Rauner signs bill preventing professional license suspension for student loan delinquencies

By Amy Korte

08/17/2018

A new law will ensure Illinoisans don’t lose their right to practice their professions if they fall behind on student loan payments.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, occupational licensing, Scott Bennett, student loans

Senate bill would bar Illinois from axing occupational licenses due to student loan debt

By Vincent Caruso

04/09/2018

Under Illinois law, defaulting on student loan debt could jeopardize one’s occupational license. But a Senate bill would protect indebted workers from displacement.

TAGS: occupational licensing, student loans

Student loan troubles? Illinois officials can suspend your professional license

By Amy Korte

12/06/2017

Almost a quarter of Illinois workers need licenses to work in their professions, and workers who default on student loans can face the suspension of those licenses.

TAGS: higher education, occupational licensing, regulations, student loans

Instead of tax hikes, reform higher education to prioritize students over administrators

01/27/2017

Illinois spends more money on retirement costs than on university operations – and tuition keeps rising to prop up this overspending. Instead of hiking taxes to maintain current spending habits in higher education, politicians should shift priorities from propping up six-figure administrators to keeping tuition affordable for students.

TAGS: budget, higher education, pensions, student loans

Total student-loan debt in Illinois is approaching $50 billion

By Ted Dabrowski

02/09/2016

More than 1.7 million Illinoisans hold student-loan debt.

TAGS: higher education, pensions, student loans

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

View Report

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Report Archive

Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students