Clark Kaericher l Vice President, Government Affairs l 217-522-5512 x 296
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The Infrastructure Council is an initiative of the
Illinois Chamber that brings together Chamber members with a focus on increasing
infrastructure investments in a strategic and thoughtful way to boost the overall business climate in Illinois. Our focus is on the public and private systems that are essential to Illinois businesses.
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The big news this week, likely the big news of the year or even the next decade, is the retirement of Speaker Madigan after 50 years of service in the House of Representatives. Many of you reading this weren’t even alive when Madigan was first elected. He’s been made a caricature by both sides, depending on your perspective either a power mad egomaniac or an unflappable genius; the “velvet hammer” that never lost and remade the state in his image. There’s too much to say about such an historical figure but if you wanted to read more, the article in this morning’s Illinoize is a good place to start. https://www.theillinoize.com/articles/longtime-aides-say-stereotypes-madigan
Committee Updates
Transportation committees in neither chamber are scheduled for a hearing. There have been no bills assigned to the committees in the House and only two bills assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Governor Pritzker Proposes Hit to Transportation Funding
It’s no secret that COVID did a number to the state’s already struggling finances. Governor Pritzker gave his constitutionally mandated budget speech on Wednesday where he outlined his plan for the budget.
Notably, the Governor wishes to move $100 million for transit support from the state’s General Revenue Fund to the Road Fund. This would lower road construction amounts by this amount. Also, the Governor wants to delay moving a portion of the state’s sales tac on motor fuel to the Road Fund as opposed to the GRF. Sales tax dollars from the MFT to the Road Fund was part of the funding plan in the capital bill.
The Chamber is aware that times are tough, but we do not support a reduction of the state’s critical infrastructure needs while at the same time hiking taxes on businesses. There are better places for belt tightening.
Federal Funding for Infrastructure in the Chicago Region
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning recently launched a video highlighting how federal funding for infrastructure projects reaches communities throughout northeastern Illinois. The video explains four key programs that fund billions in road, transit, and pedestrian projects for the region. Three of those programs are currently accepting applications through March 5.
Notable Bill Introductions
HB 1796 (Williams) - Amends the Combined Waterworks and Sewerage Systems Division of the Illinois Municipal Code. Provides that charges a municipality may charge to inhabitants include storm water utility charges to offset the cost of owning, maintaining, and improving local storm water infrastructure.
HB 1846 (Guzzardi) - Provides that any county (currently, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will, and McHenry counties only) may impose a tax upon all persons engaged in the business of selling motor fuel.
HB 1878 (Spain) - Creates the Innovations for Transportation Infrastructure Act. Adds provisions governing: authorization of project delivery methods; preconditions to commencement of procurement; procurement; evaluation and selection of proposals; project records; confidentiality; public disclosure; design-build contracts; construction manager/general contractor contracts; funding and financing; minority, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses; acquisition of property; federal requirements; powers of the Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority; and rulemaking.
HB 1916 (Chesney) - Requires the Department of Transportation to update its policy for providing notification of construction projects to the public. The policy shall include a requirement that the Department contact the highway commissioner located in each Department district that will be impacted by a proposed construction project
HB 1923 (Spain) – Repeals the cap on vehicle trade-ins for tax purposes
HB2413 (Davis) - Provides that, on January 1, 2022, the Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit District is discontinued. Includes procedures for discontinuance, including transfer of: all funds remaining after winding up the District to specified municipalities that created the District; and parking lots and related facilities and equipment to the municipality in which the parking lot is located. Effective January 1, 2022.
HB 2435 (Avelar) - Provides that a manufacturer may not require a motor vehicle dealer to make available any secondary product or prohibit a motor vehicle dealer from offering a secondary product
HB 2443 (Davidsmeyer) – Exempts marine fuel from the motor fuel tax.
HB 2524 (Hoffman) – Restricts freight train length. Provides that no railroad operating within this State on any main line or any other line shall operate, or permit to be operated, any train that exceeds 8,500 feet in length.
HB 2545 (Ugaste)- Abolishes the 3 service boards and puts all mass transit directly under the RTA.
HB2811 (Halbrook)- Lowers the construction bidding threshold in the Highway Code from $20,000 to $5,000.
HB 2895 (Frese) - Reduces the trailer flat weight tax for maximum loads of 3,000 pounds and less from $118 to $18
HB 3125 (Gabel) - Creates the Electric Vehicle Charging Act, which may be referred to as the Beneficial Electrification Act. Sets forth requirements for parking spaces that are electrical vehicle ready applicable to new or renovated residential or nonresidential buildings. Sets forth provisions concerning electric vehicle charging station policies for unit owners and renters. Creates the Electric Vehicle Access for All Program to maximize opportunities for carbon-free transportation across the State, particularly targeting environmental justice and low-income communities and to provide grants to pilot programs with the purpose of bridging public transportation gaps between residences and employment locations. Sets forth provisions concerning administrative review and authorized expenditure of State-controlled funds to accelerate electric vehicle adoption. Mandates that no later than May 31, 2022, electric utilities serving greater than 500,000 customers in the State shall file a Beneficial Electrification Plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission. Provides for review of the plans by the Commission and establishes a system for utilities to consider specified businesses, nonprofit organizations, or worker-owned cooperatives when awarding bids.
Articles of Interest
Clark
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Not a member and want to learn more about the Illinois Chamber - click here to contact Lanae Clarke
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