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February 2, 2018
This Week in Illinois
GOV. RAUNER DELIVERS STATE OF STATE
The House and Senate were both in session this week for the first week of the Spring 2018 legislative session. The week was relatively light with the exception that Gov. Rauner gave his annual state of the state address.
In his address the Governor continued his push to reform the state's property tax assessment system, renewed his emphasis for job-creating reforms, and reforming the criminal justice system. The Illinois Chamber supports movement toward a framework that addresses the state's fiscal problems as well as its business climate.
Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch delivered a reaction to today's address. Video can can be found
here
.
THIS WEEK'S SESSION RECAP; NEXT WEEK
One key bill which the Chamber opposes did pass out of the House Economic Opportunity Committee.
HB 4163 (Moeller) would prohibit an employer from: (i) screening job applicants based on their wage or salary history, (ii) requiring that an applicant's prior wages satisfy minimum or maximum criteria, and (iii) requesting or requiring as a condition of being interviewed or as a condition of continuing to be considered for an offer of employment that an applicant disclose prior wages or salary.
It also would prohibit an employer from seeking the salary, including benefits or other compensation or salary history, of a job applicant from any current or former employer. It also undermines employer defenses along with expansion of civil penalties. The Chamber has
introduced a compromise to Moeller's proposal that is modeled after a Massachusetts law that still retains the same conceptual idea but does not seek to lessen employer defenses.
Both chambers are scheduled to be in session next week (Tues. - Thurs.). Below is a snapshot of bills in committee that may be of importance to the business community.
House & Healthcare Disparities (CAP 115, 2/6/18)
- HB 3208 (Conyears-Ervin) and HB 4297 (Lilly) raises the age for whom tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products may be sold to and possessed by from at least 18 years of age to at least 21 years of age. Chamber is opposed.
House Revenue & Finance (CAP 118, 2/6/18)
- HB 4220 (Bourne) allows the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to certify 25 additional Enterprise Zones.
- HB 4269 (Olsen) provides that a proof of purchase receipt issued by a retailer for motor fuel shall contain the pre-tax sale price of a gallon of motor fuel in addition to an itemized publication of any local, State, or federal tax imposed on the motor fuel.
House Human Services (CAP 122B, 2/7/18)
- HB 2617 (Gabel) requires a policy of accident or health insurance shall provide coverage for medically necessary expenses for standard fertility preservation services when a necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility to an enrollee. Chamber is opposed.
Senate Public Health (CAP 400, 2/6/18)
- SB 2332 (Morrison) raises the age for whom tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products may be sold to and possessed by from at least 18 years of age to at least 21 years of age. Chamber is opposed.
- SB 2334 (Murphy) Provides that a hospital shall maintain a metal detector at each point of entry into the hospital. Provides that a hospital shall ensure that all members of the public, other than the employees of the hospital who display proper credentials, who enter the hospital at a point of entry are subjected to screening by a metal detector. Chamber is opposed.
Senate Executive (CAP 212, 2/7/18)
- SB 336 (Harmon) amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program to include in the definition of "debilitating medical condition" any other medical condition for which an opioid has been or could be prescribed by a physician based on generally accepted standards of care. Provides that an individual whose initial application is submitted as an alternative to opioid treatment may qualify for medical cannabis.
Senate Insurance (CAP 400, 2/7/18)
- SB 2316 (Murphy) Provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall provide coverage for hippotherapy and other forms of therapeutic riding. Chamber is opposed.
CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW TFIC CO-CHAIR WALTERS
The Transportation for Illinois Coalition is the state's leading organization advocating for the Illinois' vital transportation system. It welcomed a new Co-Chair this week, Alison Walters, Executive Director of the Chicago Laborers Labor-Management Cooperation Committee. She will take the place of recently retired Mike Kleinik and will serve alongside the Chamber's President and CEO Todd Maisch in her TFIC role. Alison was previously General Counsel for the Chicago Laborers and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Illinois Department of the Lottery.
Maisch offered his personal congratulations to both Alison and Mike: "The Chamber has had an outstanding relationship with Mike Kleinik and wish him well in his very active retirement. I look forward to continuing a strong working relationship with Alison as we pursue our mutual goal of maintaining Illinois' vital transportation system"
CHAMBER CEO TO ADDRESS CITY CLUB OF CHICAGO
Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber, will be speaking at the City Club of Chicago on February 13, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at Maggiano's Banquets in Chicago. As the leader of Illinois' premier business organization, Todd will provide insight on what we can do to ensure Illinois succeeds, the policy issues that need resolve, and exactly what makes Illinois the envy of the Midwest.
We recognize 2018 as an opportunity to elevate our state's potential and believe that Illinois' economic promise still shines bright. That is why the Illinois Chamber is rigorously engaged in fighting for economic opportunity and policies that benefit all of Illinois' employers.
Register today to get your ticket (or tickets!).
We hope to see you there and encourage you to spread the word to fellow business advocates!
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