October 6, 2023

This Week in Illinois

Illinois Chamber Provides Public Comments on Proposed Rule: Day and Temporary Labor Services Act

Earlier this week, Employment Law Council Executive Director, Aaron Harris submitted public comments to the Illinois Department of Labor concerning the proposed rule implementing the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act.

From the Letter:

On behalf of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, I am submitting our comments regarding the Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) proposed rule implementing PA 103-437. The proposed rule is too vague to provide meaningful guidance to employers looking to comply with its requirements, especially small businesses. PA 103-437 sets requirements for third-party clients which are unduly burdensome to comply with and poses to the IDOL an inability to clarify and provide meaningful guidance. For example, best efforts by IDOL to clarify by rule the monetizing of benefits is unrealistic in real world application. There are a number of problematic issues with the proposed rule stemming from the statute. We urge the Department to work with the Illinois Chamber, JCAR, other stakeholders and the General Assembly to amend those provisions of the law that are not feasible in the real world. 

View the Chamber's full public comments here.

If you have any questions concerning this rulemaking or any other employment-related concerns, please contact Aaron Harris at adharris@michaelbeststrategies.com

Staffing Update from the Illinois Chamber

Yesterday, the Illinois Chamber was proud to announce that Callie Brenden will be assuming the role of Vice President of Operations. Many of you have interacted with Callie as a result of the extensive duties she undertook while serving as assistant to the late Todd Maisch for over seven years.



Callie has been with the Chamber since January of 2016 where she started as the Chamber's receptionist before moving into her role as executive assistant two weeks later. Since then, Callie has progressively undertaken more duties including the successful planning and operation of our annual Chamber Day.

Callie will work directly with Lori Hiltabrand, Chamber's COO and General Counsel on HR needs, payroll processing, and membership account management, and will continue to be the Chamber's Board of Directors liaison. 

Prior to joining the Chamber, Callie worked in the offices of the Illinois State Comptroller and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Callie resides in Pleasant Plains with her husband Ryan and two children. 

You can contact Callie Brenden at: 217.965.6079 or cbrenden@ilchamber.org.

2023 Annual Meeting Final Wrap-Up

Last week, the Illinois Chamber was pleased to host its 2023 Annual Meeting. It was a pleasure to welcome 500 members, elected officials, and special guests to Oak Brook for our biggest gathering of the year as we celebrated the Illinois business community. The event could not have taken place without the dedicated work of the Illinois Chamber staff, especially our Business Services department.

We offer a sincere thank you to everyone who was able to sponsor participate, or attend yesterday's program. As member companies, we are all so appreciative of your continued investment in our state. We know that we can't carry out our mission without your support. As always, we look forward to welcoming you back at next year's luncheon.

View a list of 2023 Annual Meeting sponsors here.

Session Update

The General Assembly adjourned in the early morning of Saturday, May 27th. Per SJR 42, the House and Senate have adjourned until the call of the Speaker and the Senate President. The 2023 fall veto session has been announced for October 24th-26th and November 7th-9th. View the calendar here.

Bills of Interest Filed

HB 4154, Medical Care/Cost was filed. This bill provides that a patient who is covered under a policy of accident and health insurance, dental plan, or vision care plan is entitled to receive medical, dental, or eye care services without being required to pay an amount in excess of the estimated cost share, copayment, or deductible before those services are provided if such services are typically covered under the policy of accident and health insurance, dental plan, or vision care plan.

HB 4159, Commission on Tourism was filed. This bill creates the Commission on Tourism to develop a statewide travel and tourism strategy.  Requires the Commission to file a statewide travel and tourism strategy with the Governor and General Assembly by no later than 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act and by no later than January 1 of each year thereafter. Specifies that members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. 

Illinois Chamber and UHC: Introducing a new health plan built for Illinois Businesses

Illinois Chamber of Commerce members are entitled to members‐

only benefits, including access to group rates on an employee health plan through the UnitedHealthcare Community Chamber Program.

Working side by side with the Chamber, this program provides an average savings of 25% on your medical premiums compared to other UnitedHealthcare plans in Illinois. You may also get additional savings of up to 4% when you offer a UnitedHealthcare specialty plan like dental or vision alongside your medical plan.

You can see how much your business may save with a no‐obligation quote at uhc.com/illinois-chamber

The Community Chamber Program is also designed to deliver:

• Numerous plan designs and benefits to choose from, like built‐in pharmacy and $0 copays for virtual care
• A large local and national network for your employees, including 1.2M+ doctors and health care professionals and 6,500+ hospitals
• Rewards for your employees – With UnitedHealthcare Motion®, participants complete certain daily activity goals—like walking, running, cycling, swimming and more—and may earn up to $1,095 each year* for their health savings account (HSA) or toward a prepaid debit card
• upport for human resources and compliance, included as part of your UnitedHealthcare plan, Mineral™ helps you handle even the most complex compliance issues with confidence.

With an average savings of 25%,¹ it’s worth your time to compare the plan you have now with one available through this members‐only program. To learn more, ask your broker or get started with a no‐obligation quote today at https://e‐i.uhc.com/illinois‐ chamber.

Illinois Celebrates National Women’s Business Month

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the state. The monthlong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes business resources such as virtual and in-person events, resource guides for financial and social capital, business spotlights on social media, and a social media campaign to support and elevate Illinois women-owned businesses.

Learn more here.

Save the Date: 10th Annual Illinois Chamber New Laws Forum

The New Laws Forum focuses on the new laws and legal developments that will affect ALL Illinois employers in 2024 and beyond. The forum features Illinois attorneys and experts speaking about Illinois laws – as well as representatives from government agencies talking about the latest changes and your peers, a panel of Senior HR professionals discussing how the laws have and will affect their businesses. It's already been a busy year, and more regulation is coming.

When: December 5, 2023 | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Where: Doubletree Hilton l 3003 Corporate West Drive

Lisle, IL 60532

Register Here.