Welcome to my latest newsletter! I’m excited to share some important updates with you. In this edition, we highlight the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s new digital licensure process, designed to make it easier for professionals to navigate licensing requirements. I’ll also share will you a little bit of what I’ve been up to in the district, as well as some resources and an exciting upcoming event.
Thank you for staying connected and being a part of our community!
State Representative Nicole La Ha, 82nd District
News
Appointment to State Tourism Coordinating Committee
I am honored to be appointed to the State Tourism Coordinating Committee. Tourism plays a vital role in our state’s economy, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to promote Illinois as a premier travel destination and drive prosperity for our communities.
The committee, comprised of key state agencies involved in tourism development, plays a critical role in coordinating the promotion and development of tourism activities across the state government. As a member of the committee, I will work alongside my colleagues to enhance Illinois’ position as a top destination for leisure travelers, conventions, meetings, and special events. The committee’s responsibilities include collaborating with the Illinois Office of Tourism and 36 certified Convention and Visitor Bureaus to achieve sustainable economic benefits for Illinois residents and improve their quality of life.
The Unemployment Rate is up in all 14 Illinois Metropolitan Areas
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in five metropolitan areas, decreased in six, and was unchanged or nearly unchanged in three for the year ending June 2024, according to data released last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas.
The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.5%, +1,700), the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.4%, +800), and the Bloomington MSA (+0.9%, +900). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Decatur MSA (-1.4%, -700), the Springfield MSA (-1.4%, -1,500), and the Rockford MSA (-1.3%, -1,900). The Danville MSA and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA each had change in total nonfarm jobs, while the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division saw almost no change in total nonfarm jobs.
Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included Government (nine areas) and Private Education and Health Services (eight areas).
The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago Metro Division (+1.7 points to 6.4%), the Danville MSA (+1.6 points to 7.5%), followed by the Bloomington MSA (+1.1 points to 5.3%) and the Carbondale Marion MSA (+1.1 points to 5.8%).
IDFPR Announces Plans for New Digital Licensure Process for Working Professionals in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois.
With a focus on increased government transparency, the new licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved communications and creates a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Prospective licensees will be notified electronically when applications are received, reviewed, and licenses are issued by the Department.
IDFPR will announce the next steps related to the new licensing system as they become available. More information about professional licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website: idfpr.illinois.gov.
Edgar Fellow
I’m honored to have been named a 2024 Edgar Fellow! Last week has confirmed what I already knew to be true, that governing is about finding common ground and working on the issues that unite us. I’m so proud to have been a part of this diverse class of leaders from around the state. Government works better and represents the people better when we get to know each other as people instead of looking at one another through partisan labels.
Established by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program brings together leaders from various backgrounds, including elected officials, non-profit leaders, and business influencers. This year’s class reflects Illinois’ diverse political, racial, ethnic, and geographic makeup.
For more information about the Edgar Fellows Program and upcoming events, please visit www.edgarfellows.org.
CMAP Technical Assistance
I’m thrilled to announce that three projects in our district have been selected for technical assistance by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)! This year, CMAP received a record-breaking 122 applications, and we are proud to have projects in Lemont, Indian Head Park, and Hickory Hills among the 30 chosen.
Lemont Site Plan
Indian Head Park Pavement Management Plan
Hickory Hills Capital Improvement Plan
These initiatives will enhance ADA compliance, improve transportation safety, and support long-term planning needs in our communities.
CMAP, in partnership with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), continues to lead the charge in comprehensive regional planning for northeastern Illinois. By leveraging federal metropolitan planning funds and matching support from Rebuild Illinois, they’re building a brighter future for our region.
Thank you to everyone involved in making our district a better place to live, work, and thrive!
In the District
These summer months have been busy, but I love being out and about in the district! Below are some pictures of highlights of what I’ve been up to. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with the people I serve. I’m always amazed by the people and places that make our district special!
Meeting with Police at our Senior Fair.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors at our Fishing Derby!
Collecting a Record Number of Bikes to be Refurbished at our Recycle Event!
At the Ribbon-Cutting Event for the new Copper Ridge Park in Lemont.
Hosting my Travelling Office Hours in at Indian Prairie Public Library.
Congratulations to the Hinsdale Little League Team
The Hinsdale Little League team has made it to the Little League World Series!
These talented young players have shown incredible dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship to earn this opportunity. It’s a proud moment for Hinsdale and all of Illinois! Let’s cheer them on as they compete!
Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families who have made this team what they are. Your hard work and commitment have paid off. Let’s bring home the championship!
https://www.fox32chicago.com/…/hinsdale-little-league…
Upcoming Event
Join myself and Senator John Curran in Willowbrook on September 17th for an ICash event! The event will take place at the Willowbrook Community Resource Center located at 825 Midway Drive from 10am-2pm.
The State Treasurer is holding 2.5 billion dollars in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. The State holds these lost funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification. Come and discover what’s yours!
Resources
Museum Passes
Looking to take the family to any Chicago area museums? Our office can help! The 2024 Constituent Education Resource Card allows complimentary General Admission to many of the city’s esteemed museums.
Call our office at 630-410-8466 to reserve your pass.
Illinois State Fire Marshall Fire Equipment Grants
The Illinois State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024.
Learn more: https://sfm.illinois.gov/…/firede…/grants-and-loans.html
School Bus Safety
As school starts up again, it’s more important than ever for us to brush up on proper school bus safety! Here are some tips:
Stop-Arm & Lights
Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.
Two-Lane Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a two-lane roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, the vehicles in all lanes of traffic must stop. Vehicles should stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus to allow pupils to cross the roadway safely.
Four-Lane Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic traveling in the opposite direction, only those lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. Pupils shall not be required to cross four or more lanes of traffic to reach their residence.
One-Way Roadway
When a school bus is traveling on a one-way roadway and is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, all lanes of traffic must stop, regardless of the number of lanes of traffic.
Death Zone
The majority of children injured or killed in pupil transportation are not injured or killed on the school bus, but outside the bus. Most of them are struck by motorists who fail to stop for the flashing red lights and extended stop arm. This area around the bus is often referred to as the “DEATH ZONE.”
Railroad Crossings
State law requires school buses to stop for all railroad crossings whether or not there are pupils on board. The school bus will display the hazard warning lights as it stops momentarily to determine if it is safe to cross.
If you are approaching the bus from the front, you may proceed past with caution. If you are approaching the bus from the rear, the law prohibits driving over the center line to pass if the bus is within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. For safety, always leave plenty of room for the bus to maneuver or back up in case of an emergency.
Vehicles should not try to cross the tracks behind the school bus until the bus has cleared the tracks and there is room for the vehicle behind the bus on the other side. Some rail crossings have limited space between rail crossings and stop signs or signals on the other side of the tracks. If the school bus must make a stop after crossing the tracks, a vehicle following the bus may be trapped on the tracks until the bus moves or the stop signal light changes. This would have tragic results should a train approach the crossing and vehicles are unable to go forward or backward to clear the tracks.
When to Proceed
Motorists may proceed after stopping for a bus if one of the following occurs:
- The bus resumes motion
- The bus driver signals the motorist to proceed
- Or, the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm signal is no longer extended
Penalties for Illegally Passing a School Bus
The penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus are as follows:
- First offense is a mandatory minimum fine of $300 and a 3-month suspension of driver’s license.
- Second offense or a subsequent conviction within five years is a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and a one year suspension of driver’s license.
- Additionally, a motorist cited for illegally passing a school bus is not eligible for court supervision.