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IL Chamber Advocacy | Spring 2022

END OF SESSION REPORT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CHAMBER SPEAKS TO MEDIA CHAMBER DAY 2022 OPEDs BIPA Law Business Community Concerns STAFF PROMOTIONS MEMBER NEWS State of the State Address Feb. 2, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch attends Governor JB Pritzker's 2022 State of the State/Budget Address at the Old State Capitol.

Fair Repair Act, Vaccines & Government Affairs

Jan. 6, 2022 | The Illinois Chamber stands in opposition to the Digital Fair Repair Act (HB 3061) also known as “right to repair.” HB 3061 provides no limitation on who may obtain access to repair documentation. Legitimate security concerns are present when bad actors or entities are provided documentation normally reserved for use only by authorized repair providers. Read More Mar. 9, 2022 | Thank you, Greater St. Louis, Inc. for inviting Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher to give an Illinois legislative update for your “Day at the Capitol” webinar. Mar. 23, 2022 | Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher testified in the Judiciary - Civil Committee Hearing in opposition to SB 1099, a bill on lawsuit lending. Jan. 13, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher spoke to Eric Horng with ABC 7 on the Supreme Court decision to block President Biden’s mandatory COVID-19 mandate to ensure that workers receive the Covid vaccine or wear masks and get tested on a weekly basis. Jan. 13, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher responds to the Supreme Court decision with the Chicago Sun-Times.    “The Chamber encourages individuals to get vaccinated; we believe this is the fastest way to emerge from the pandemic. However, we are pleased with the court’s decision today, as it will provide much needed certainty to the business community by preventing a one-size fits all mandate from the executive branch. Businesses and consumers are struggling to navigate a supply chain under siege and a severe worker shortage. Today’s ruling should provide some much-needed relief.” Apr. 18, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher spoke to Zeta Cross with the Center Square on the record high inflation businesses are experiencing. “All businesses – whether small or large – are reeling from higher input costs,” Kaericher said. “At the same time, there is a labor shortage and labor costs are going up."

Apr. 13, 2022 | Thank you, Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting our Manager of Legislative Relations, Andrew Cunningham to provide an update at your lunch & learn.

Maisch Speaks to Media and Testifies on Chamber Issues

Jan. 15, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to Amanda Perez Pintado with Investigate Midwest on the impacts businesses and consumers could face due to the lack of truck drivers.  Read More Jan. 20, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch presented a legislative update on what the Chamber expects to see this spring session at IERG virtual quarterly meeting.  Feb. 7, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch speaks with Elyse Kelly from The Center Square on the tight labor market consumers and businesses are facing in today’s labor market.  Read More Apr. 4, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch responds to Elyse Kelly with The Center Square on Illinois ranking 30th among other states for employee resignations. “There may very well be a perception amongst the workforce that there are not as many job opportunities to access later if someone resigns their job today,” Maisch said. Read More Apr. 19, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to John Garcia with ABC 7 Chicago on the issues of finding and retaining employees due to the pandemic.  https://abc7.ws/3EVpffO

Feb. 16, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch testified in opposition to HB 5395 in the transportation committee.  Feb. 17, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch testified on HB 4993 in the Small Business, Tech Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Committee.  Feb. 23, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on SB 1099, Amendment 1. Mar. 14, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch answers questions on HB 4116, which concerns drug testing in the workplace. This legislation would prohibit employers from firing or refusing to hire someone based on a positive cannabis test in most situations. “Nobody should be happier about this than trial lawyers,” he said. “This is going to lead to litigation, there’s no doubt about it.” Read More Mar. 18, 2022 | “It’s a question of priorities,” said Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch in a conversation with Jim Dey on higher gas prices. Read More Apr. 12, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch provides some key takeaways from spring legislative session that wrapped up last weekend. This week's video is the final regularly scheduled two-minute drill for the session series. Watch Video Here

Chamber's Tax Institute

Jan. 20, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director Tax Institute, Keith Staats participated in the Illinois CPA Society annual State and Local Tax conference as moderator of a panel discussing hot topics in unclaimed property, in Illinois and other states. During the first quarter of 2022, the Chamber's Tax Institute was busy: • Advocating matters in the General Assembly. • Speaking to groups on Illinois tax-related topics. • Participating in weekly calls of the legislative committee of the Council on State Taxation (“COST”). • Joining monthly calls as a member of the Chicago Tax Club sales and property tax committee. • Participating in monthly meetings of the Illinois State Bar Association State and Local Tax Committee. • Participating in the quarterly meeting of the Illinois CPA Society State and Local Tax Committee. • Meeting with Illinois Chamber members to discuss tax-related legislation of interest to them.

