4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois

By Joe Tabor

09/05/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently OK’d four new laws that would expand the ability for professionals to practice in Illinois. While they are advancements, Illinois’ onerous occupational licensing system needs comprehensive reform.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Universal licensing bill would help professionals move to Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

04/03/2024

House Bill 5608 would allow professionals with out-of-state licenses or experience to work in Illinois and help residents with certifications from other states to work. Universal licensing was already adopted by 22 other states.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Too much occupational licensing could stop people from moving to Illinois

By Joe Tabor

12/25/2023

Illinois has seen continual population loss for a decade. While taxes and lack of opportunities are driving people away, the state’s licensing requirements could be keeping people from moving in.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Illinois’ excessive job licensing keeps Chicagoans in poverty

By Joe Tabor

12/01/2023

Occupational licensing is more burdensome in Illinois than in neighboring states for many professions. Those barriers are unreasonably keeping poor Illinoisans and Chicagoans from finding work.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Illinois faced nursing shortage before COVID-19 stressed health care

By Laura Bianchi

02/24/2021

An impending health care worker shortage argues for a bill that would allow Illinois to join a multi-state nursing license compact. Nurses could see improved job options.

TAGS: COVID-19, nurse, occupational licensing

For Illinois, COVID-19 cuts much deeper than public health

By Austin Berg

03/20/2020

Springfield needs to pull policy levers to mitigate harm. And they should do so as quickly as possible.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, economy, JB Pritzker, occupational licensing, progressive income tax, small business, unemployment

Senate committee passes Hayli’s Law so regulators don’t sour young entrepreneurs

03/06/2020

The proposal is named after Hayli Martenez, a Kankakee girl who was forced to shutter her lemonade stand last summer by county health officials.

TAGS: entrepreneurs, Hayli Martenez, Kankakee, occupational licensing, Patrick Joyce, permits, regulations

Illinois ‘license to landscape’ bill is a pure protection racket

By Austin Berg

05/03/2019

Licensing should be the last resort. Instead, in the case of the landscape architects, it appears to be a grab for a different kind of green.

TAGS: employment, jobs, licensing, occupational licensing, unemployment

Senate bill would create liquor licenses for grocery, other delivery services

By Vincent Caruso

01/29/2019

Grocery delivery services have been on the rise nationwide. A bill in the General Assembly would allow consumers in Illinois to have distilled spirits delivered by a licensed vendor.

TAGS: gig economy, jobs, liscense, occupational licensing, sharing economy

With 517 laws passed last year, odds are some will help Illinois taxpayers in 2019

12/19/2018

New Year brings new laws as the 100thGeneral Assembly ends. Here are a few wins for Illinois taxpayers.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, licensing, local government consolidation, occupational licensing, pensions, regulations, school district consolidation

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students