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

By Ben Szalinski

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

Rauner signs bill preventing professional license suspension for student loan delinquencies

By Amy Korte

08/17/2018

A new law will ensure Illinoisans don’t lose their right to practice their professions if they fall behind on student loan payments.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, occupational licensing, Scott Bennett, student loans

En route to Rauner’s desk: Victories for licensing reform, regulatory rollback and axing golden parachutes

06/19/2018

Nearly 600 bills are on their way to the governor, some of which would be encouraging changes to the status quo.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Carol Sente, criminal justice reform, Dan McConchie, Illinois Tollway, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, Paul Schimpf, regulations, Thomas Cullerton, transparency

Trio of occupational licensing bills en route to governor’s desk

By Vincent Caruso

05/23/2018

A series of occupational licensing reform bills making their way out of the General Assembly would help more Illinoisans enter the workforce.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Chuck Weaver, criminal justice reform, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, Rita Mayfield

Senate bill would require regulators to jump more hurdles before imposing new licensing restrictions

By Vincent Caruso

05/07/2018

Regulatory regimes in Illinois often discourage workforce participation without enhancing public welfare. One Senate bill, however, would require regulators to demonstrate the necessity of new rules before imposing them on workers.

TAGS: Chicago, food trucks, licensing, Lisa Creason, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, regulations, Scott Bennett, Tom Demmer