Professional Licenses

Alondra Orozco, a 23-year-old nurse from St. Charles, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, outside of St. Louis Public Radio’s studios in St. Louis’ Grand Center neighborhood. Orozco is unable to practice in Missouri because she is a DACA recipient.

Missouri won’t permit DACA recipients nursing licensure. Here’s what’s being done about it

Miya Norfleet

Alondra Orozco found out after graduating from nursing school that she is ineligible to be licensed as a registered nurse in Missouri because of her immigration status. Her professors were unaware of the law, but she’s not giving up.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a candidate for Missouri governor, speaks during a campaign event on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Ethical Society of Police in Fountain Park. Ashcroft is endorsed by the Ethical Society of Police.

Government, Politics & Issues

Missouri governor hopeful Ashcroft knocked off kilter by ‘engineer’ use complaint

Rudi Keller

While Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is a licensed attorney, he has never been licensed as a professional engineer.

Heinz Funeral Home Director Albert August “Gus” Heinz agreed to a permanent revocation of his state funeral director license in October. The revocation came at least six months after a local coroner complained to the state about conditions at the Carlinville, Illinois home that were “unacceptable and criminal in nature.”

Law & Order

For months, Illinois failed to act when Carlinville funeral director mishandled remains

Beth Hundsdorfer

Bodies were found decomposing and families given strangers’ ashes in the months following a coroner’s complaint on the Heinz Funeral Home.

The Illinois Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Springfield, Ill.

Government, Politics & Issues

Illinois lawmakers pass bill aimed at modernizing professional licensing

Hannah Meisel

As Illinois faces shortages of health care practitioners and mental health professionals, the state agency in charge of licensing for those and more than 100 other industries has struggled to keep up.

Soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood graduating Basic Combat Training in May. Family and friends will soon be able to watch their Soldier graduate in person at Fort Leonard Wood once again with precautionary measures in place, after COVID-19 mitigation protocols forced leaders here to hold ceremonies virtually.

Government, Politics & Issues

Professional license reciprocity for military in Missouri, Illinois helps, but barriers remain

Eric Schmid

In the two years since an Illinois law took effect, more than 1,000 military members and their spouses have been helped with a professional license application in the state.

Gov. Mike Parson signs the legislation that has Missouri recognize professional licesnes of military spouses that move into the state. 4-21-20

Government, Politics & Issues

Missouri Allows Professional License Reciprocity For Military Spouses

Jonathan Ahl

Updated at 4 p.m. with Gov. Mike Parson signing the billSome spouses of military members will have an easier time finding a job when they move to…

Members of the Scott Air Force Base Key Spouse Group at a luncheon on the military base on June 10, 2019. A new law in Illinois will make transfering professional licenses to Illinois easier for military spouses.

Economy & Business

Illinois Law Helps Military Spouses Get To Work Faster

Eric Schmid

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE — A new law in Illinois aims to help members of the military and their spouses find solid employment faster.The bill, signed by Gov.…