GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Report    

April 24, 2020

This Week in Illinois

Session Update
The House and Senate were not in session this week. The House has canceled the session days originally scheduled for next week. According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the next session day scheduled for the Senate is listed as May 5. The House does not have a next scheduled session day posted on the website as of this morning. 

The following deadlines have been extended:  
  • Committee Deadline: May 7
  • Third Reading Deadline Chamber of Origin: May 15
  • Committee Deadline Alternate Chamber Bills: May 22 
  • Third Reading Deadline Alternate Chamber: May 29 
It remains unclear when the General Assembly will return to Springfield. It is doubted that those deadlines above are the final extension. Remember, voting requirements increase on June 1.  
 
Stay at Home Order Extension
Yesterday, Gov. Pritzker announced his intent to extend the statewide stay-at-home order through the end of May. Additional industries have been deemed as essential (including garden centers/nurseries), there will be a face mask requirement in public spaces when social distancing can't be maintained, certain state parks and golf courses will be allowed to reopen under certain conditions, as well as additional requirements on essential businesses.
 
In particular, we'd like to highlight the following item from the release:  
 
"Essential businesses and manufacturers will be required to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing, as well as follow new requirements that maximize social distancing and prioritize the well-being of employees and customers. This will include occupancy limits for essential businesses and precautions such as staggering shifts."
 
Specific details on the changes were not included.  We anticipate more guidance when the order is officially renewed next week and will be monitoring the situation closely.
 
Downstate Representative Sues Gov. Pritzker for Continued Stay at Home Order
Republican Representative (and soon to be Senator) Darren Bailey of downstate Xenia filed a lawsuit in Clay County against Governor Pritzker. The suit alleges that the governor's order violatates his civil rights as it limits his ability to travel.  Legal experts do not give much hope he will prevail. However, it is evidence of further frustration at the stay at home orders that will continue to mount as time goes on.   
 
Republican Leaders Jim Durkin of Western Springs and Bill Brady of Bloomington both expressed support for the continuance of the orders as the governor made some changes loosening the order after listening to their input.
         
Federal Paycheck Protection Program Enhancement Act  
Today President Trump signed another COVID-19  relief package passed by Congress this week that focuses on additional resources for small business relief, testing and hospitals. It includes:
  • $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Act program 
  • $50-$60 billion for the SBA Disaster Assistance loan program
  • $75 billion for hospitals 
  • $25 billion for testing 
We'll have more information as it becomes available. 
 
Surveys
Anyone interested in sharing their experience to help collect information on how COVID-19 has affected business can click  here to take the University of Chicago survey or     here to take the Chicago Federal Reserve survey.  
 
Business Suggestions  
The Chamber is consulting with the governor's administration on business relief. Please send any information or suggestions  we can use to advocate on your behalf  to Andrew at acunningham@ilchamber.org

We also want to share your good news. Please send any announcements or positive stories on your business to Darbi at ddurham@ilchamber.org.

Connect with the Chamber

  

If you have questions about the Government Affairs Report, contact Clark Kaericher at ckaericher@ilchamber.org. Do not reply to this email. 

Illinois Chamber of Commerce

2020 Government Affairs Report | Clark Kaericher, Editor