World Chicago Event on 5G Networks
This Monday, I was honored to address a delegation of leaders from seven Central and South American countries about the future of 5G expansion. We talked about the importance of good public policy to help encourage this game changer. I was amazed that the alarmist fears about small cell towers are not limited to the affluent suburbs of Chicago, but exist in as far away locales as Peru. Here at the Chamber, we will continue to be vigilant in our support of 5G and the necessary infrastructure to facilitate its expansion.
I was proud to be joined in presenting to the group by Mr. Hany Fahmy of AT&T. Mr. Fahmy is Assistant Vice President of Technology at AT&T. His presentation about the growth of this technology was fascinating.
“Emergency” Rule from Department of Revenue
On Wednesday August 18th, the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rulemaking (JCAR) will consider an “emergency” rule filed by the Department of Revenue. These rules are meant to implement the “Leveling the Playing Field” law. From the proposed rules:
1. They treat food delivery services as “marketplace facilitators” for the first time under statute which has large tax implications.
2. They also specifically amend the current regulations to provide that the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Retailers' Occupation Tax ("MPEA")and the Chicago Home Rule Municipal Soft Drink Tax ("Soft Drink Tax") are required to be collected and remitted by food delivery services that are considered marketplace facilitators meeting a tax remittance threshold.
The Tax Institute’s Keith Staats plans to file an objection to this rulemaking as it violates the requirements of an emergency rule in that it fails to articulate a threat to the public interest, safety or welfare. I’ll keep you updated as this unfolds.
