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 With the funding, the center will add beds and a kitchen for the two extended care units, replace its outdated HVAC system and degraded exterior siding and windows, update its electrical system to meet safety compliance requirements, and remodel two bathrooms.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.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Crest Hill residents have clean drinking water, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel sponsored a measure that would construct a Lake Michigan water receiving station, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

“Water is basic need for everyone,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Ensuring Crest Hill has access to Lake Michigan’s water supply is vital. This initiative would help the city for decades to come.”

Crest Hill's switch to Lake Michigan as a source of treated water supply needs to be finished by the end of 2029. The new water supply operation would be able to serve both the city's water system pressure zones and would be capable of meeting all of its water supply needs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel has been appointed to chair the Senate Appropriations-Education Committee to ensure Illinois schools are adequately funded.

“As a special education teacher, I believe my work in the classroom has given me the perspective to understand what teachers need to do their job and succeed,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I’ve been a devoted advocate for teachers for many years. I want to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely when funding our schools for the benefit of our students and education professionals.”

Loughran Cappel entered the professional world as a special education teacher. In 2015, Loughran Cappel became a union representative for her school’s teacher’s union — AFT-IFT Local 604 – to support other educators and help them have meaningful careers. In 2017 she served on the Joliet High School Board, where she worked to improve school safety and technical problems within the district.

SHOREWOOD – Whether people have questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel enjoys meeting with residents of the 49^th District. To further connect with the community, Cappel is hosting a Coffee and Conversation event as well as traveling office hours.

During a Coffee and Conversation event on Thursday, Nov. 10, Cappel invites the community to join her at the White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch to discuss any thoughts or concerns they may have.

“In order for me to be an effective leader of the community, it’s pertinent I meet with people face-to-face and take in their needs, desires and concerns,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I have found the best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible as often as possible. I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and candid conversations.”

The Coffee and Conversation event will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m. at the White Oak Library District: Crest Hill Branch, located at 20670 Len Kubinski Dr.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The following week – on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Cappel encourages people to stop by the library to meet with a member of her office to receive assistance with state and local resources.

The events are free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SHOREWOOD – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“As a mother of college-aged students, I know firsthand how confusing the college admissions process can be,” said Loughran Cappel. “It’s a stressful enough time for students and their families – they don’t need the added worries about how to apply for financial assistance or wondering if they’ll qualify for help.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

Despite a temporary block on the program from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, federal authorities still encourage borrowers to apply as the block does not impact the ability of the Department of Education to collect and review applications.

In addition, employees of a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government or non-profit organization may be eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven after making 120 payments while working for a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is assisting students and families who have questions about the program or need help determining their eligibility through informational webinars. The PSLF Limited Waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022, so anyone who thinks they might qualify should apply as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available, making this the perfect time for anyone who might be interested in attending college next year to apply for financial aid. Illinois students who are ineligible for federal financial aid can check out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to apply for the state MAP Grant and institutional aid.

“College application season should be an exciting time – not a stressful one,” said Loughran Cappel. “I encourage students and their families to take advantage of the number of opportunities available to help them tackle the process.”

To connect with free one-on-one assistance and explore online tools for college planning and financial aid, visit the ISAC Student Portal. Borrowers interested in applying for one-time federal loan forgiveness can learn more at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Borrowers who work in public service can learn more about PSLF eligibility and complete the form by Oct. 31, 2022 at studentaid.gov/pslf.