GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
------------Report
July 23rd, 2021

This Week in Illinois
Illinois Sees Improvement in CNBC Ranking for Business
CNBC has released its 2021 "America's Top States for Business" study. The annual study evaluates all states across 10 different "categories of competitiveness" and 85 unique metrics.

This year, Illinois is ranked the 15th best state for business in the nation. This is a strong improvement for the state as the last available ranking published in 2019 placed Illinois in 30th place. Notably, Illinois is ranked the top state for Infrastructure. This ranking confirms the benefit of bipartisan prioritization of infrastructure in the general assembly as well as the work of private industry. Another positive, Illinois was ranked the 3rd best state for access to capital. Once again, this ranking simply confirms the strength of the financial sector and banking industry in Illinois.

On a less positive note, Illinois was ranked as the 48th best state for the economy and business friendliness. For the cost of doing business, Illinois placed 29th. CNBC says the state's finances are "troubled."

Despite these real improvements, the CNBC ranking does not take account for potential threats to Illinois business. Namely, an unresolved debate on an omnibus energy package that could present the largest rate hike in state history. There is also the threat of potential negative changes to the Illinois tax code, and attempts to install labor peace agreements within more Illinois industries.

The complete analysis for Illinois can be found here.

Governor Pritzker Launches Reelection Campaign
Governor JB Pritzker has announced his intention to seek reelection in 2022. The announcement came in the form of a three-minute video published on Monday. The Governor says that a cornerstone of the campaign will be his response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the issue still looms large in the state. The Governor said that he did not make every right decision during the pandemic but did say that he always "followed the science."

Pritzker's announcement was met with a quick response from the Illinois Republican party and fellow gubernatorial candidates who say he has failed on issues as Governor, including pandemic-related issues in the unemployment system.

Governor Pritzker has already infused $35 million of his own money into the campaign. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will remain on the ticket for the 2022 election.

Session Update
The House remains adjourned until the call of the Speaker. The Senate also remains adjourned until the call of the Senate President.

Both the House and the Senate released the dates for the Fall 2021 Veto Session. Both Chambers will be in session October 19th-21st and October 26th-28th. There are no additional session dates scheduled.

Bills of Interest Signed into Law

HB 135, Contraceptives was signed into law. This bill provides that a group or individual policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2023 (rather than the effective date of the amendatory Act) shall provide coverage for health care or patient care services provided by a pharmacist if specified conditions are met (instead of coverage for patient care services provided by a pharmacist for hormonal contraceptives assessment and consultation). Amends the Pharmacy Practice Act to provide that nothing in the provisions concerning dispensation of hormonal contraceptives shall be interpreted to require a pharmacist to dispense hormonal contraception under a standing order issued by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches or the medical director of a local health department (rather than also under a standing order issued by the Medical Director of the Department of Public Health).

HB 3308Telehealth was signed into law. This bill provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance that is amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of the amendatory Act shall cover telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins rendered by a health care professional when clinically appropriate and medically necessary to insureds, enrollees, and members in the same manner as any other benefits covered under the policy. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance may provide reimbursement to a facility that serves as the originating site at the time a telehealth service is rendered. Sets forth provisions with which coverage for telehealth services shall comply. Provides that an individual or group policy of accident or health insurance shall notify health care professionals and facilities of any instructions necessary to facilitate billing for telehealth services, e-visits, and virtual check-ins. Provides that the Department of Insurance and the Department of Public Health shall commission a report to the General Assembly and shall submit the report by December 31, 2026. Provides that the Department of Insurance may adopt rules to implement the provisions. Provides that specified provisions are inoperative on and after January 1, 2028. Removes provisions concerning the Telehealth Payment Parity Task Force. Defines terms. Further amends the Telehealth Act. Changes a reference to "telehealth" to "telehealth services." Removes language that provides that health care professionals shall maintain documentation and recordkeeping in accordance with specified provisions of the Illinois Administrative Code. 

Save the Date: Illinois Chamber to Host Annual Meeting
On Thursday, September 30th the Illinois Chamber will host its Annual Meeting at the Palmer House in Chicago. The event will take place between 11am-1:30 pm and feature keynote speaker Holly Sullivan, Vice President of Worldwide Economic Development for Amazon. The theme for this year's event is Global Growth Opportunities. Register today!

For more information contact Laurie Silvey at lsilvey@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.