Session Update
The Illinois General Assembly returned to Springfield on January 5, 2022 but has not returned since. Both the House and Senate canceled in-person session this week along with many of the virtual committee hearings. Both chambers will not be returning to Springfield next week with some reports suggesting that the legislative body may not return until March.
The bill drafting request deadline for the Senate was last Friday, January 7th. The bill drafting request deadline for the House is today, January 14th. The bill introduction deadline for the Senate is next Friday, January 21st. The House bill introduction deadline is Friday, January 28th.
Relevant Bills to Watch:
SB 3038, Government Nondisclosure Agreements was assigned to the Senate Executive Committee. This bill provides that no agreement or contract entered into by the State, any municipality, or any county, or any party negotiating on behalf of such governmental entity, for projects or economic development, including, but not limited to, tax incentives, payments in lieu of taxes, tax abatements, bonds, notes, loans, grants, or rebates, shall contain any provision, clause, or language that provides that the agreement or contract or any of its terms are confidential or that the parties to the agreement or contract are prohibited from disclosing, discussing, describing, or commenting upon the terms of the agreement or contract.
We'd like to hear your feedback on the legislation above. To express your position or other concerns please contact Clark at ckaericher@ilchamber.org
Senator Stewart to Retire
Best of wishes to Senator Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) who announced his retirement today. A reliable vote and advocate for the Illinois business community, Senator Stewart was a past recipient of the Chamber Champion of Free Enterprise Award. We are thankful for his years of service. Representative Andrew Chesney is expected to move up from the House to the Senate.
US Supreme Court Strikes Down OSHA COVID-19 Employer Mandate
On January 7th the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the OSHA ETS and Healthcare CMS cases. It is reported that the Court heard oral arguments for over 4 hours.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court blocked the OSHA ETS that would have required Employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers were either vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested weekly. The ETS also included a mask mandate for unvaccinated employees. in the 6-3 ruling, the majority said that OSHA had exceeded its authority granted by Congress.
However, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court did allow the mandate for healthcare workers at facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid dollars to stand.
Following the decision, Illinois Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher spoke with ABC 7, Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Kaericher said "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."
Read the Sun-Times article here.
Watch the ABC 7, Chicago segment here.
Our thanks go out to the US Chamber of Commerce who has a team of experts working on these extremely important issues.
Illinois Supreme Court Hears “Lockbox” Oral Arguments
On Wednesday the Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Illinois Road and Transportation Builders v. County of Cook. This case centers around whether Cook County is diverting approximately $250 million in funds that ought to properly be subject to the lockbox constitutional amendment protections.
The Illinois Chamber wrote an amicus brief on behalf of the position taken by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders.
Illinois Chamber Letter to Congressional Delegation: Oppose Flawed Antitrust Proposals
Earlier this week, the Illinois Chamber wrote a letter to the Illinois Congressional Delegation expressing concern about the economic consequences of recent federal antitrust legislation that targets the technology sector.
In part, the letter says the following:
Last year, a package of antitrust legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate in a misguided attempt to improve competition in the U.S technology sector. Rather than advancing helpful competition standards, such proposals would actually force the breakup of leading American tech firms and undermine the digital products that these firms provide to businesses.
While we agree that it is important to have an open discussion regarding regulation and competition requirements, these proposals are unlikely to advance competition or benefit consumers. In fact, such bills could have far reaching adverse impacts, not only on the tech sector, but also on the local communities and businesses that thrive because they use digital products. The extent to which they do is immense and what is at risk is not only a landing page for such businesses but also digital solutions that enable small businesses to manage their operations, promote products, and connect with customers. These functions, often offered for free, would be undermined and impaired by the proposals.
Read the full letter here.
In Case You Missed It: Governor Signs Judicial Subcircuit Maps into Law
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed HB 3138, new Judicial Subcircuit maps into law. This bill creates the Judicial Circuits Districting Act of 2022. It divides the 3rd, 7th, 12th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 22nd judicial circuits and the Cook County judicial circuit into subcircuits. You can view the maps here.
New this week: The Madison County Board has authorized its State's Attorney Tom Haine (son of former Senator Bill Haine) to file suit to block implementation of the maps. The goal would be to overturn the maps or at least delay their implementation past petition deadlines in which case any vacancies appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court.
