McHenry Times

First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who stopped by my tent earlier this month at the McHenry County Fair. Though the weather was a little over the top, everyone I talked to was having a good time. On behalf of the McHenry County 4-H, thanks for attending. It’s the best county fair in Illinois.

This week I’m going to talk about something that has plagued our economy ever since I’ve been in the General Assembly. I’m talking about the occupational and professional licensing system that’s regulated by state agencies. It’s a system that’s archaic and inefficient and does more to hinder employment of people in all walks of life, from teachers to nurses, from elevator contractors to hairdressers.

Last week I received an email from a constituent (we’ll call her Jill), who is seeking licensure as an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). From her email:

“I applied for my license on July 4th, 2024, and it is still in ‘pending’ status. I am in a position where I might lose my job if I do not have my license as soon as possible. If this process could be expedited in any way, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to review this urgent matter on my behalf.”

I get far too many emails like this from constituents who are just trying to earn a living but are hamstrung by licensing delays. 1.2 million Illinoisians work in professions that require licensure – everyone from acupuncturists to pawn brokers and hair braiders. Practicing without a license can lead to fines, unemployment, criminal charges, or inability to receive a license in the future.

For the Department that oversees licensing, the stakes are much lower. In fact, for the last year, the situation at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has been so bad that there have been loud bipartisan calls for changes.

In August of 2023, after months of constituent phone calls and emails like Jen's asking for help with the licensure process, I co-signed a letter with my colleagues pointing out failures at IDFPR. The letter highlighted specific cases of licensees being ignored or dismissed and encouraging applicants not to reapply due to lost applications. IDFPR did not respond.

Having received no response from IDFPR or the Pritzker administration, House Republicans introduced eleven bills aimed at reforming IDFPR: streamlining processes, allowing reciprocity with other states, lowering costs for applicants, and identifying issues within IDFPR.

Despite receiving bipartisan support only one bill passed while promises were made about implementing a new licensing system funded by recent legislation.

One significant problem applicants face is not knowing their application status or potential issues before final action is taken on their application under current systems.

The new system is supposed to provide better notifications throughout various stages according to business rules such as notifying public users when their application is approved which should offer some measure of comfort regarding queue status and responsiveness requests further information needed quickly addressed effectively resolving deficiencies timely manner however law mandated contract signed provider within days bill signed then operational later emergency rulemaking implemented last week no indication proposed though member JCAR heard meeting final action rule relating regulation Interior Designers but modernizing process here's timeline happened far

It may be good news eventually hopefully improved system place mismanagement activities government agencies example basic level zero accountability failures impact those serve

There no way Jill any other nurse teacher licensed professional delay renewal shouldn’t allow government nonchalantly fall behind either timer set watching closely quick implementation election day sure announce next steps available fills sense unbridled optimism

Jill promise office acted upon your email meantime join celebrating Governor signing creating State Mushroom Calvatia gigantea commonly known giant puffball reminds budget concerned patient care edible fungi

Before summer slips away visit farmers markets perfect time stock fresh produce local farms gardens canning season freshest ingredients stewed tomatoes corn relish full list markets throughout McHenry County even kids back school late Chicago enjoy day visiting City fine museums Constituents living District free pass provided Museums Park Organization appointment District office pick pass visiting museums