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.

Loughran Cappel previously served as a member of the Senate Education Committee and will continue serving on that committee.

“My job as an elected official is to be straightforward and honest with constituents and residents across the state,” said Loughran Cappel. “With this new position, I will work to increase government transparency and accountability with the state’s fiscal responsibility to fund our schools. I look forward to working for our educators and believe that my career has given me the tools to be successful in this new role.”