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.

CREST HILL – State Senator Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the below statement following a brutal hate crime that took place Saturday against a young child and his mother in Plainfield.

“The hate that fueled this senseless crime is appalling. I cannot comprehend how anyone could harm a child and his mother in their home due to their race or religion. My heart goes out to all who know and love this family.

“My office and I are here to provide support to those who need it.”

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel stands in support with the United Auto Workers union strike in Bolingbrook.

The UAW union expanded its strike against major carmakers Friday, walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts-distribution centers in 20 states, including about 100 workers at a GM facility in Bolingbrook and 100 at a Stellantis facility in Naperville. Loughran Cappel serves on the Senate Labor Committee and is a former union representative.

“I stand in solidarity with the UAW in Bolingbrook and across the country who are fighting for the rights they deserve and standing up against corporate America,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “It should never be a question if we should prioritize big corporate profits over workers. Every worker has the right to a fair and equitable contract.”

According to the Associated Press, the union is pointing to the carmakers’ huge recent profits as it seeks wage increases of about 36% over four years. The companies have offered a little over half that amount.

“Here in Illinois, Will County and the 49^th Senate District, we will protect workers’ rights,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will always be a strong supporter, advocate and voice for the men and women of organized labor.”

CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“As energy costs continue to rise, I encourage residents to apply for assistance,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We are committed to helping working families and this is a great resource to take advantage of that can cut utility costs down.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.