Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that lets paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license get a full license after their short-term license expires.

“Illinois’ teacher shortage is impacting children’s ability to learn,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When we invest in the people already showing up for our students every day, we don’t just fill classrooms – we build careers, strengthen communities and deepen the roots of education from the inside out.”

SPRINGFIELD – Realizing that Illinois does not have enough clinicians authorized to diagnose autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law to ensure early identification of autism in children, as well as medical and educational support.

“Due to the current shortage of medical professionals allowed to diagnose autism, children are waiting up to two years for an autism evaluation, which leaves families without support during their children’s critical early years,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We need to make sure children can receive evaluations in an appropriate time, and that they receive the support they need for a successful educational career and life.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced a measure that would let paraprofessionals with a short-term approval license become fully licensed after their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals do a lot to help teachers,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide important assistance for students’ instruction, behavior and personal care under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

Paraprofessionals’ short-term approval licenses are valid for three years but cannot be renewed. Current regulations allow someone with a short-term approval license to act as a paraprofessional while working toward meeting the full-time license qualifications.

SPRINGFIELD – To promote inclusion and advocate for the well-being of individuals with autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure declaring April 2 as Autism Awareness Day.

“Every person with autism brings unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that enrich our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Illinois is standing as a state that chooses acceptance, understanding and belonging.”

The resolution’s purpose is to recognize both the progress and everyday struggle people with autism face. April 2 is also recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Day.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus to honor National Cerebral Palsy Day, World Autism Awareness Month, World Autism Day and World Neurodiversity Celebration Month by outlining the group’s goals for improving the lives of people who have disabilities.

“One of my goals since becoming a senator has been to improve the lives of children and students, including those who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum,” Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) said. “The purpose of our Neurodiversity Caucus is to hear what problems families are dealing with and find ways to make them better.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is spearheading a measure that would allow paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license to become fully licensed once their short-term license expires.

“Paraprofessionals are an important part of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “They provide crucial support for instructional, behavioral and personal care for students under the guidance of teachers and administrators.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will streamline local municipal services, allowing the city of Joliet to absorb the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District.

“Joliet is well equipped to ensure a smooth transition between the sanitary district and city, leading to better local governance and removing duplicate systems in the area,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is a commonsense switch that will bring greater efficiency and sustainability to how Joliet manages its essential services to the community.”

Under House Bill 663, the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District will dissolve and the city of Joliet will absorb its assets, powers and responsibilities, with any additional assets going to Will County.

“This is a practical move that cuts red tape and makes local government more efficient,” said State Representative Larry Walsh, House sponsor of the bill. “By consolidating services under one system, Joliet can modernize its infrastructure, respond faster to community needs and eliminate waste in how essential services are delivered.”

House Bill 663 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – After acknowledging a gap in early childhood disability advocacy, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a new law that ensures stronger representation for young children with disabilities.

“When Early Childhood Education is being discussed, it’s essential we include a representative to advocate for what’s in the best interest of all children, including those with disabilities, ,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “In Illinois, we have made strides in our early childhood education efforts, and this law continues to prove that we care about all children getting the education they need.”