Apr. 25, 2022 | Thank you to all who attended our Illinois Tax Institute meeting this afternoon. Illinois Chamber Tax Institute Executive Director, Keith Staats and Illinois Department of Revenue's Program Administrator-Audit, Roger Koss provided the attendees with an update on the activities of IDOR’s audit division.

Chamber Day 2022 Draws Over 100 Attendees

Mar. 2, 2022 | What a remarkable day we had at our Annual Chamber Day event at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. We heard from so many great speakers on engaging topics like unemployment insurance and the budget, to discussions on crime. We thank our sponsors and attendees for making yesterday possible. Until next year. #ChamberDay2022

Chamber Pens OpEds on BIPA and Troubling Business Issues

Mar. 4, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Clark Kaericher penned an op ed addressing the very real security risks poised by Illinois’ dangerous BIPA law. FULL ARTICLE HERE

Mar. 4, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch alongside IERG's Executive Director Alec Davis, penned an op-ed to raise awareness on a troubling precedent for the business community. FULL ARTICLE HERE

Congratulations on Two Chamber Staff Promotions

Mar. 7, 2022 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that two of our staff members have been promoted within their field of expertise.

Laurie Silvey is now Vice President Business Services & President for Center for Business Management. Clark Kaericher is now Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. He will continue to serve as the Executive Director of the Chamber’s Technology and Infrastructure Councils.

Chamber Hosts EAC Quarterly Meeting

Mar. 17, 2022 | We had a great turnout at our Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) quarterly meeting held in our Springfield and Chicago offices! Thank you to our special guest, Michelle Gibson, newly appointed Illinois Pollution Control Board and IERG for its timely environmental regulatory update.

Chamber Hears on Cyber Security

Mar. 30, 2022 | Thank you, Rep. Underwood, FBI Special Agent Eric Brelsford and CISA Regional Director Alex Joves for hosting a timely and informative presentation on ways to help Illinois businesses prepare for and respond to cyber-attacks.

Environmental Law and Business Groups Clash

Mar. 30, 2022 | We recognize this is an issue of tremendous importance, and we are ready to work with its supporters to address the numerous issues that still remain.   Read More

Chamber Members Making Headlines First Quarter

Jan. 6, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Abbott Laboratories expects to produce 70 million of its in-home BinaxNOW tests this month after the holiday surge of COVID-19. “We’re working with the White House, with different governors to make sure every test we make does not sit in our inventory,” said Robert Ford, CEO of Abbott.  Read More

Jan. 10, 2022 | In honor of Illinois Chamber member State Farm's 100th anniversary this year, #StateFarm is building the State Farm Neighborhood Assist® program. This program will award 100 $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations to fund neighborhood improvements projects. “State Farm Neighborhood Assist truly embodies the spirit of what our company has been about for 100 years-being a good neighbor,” said Rasheed Merritt, assistant vice president at State Farm. Read More

Jan. 11, 2022 | Chamber member ADM is working alongside Wolf Carbon Solutions to decarbonize #ADM’s footprint via construction of a pipeline- that will allow capture, compression, and transportation of carbon dioxide. Read More

Jan. 12, 2022 | After a six month construction period, Illinois Chamber member Skybox Datacenters announced their completion of its new data facility in Elk Grove, making it the company’s first data center outside of Texas. “Skybox is thrilled to launch our newest data center facility in Elk Grove Village, which offers innovative, sustainable and adaptable turn-key and powered shell solutions that will benefit our enterprise and hyperscale customers in Chicago and across the country,” said Rob Morris, CEO of Skybox Datacenters. Read More

Jan. 13, 2022 | Congratulations Chamber member Ameren Illinois for being named #1 for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power among Large Electric Utility Providers in the Midwest! Thank you #AmerenIL for making Illinois a better place to work and live. Read More

Feb. 1, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Motorola Solutions announced their new MOTOTRBO R7, a digital two-way radio with advanced audio features designed to support communication and collaborate in any work environment with a battery life up to 28 hours! Thank you, #Motorola for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Read More

Feb. 1, 2022 | Happy Birthday to John Deere, founder of Chamber member John Deere Feb. 8, 2022 | As demand for natural gas continues to rise across the country, and the winter chill is being felt in our community, Illinois Chamber member Nicor Gas offers energy efficiency tips and resources and assistance programs to help you save money on your bill and get the assistance you may need to make payments. To learn more, follow the link below. Read More

Feb. 22, 2022 | Congratulations to Chamber members Ford Motor Company and State Farm for their partnership in launching the Drive Safe & Save Connected car for customers with eligible connected Ford or Lincoln vehicles to benefit from usage-based insurance! Thank you, #Ford and #StateFarm for your innovations. Read More

