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January 26, 2018
This Week in Illinois
MEMBERSHIP SURVEY 2018
2018 is shaping up to be an eventful year. Our state and nation will be tasked with taking up major policy issues. Many of these issues will be dominated by primary and gubernatorial politics. Tell us what you think about Speaker Madigan, President Trump, service taxes, recreational cannabis, and tax reform.
We appreciate you taking a few minutes to provide us with your feedback and
let us know what you think about the many issues facing Illinois.
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!
SESSION KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK; STATE OF STATE
Next week kicks off the inaugural first week of spring legislative session and on Wednesday, Gov. Rauner will lay out his state of the state address. It is expected that next week will be relatively light. The House is only scheduled to be in Tuesday and Wednesday. The Senate is scheduled to be in Tuesday - Thursday.
Below is a quick snapshot of bills up in committee next week that may be of interest to Chamber members.
Senate Executive Committee (CAP 212, 1/30/18)
- Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 to 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.
- SB 2275 (Cunningham) creates the Marijuana Legalization Referendum Act. Requires the State Board of Elections to create a statewide advisory public question to be submitted to the voters at the 2018 election asking whether individuals support the legalization of possession and use of marijuana by those 21 years of age, subject to regulation and taxation that is similar to the regulation and taxation of tobacco and alcohol.
Senate Insurance Committee (CAP 400, 1/30/18)
- HB 1277 (Conroy) amends the Illinois Insurance Code to provide that a treatment that is administered or prescribed for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome after July 18, 2017 shall be covered. The Chamber is opposed.
Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions
- SB 2211 (Harmon) amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act and requires that an individual who performs inspection and testing of fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must possess on his or her person a photo identification card issued by the State Fire Marshal as proof of compliance with the Act. Further provides that an annual fee will determined by the State Fire Marshal. Provides that all inspections and testing of fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must be recorded on an inspection report issued by the State Fire Marshal and provides requirements for the inspection reports.
Senate Revenue (CAP 212, 1/30/18)
- There are several proposals posted for committee in Senate Revenue. At this moment we are not sure which bills will be called. However, we are monitoring three Property Tax Code bills SB 1791, SB 1792, SB 1793, and SB 1794.
Senate Local Government (CAP 409, 1/31/18)
- SB 2301 (Munoz) amends the General Not for Profit Act to exempt any director of a corporation that is organized for the purpose of (i) operating water supply facilities for drinking and general domestic use on a mutual or cooperative basis or (ii) ownership and operation of a public wastewater service or system on a mutual or cooperative basis from liability for damages resulting from the exercise of judgment or discretion in connection with his or her duties or responsibilities.
House Consumer Protection (CAP 115, 1/30/18)
- HB 4062 (DeLuca) provides that if an online real estate database provider includes, in its information concerning residential real property located in the Illinois, certain information on the quality of schools in which the residential real property is located, the online real estate database provider must use the most recent information available prepared by the State Board of Education. Those not in compliant with the Act are subject to violation of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. The Chamber opposes.
House Economic Opportunity (STRAT D-1, 1/30/18)
- HB 4163 (Moeller) seeks to 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 have prohibited 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 supports an alternative, SB 2333 (Connelly).
500% TAX INCREASE ON IL VITAL FINANCIAL SECTOR
In today's interconnected world, billions of dollars travel across the globe in less than seconds. HB 4293 (Welch) would put Illinois' vital financial service sector and the tens of thousands of jobs it employs at risk by imposing a new 20% gross receipts tax on partnerships and S corps engaged in the business of conducting investment management services. Illinois has benefited from being a top ten globally-recognized financial hub. This proposal would hurt our state's global reputation and would force investors to look to less hostile cities such as Boston, Dallas, and Charlotte.
A similar proposal was introduced last year and the Chamber lead a coalition of groups to oppose the bill and were successful (last year: SB 1719). However, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state Senator Daniel Biss (D - Evanston) has already made it a campaign pledge to impose a new 500% tax increase on Illinois' vital financial service sector if elected.
GOVERNOR ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER
Last Friday, Gov. Rauner issued an executive order barring lawmakers from arguing cases in front of the Illinois State Tax Appeals Board. To view the order, click
here.
BENEFITING FROM FEDERAL TAX REFORM?
Do you run or operate a business and notice the direct benefits of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act or feeling extra confidence in your industry as a direct result? Please reply to this email with your story. We'd love to hear from you!
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