SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a measure to help modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process that was signed into law Friday.

“We are streamlining the licensure process, ensuring professionals can get to work and residents are not hampered by the availability of essential services in our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Recently, we have seen health care workforce shortages across the state. We are directly addressing the issue head on by making the process more efficient and effective.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers licenses for over 100 professions in Illinois including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work.

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel encourages area residents, service organizations, schools and individuals to support the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ 2023 Operation Rising Spirit in writing letters of appreciation to honor our former service members currently residing in state veterans’ homes.

“Our veterans who receive holiday letters are reminded of our gratitude for their sacrifices in the service of our nation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “The thoughtful effort in writing a letter allows us to share our joy and support, letting these local heroes know they are valued and loved.”

Operation Rising Spirit initially launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit friends and family. The campaign was successful in encouraging veterans and facilitated their connection with the community. During the 2022 holiday season, IDVA distributed over 5,000 letters to veterans in the state’s care.

“Operation Rising Spirit serves as a tribute to the individuals who protected us and connects them to the community,” said Loughran Cappel. “I invite all residents to recognize our former service members in writing them a letter this holiday season.”

Participants can mail letters directly to IDVA or submit on the IDVA website. Letters will be divided equally between the state’s five veterans’ homes. If mailing, send letters to:

Crystal Womack

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 S. Spring St.

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

CREST HILL – To spread holiday cheer, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting a holiday card drive for seniors across her district.

“During the holiday season, it’s important to give back and spread joy throughout our community,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Let’s get in the holiday spirit by writing a kind note that will make someone’s day.”

Loughran Cappel is collecting store bought and handmade cards for local seniors this holiday season. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to her Crest Hill office, located at 20660 Caton Farm Road, Unit D, Crest Hill, Illinois 60403. She is collecting cards until Dec. 15 and then will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a measure to help modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process, which advanced out of the Senate Tuesday.

“By empowering IDFPR to streamline the licensure process, we can make certain Illinoisans are not hampered by the availability of essential services in our communities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “One of our major concerns recently has been the health care workforce shortages across the state. By making the licensure process more accessible and effective, we will be able to address this shortage directly.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers licenses for over 100 professions in Illinois including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work.

House Bill 2394 addresses the backlog of licenses and registrations by creating an expedited and competitive bid process for software to modernize the way IDFPR processes licensing.