Institutional Inequalities in Licensing Removed with Ammons-Backed Legislation

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D–Urbana, passed a new law that highlights institutional barriers to occupational licensing and employment for low-income communities. 

“Economic inequality is an ever-growing problem not only for the country but for my community, and part of this problem is the fact that there are a lot of barriers to obtaining licenses to work and own a business,” Ammons said. “Many people in my community have the passion to create a new business and add to Illinois’ rich economic diversity, but education, time and financial resources prevent them from acting on this passion.” 

Ammons introduced House Bill 5575, the Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Task Force Act, which created a task force that brings together a panel of experts and community members to study licensing procedures. Data regarding who applies for and receives licenses, why applications are denied or revoked, and common financial or other obstacles will be looked at.

At the end of the task force’s investigation, they are required to submit a report of their findings to the Department of Finance and Professional Regulation, General Assembly, Office of Management and Budget and the public. 

Ammons’ bill received bipartisan support and is now law. 

“This task force will be a great opportunity to right the wrongs that many aspiring entrepreneurs and workers experience when they want to pursue their career goals,” Ammons said. “People are our state’s most valuable resource, and empowering them to unlock their potential will always be my top priority as a state representative. Understanding the complexity of problems my community faces through this task force will help inform how I and the General Assembly address these challenges.”

The task force has until December 1, 2023 to publish their final report.