GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
------------Report
April 22nd, 2022

This Week in Illinois
Illinois Chamber Applauds the Decision in Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, et al. v. County of Cook

In a 6-1 decision released on Thursday morning, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Illinois business community in Illinois Transportation Road and Transportation Builders Association, et al. v. County of Cook.

Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch released the following statement on yesterday morning's Supreme Court decision.
 
"We are gratified by the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the intent of the voters in approving the lockbox amendment to the constitution. This case dealt with the scope of the "lockbox" amendment to the Illinois Constitution that requires funds collected from transportation related taxes and fees be spent only for transportation purposes."

This case centered 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 submitted an amicus brief on behalf of the position taken by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders.  

Peter Steinmeyer, Chairman of Legal and Judicial Review and Member at Epstein Becker & Green P.C. said the following.

"We are grateful to the Court for recognizing the plain language of the amendment and protecting Illinois’ critically important infrastructure."

Read the full Supreme Court opinion here.
Session Update

The House and Senate were both in Springfield for the final day of Spring Session on April 8th. There are no further session dates scheduled at this time. Veto Session can be expected to commence after the election in early late November or early December but no official dates have been released.

Legislative Update: Bills Signed into Law

HB 900, Budget was signed into law. This bill amends Public Act 102-17 by changing, adding, and repealing various FY2022 appropriations. Makes FY2023 appropriations and reappropriations for specified purposes. Some provisions are effective immediately; some provisions are effective July 1, 2022.

HB 4700, BIMP was signed into law. This bill creates the FY2023 Budget Implementation Act. Makes the changes necessary to implement the State budget for fiscal year 2023. Effective immediately, except that (i) some specified provisions take effect on July 1, 2022 and (ii) other specified provisions take effect upon becoming law or on the date Senate Bill 3023 of the 102nd General Assembly takes effect, whichever is later.

SB 157, Revenue Package was signed into law. Read the full analysis of this bill in the End of Session Report below.


Small Business News from the US Chamber: Dream Big Awards

The U.S. Chamber’s Dream Big Awards program has officially opened for 2022 application submissions. Applications from small business owners through July 8, 2022.  

Every year at The Big Week for Small Business, the Dream Big Awards program honors the achievements of small businesses and highlights their contributions to America’s economic growth. The 2022 Small Business of the Year award winner will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize!

A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award or a Business Achievement Award.

  • For-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the United States.
  • Have less than 250 employees OR gross revenues of less than $20 million for each of 2021 and 2022.

The Award categories are as follows:

  • Emerging Business
  • Green/Sustainable Business
  • Minority-Owned Business
  • Veteran-Owned Business
  • Woman-Owned Business
  • Young Entrepreneur Business
  • LGBTQ-Owned Business
  • Community Support and Leadership Award

Learn more about the Dream Big Awards here.

Find the application from the US Chamber here.

A local Chamber of Commerce or trade/economic development group can refer a small business here.
Register for the Infrastructure Quarterly Council Meeting Here
In Case you Missed It...Chamber Releases End of Session Report

The General Assembly adjourned on April 8th this year. This abbreviated session was due to legislative fatigue after several momentous years. Also playing a large part, a changed election calendar that pushed the primary elections back to June. This notably increased political desire to return to their districts in a year when every member of the General Assembly is up for election and facing a brand-new district. The 2022 Session was the shortest in decades- but that does not mean it was without impact to the business community. 

Each Chamber Council Executive Director has highlighted victories for the business community as well as issues of future concern in their respective policy areas. Click the document below for all the most vital information on the 2022 legislative session.
Connect with the Chamber
If you have questions about the Government Affairs Report, contact Clark Kaericher at ckaericher@ilchamber.org. Do not reply to this email.