The legislature remains in summer recess.  Several bills have been sent to the Governor in the past two weeks.  We will provide updates throughout the summer as action is taken on bills of interest to Chamber membership.  We are in contact with the Governor's office to ensure desired outcomes are met on all pending legislation on the Governor's desk. 

AG MADIGAN TO LOOK INTO 'NO-POACH' CLAUSES

In an effort lead by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, 11 other state attorneys general submitted a letter to several fast-food chains seeking further investigation into franchise documents relating to "no-poaching" provisions.  Of those 11 attorney generals, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined the letter filed earlier this week.  

The "no-poaching" provisions being questioned would bar employees from switching between company franchises.  Illinois currently has a law prohibiting restrictive non-compete agreements for workers making less than $13 an hour, but current law doesn't provide much clarity on no-poaching agreements.    

Since the letter was filed, several nationwide businesses have agreed to remove no-poaching clauses from their franchise agreements. However, these actions have been voluntary.  It is likely that legislation will be filed in the coming year to provide statutory clarification prohibiting the provisions here in Illinois.  

Attorney General Madigan's press release can be found here.

RAUNER SIGNS CHAMBER-SUPPORTED BILL

Gov. Rauner recently signed a bill supported by the Illinois Chamber and other business groups.  HB 4415 (Costello/Harmon) amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.  This new law provides that the exemption for coal and aggregate exploration, mining, offhighway hauling, processing, maintenance, and reclamation equipment sunsets on June 30, 2023 (currently, the exemption is subject to the Acts' automatic sunset provisions). 

Illinois mining companies need this exemption to compete on a level playing field with companies in other states.  Every state surrounding Illinois has a similar sales tax exemption for mining equipment.  With the Governor's signature, mining companies can now plan long-term for future investments.  Extending this exemption will provide companies with more certainty for future equipment costs, thus making Illinois a more attractive state to invest and grow jobs.  

Mark September 20, 2018 in your calendar to join us at the Hilton Chicago for the 2018 Illinois Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. This fall Lance Fritz, the chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Union Pacific Railroad will keynote this exciting event.

 

Union Pacific Railroad is one of two western-U.S. railroads that connects Illinois agriculture and industry to the West Coast and international markets. In addition, their heritage traces back to Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, setting the wheels in motion that eventually connected the Pacific to the Mississippi River by rail-a fitting story for Illinois' bicentennial celebration!

 

Sponsorship opportunities are available and we look forward to seeing you there!