law, all special education day schools will see equitable funding opportunities, no matter the student’s placement.”

Senate Bill 3606 equalizes 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.