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 – To provide local seniors with information and resources available to them, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is hosting two senior fraud seminars on Nov. 2.

“This is a one-stop-shop to learn about how to keep your personal information safe,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “There are a number of services available across the state and locally that seniors should be aware of. Join us at one of our senior fraud seminars to understand how to better protect yourselves from fraud and scams.”

Loughran Cappel teamed up with Plainfield Park District and Plainfield Township to host the first seminar on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Plainfield Township Community Center, located at 15014 S. Des Plaines St. in Plainfield.

The second seminar, hosted by Loughran Cappel, State Representatives Natalie Manley and Dagmara Avelar, and Village of Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta will also be held on Nov. 2 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Village of Bolingbrook Community Center, located at 201 Canterbury Lane in Bolingbrook.

SHOREWOOD – On Wednesday, Oct. 18, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel will hold office hours at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library to provide residents of the 49th District a one-stop shop to receive assistance.

“It’s important to be available to residents and the district, and to ensure that your voice is heard in Springfield,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “My office is a great resource for residents who may need help with state and local issues.”

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.”