SPRINGFIELD – Veterans deserve companionship – that’s why State Senator Loughran Cappel passed a measure out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Thursday that would waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats.

“There is a special bond people share with their animals,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “For our veterans, this bond can help their health and happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s measure would require animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase access to state resources, State Senator Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Executive Committee that would create a program for grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County to have a better understanding of what state programs are available.

“Grandparents often take on the responsibilities to raise their grandchildren,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “There are a number of resources that people don’t know about and this initiative addresses that by streamlining the process and giving caretakers a direct, local contact to utilize the resources available.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to continue addressing the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure to increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation.

“To make sure our students are getting the best education they can, we have to keep them with a familiar face,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Increasing the number of days a substitute teacher can teach allows students to continue to learn and grow, and provides consistency in the classroom.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Insurance Committee that would require insurance coverage for medically necessary reconstructive surgeries as a result of a traumatic experience.

“Victims shouldn’t have to be reminded of a traumatic accident when they look in a mirror,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Whether it’s a scar from domestic violence or a car accident, injuries should be covered by insurance.”

House Bill 1384 would require HMOs, Medicaid and individual and group health insurance policies to cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries to restore a person’s physical appearance that was damaged by trauma.

SPRINGFIELD – To incentivize educational professionals, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Education Committee that would increase the annual pay cap for teachers who mentor or provide professional development for classroom teachers or counselors.

“As a former special education teacher, I understand the struggles many education professionals are facing,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It’s important for new teachers to have qualified mentors to lean on, especially when first joining the profession. This can lead to increased satisfaction for teachers and education professionals.”

House Bill 1291 would increase the annual pay cap from $1,500 to $2,250 for teachers with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards designations who mentor or provide professional development for classroom teachers or counselors.

CREST HILL – With strong support from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, Stepping Stones Treatment Center is set to receive $240,000 to help address physical construction and accessibility needs.

“Stepping Stones plays an important role in our community by providing treatment services for those in need,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This strong investment allows the center to grow and continue making a positive impact on residents in Joliet and across Will County.”

A total of $14 million was awarded to 70 human services providers across the state through the Human Services Capital Investment Grant program. The program was designed to prioritize disproportionately impacted areas, the expansion of human services, and to address fire prevention and mitigation.

Stepping Stones in Joliet professionally treats addiction, anxiety, depression and dual diagnosis. The $240,000 grant will be used to expand treatment service physical capacity by 34 people and meet all ADA and safety compliance standards to ensure a safe, healthy environment for staff and clients. With the funding, the center will add beds and a kitchen for the two extended care units, replace its outdated HVAC system and degraded exterior siding and windows, update its electrical system to meet safety compliance requirements, and remodel two bathrooms.

Click here for a full list of Human Services Capital Investment Grant program recipients.

SPRINGFIELD – To continue her fight to address the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a measure that would remove the number of days short term substitute teachers can be in the classroom and application fees for teaching licenses, which passed the Senate Thursday.

“As a former special education teacher, I know the struggle of finding substitute teachers, especially with the ever-growing teacher shortage,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve heard from superintendents in the 49^th District and across the state that are desperately trying to find substitute teachers. This is one step we can take to further address the teacher shortage.”

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined state and local officials at Joliet Junior College to emphasize the importance of investing in Illinois’ community colleges at a press conference on Thursday.

“Investing in our community colleges across the state gives students the opportunity to get a good paying job after graduation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Continuing to invest in Joliet Junior College and offering workforce training and development, manufacturing, EV technology and more puts students on a path toward exceling in a career that fits them.”

JJC is the nation’s first public community college, and currently serves around 27,000 students each year across six campuses. Illinois has the third largest community college system in the country.