Legislation to Expedite Professional Licenses Passes Senate
Legislation to Expedite Professional Licenses Passes Senate (Springfield, IL) — Legislation to expedite the issuance of professional licenses, championed by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday.
“This measure cuts red tape for new professionals entering the workforce,” Joyce said. “Advocating for hard-working Illinoisans is my top priority and this legislation does just that.”
The legislation was introduced after hearing word from local residents that the professional licensing process was taking too long. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted. The measure would expedite licenses for health care workers, accountants, speech pathologists and other professionals.
“New professionals are waiting months to receive a license that they are qualified for and need to enter the workforce,” Joyce said. “While I appreciate the department’s efforts to reduce processing times with electronic renewals, I believe this legislation will help speed up the process.”
Senate Bill 670 moves to the House for further consideration.
Career
Joyce is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate from the 40th district since November 8, 2019. The 40th district, located partly in the Chicago area, includes all or parts of Bourbonnais, Bradley, Chicago Heights, Coal City, Essex, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Glenwood, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Joliet, Kankakee, Manhattan, Matteson, Mokena, Monee, New Lenox, Park Forest, Richton Park, Steger, University Park, and Wilmington.
Joyce was appointed to the district on November 8, 2019 after former State Senator Toi Hutchinson resigned to become the new Illinois Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer.
A local business owner and fourth-generation farmer, Senator Patrick Joyce has deep ties to the 40th Senate District. He grew up in Reddick and has lived in Essex for 24 years with his wife, Rita.
Focus on health
Joyce brings a focus on health care, the environment and education to the Senate, as well as a deep knowledge of business and agriculture. His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for individuals and families suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.
Joyce’s experience of losing his daughter, Katelyn, to leukemia in 2011 inspired him to improve the health care system. While she was undergoing treatment, Joyce saw first-hand how difficult the American medical system can be to navigate and how difficult living through a serious illness can be – even for a family with substantial support and resources. He believes that increasing advocacy and support services would improve the American health system immensely. Every year for nearly a decade, Joyce has led a team of friends and family members to raise money at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night fundraiser in Katelyn’s memory.
Legislation to Expedite Professional Licenses Passes Senate
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