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.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize educators, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel introduced a measure that would guarantee teachers have classroom planning time built into each school day.

“During my 15 years in the classroom, I experienced firsthand the struggle many teachers face when trying to find time to plan,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Teachers are often forced to plan lessons before or after school. By providing time during the school day, we can ensure better quality plans while avoiding extensive hours outside the classroom for educators.”

Senate Bill 2721 would guarantee that every teacher receives at least 45 minutes of continuous, uninterrupted individual classroom planning time per day. The requirement would apply to all public school districts in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans will be able to adopt a pet without paying fees on Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship, and we have seen the benefits pets can give veterans including improved health and overall happiness.”

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

SPRINGFIELD – Women will be able to get vaginal estrogen when medically necessary without worrying if their insurance will cover it, under an initiative led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel that was signed into law Friday.

“Taking vaginal estrogen can help with the side effects many women feel going through menopause,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We have to empower women and make sure they can live their best life.”

The Loughran Cappel law requires individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The law prohibits insurers from imposing a higher deductible, co-payment, or any other cost sharing requirement on vaginal estrogen than it would for a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Vaginal estrogen is a form of hormone replacement that is typically used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning, painful or difficult urination, or the sudden need to urinate immediately. These symptoms typically occur in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. Vaginal estrogen can cost as low as $350 and as high as $500 because of the area of absorption and the medication itself.

“Women shouldn’t have to worry about what it’s going to cost to take care of their health,” said Loughran Cappel. “We are providing the tools to enhance all women’s lives.”

House Bill 1565 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We have seen the benefits pets can give to our veterans,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship and many have a special bond with their pets. Providing the resources to improve our veteran’s health and overall happiness was the driving force behind this law.”

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

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is urging local government agencies across the 49^th District to apply for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

“Continuing to invest in our local communities fosters a sustainable environment for our residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By funding recreational and conservational projects right here in our neighborhoods, programs like OSLAD enhance our communities and help attract visitors to these vibrant destinations.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

CREST HILL – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $272 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“Continuing to invest in our roads increases safety, brings more jobs and boosts the local economy throughout our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We made the commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and we are seeing the benefits these investments are making that will have a lasting effect for residents here in Will County.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Loughran Cappel represents will see 19 infrastructure projects totaling more than $272 million over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“With this significant funding coming right to the roads we drive daily, our economy will continue to move forward and be set up for residents in the 49th District,” said Loughran Cappel.

To find a full list of projects slated for the 49th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.