Feb. 28, 2022 | With major airlines looking to add thousands of new employees this year, Illinois Chamber member United is offering a $10,000 sign on bonus to new part-time ramp agents, baggage handlers, belt and cargo loaders and many other positions. Thank you, #UnitedAirlines for your continued support to the business community throughout Illinois. Read More

Mar. 15, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member DoorDash debuts a cash back reward program that will allow delivery drivers to receive 10% back on gas through a prepaid business debit card. “We know Dashers aren’t the only ones facing pain at the pump, and we’re not passing the cost of these programs on to consumers at this time,” the spokesperson said in a statement. Read More

Mar. 16, 2022 | Thank you, Chamber member Canadian National Railway Company for donating and supporting the people of Ukraine. Read More

Mar. 24, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Merck issued a statement on their commitment to saving and improving lives around the world for more than 130 years. Merck will continue to do so by donating any profitable sales received from Russia to humanitarian causes. As of today, #Merck’s total donation is over $65M USD. Read More

Mar. 25, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member AT&T announced their expansion of job openings in the Springfield/Champaign/Decatur areas. #AT&T is hiring for a wide range of part-time and full-time positions with a $3,000 sign on bonus to those hired. Thank you, AT&T for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Read More

Apr. 5, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member John Deere announced their collaboration with 21st ranked golfer and Ryder Cup Champion, Daniel Berger for a multi-year partnership. Both Deere and Berger committed to donating the win bonuses to charitable organizations totaling $100,000. Read More

Apr. 5, 2022 | Thank you, Nicor Gas employees for taking the plunge in four cities throughout the state to support Special Olympics athletes. "Polar Plunge is a great opportunity for employees to bring their families out and educate their kids about Special Olympics, what we do for our communities and why it is so important that they volunteer and give back as well," said Bernie Anderson, regional community affairs manager in Bloomington for Nicor Gas. Read More

Apr. 19, 2022 | DoorDash estimated 16.9 million meals were delivered on behalf of food banks, food pantries, and other organizations through Project DASH, which empowers social impact organizations to use #DoorDash technology to increase access to food in their communities. #chamberchamps

Apr. 26, 2022 | Congratulations Ameren Corporation for being named "Great Place to Work" for the sixth consecutive year! #amerenillinois Read More

Apr. 26, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member United announced their new and expanded international travel routes between the U.S. and Europe. “While many of the new and expanded routes set to begin in the coming weeks are geared toward vacationers, some of the routes are targeted specifically toward business travelers, said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of international network.” Thank you, #UnitedAirlines for your continuous investment! #WorldPilotsDay Read More

Apr. 27, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member State Farm pledged a $2M dollar grant to Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), to provide assistance for small businesses, safety and health throughout Illinois. To date, #Statefarm has invested more than $151M into LISC programs and projects. Thank you, #StateFarm for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Read More

Chamber Driving the Discussion First Quarter 2022

In the first quarter of 2022, we spoke to radio, television, and print media outlets, delivering pro-business values to audiences across Illinois.   JANUARY 2022  Chicago business groups welcome Supreme Court decision to halt Biden’s vaccine mandate although some will still require shots “Keeping our drivers happy”: Trucker shortage leading to empty store shelves compels companies to increase wages Rep. Spain seeks re-election to Illinois House FEBRUARY 2022  Illinois Chamber President reacts to Pritzker’s State of the State Pritzker proposes billions in new spending, doesn't address unemployment debt Pritzker Proposes Billions In New Spending, Doesn't Address Unemployment Debt Labor shortage fueling automation State chamber worries labor costs pushing automation, fewer workers MARCH 2022  Community Briefs: March 5, 2022 Diversity on Illinois corporate board shows slow growth, new report finds ‘Sham process’ on General Iron has shocked business community Technology law needs to be updated to protect Illinoisans A sleepy race in Williamson County gets quirky Illinois fracking rules, political climate holding production back  Proposal to protect workers from getting fired for off-the-job marijuana use advances with state lawmakers Microchip manufacturers could win tax breaks to expand in Illinois Jim Dey | Higher gas prices have politicians currying public's favor ‘Environmental justice’ law appears dead as community, business groups clash On the surface, state's 'Great Resignation' numbers look good During "Great Resignation" more Illinoisans stayed put APRIL 2022 Cybersecurity experts warn businesses to be on high alert On the surface, state's 'Great Resignation' numbers look good During "Great Resignation" more Illinoisans stayed put- Ill. Legal Funding Bill Sparks Concern Over Settlement Strain- Unemployment insurance trust fund negotiations stalled, labor and business groups say Inflation has businesses hurting Worker happiness key to worker retention, experts say Illinois Chamber President Releases Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Scope of “Lockbox” Amendment Illinois Supreme Court rules transportation taxes can't be diverted New headwinds expected for Illinois businesses tossed by pandemic storm

ILLINOIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ilchamber.org

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