Illinois Chamber Government Affairs Report

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

------------Report

April 14, 2023

This Week in Illinois

Session Update

After adjourning for two weeks of Spring Break, the House and Senate will both return to Springfield this Tuesday, April 18th. When they do return, there will be one month of busy action until scheduled adjournment on May 19th. For subscribers of the Rail Report, we will keep you updated on relevant daily action.

Of note, April 28th is the deadline for House bills to get out of Senate committees and Senate bills to get out of House committees. View the Senate session calendar for 2023. View the House 2023 calendar.

Please join us on April 18th for the Spring meeting of our Infrastructure, Energy and Technology Councils. This gathering will feature a discussion of the future of electric vehicles in Illinois with a great lineup of speakers.

Both State EV Officer, Megha Lakhchaura and Electric Mobility and Innovation Director, Lisa Clemmons Stott will address attendees.

Chamber members Ameren and EVBox will also speak on how their companies are working in this space.

Date: April 18^th, 2023

Time: 2pm-3:30 pm

Location: Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Agenda:

2:00pm – Introductions

2:05pm – Presentation by State EV Officer

2:30pm – Presentation by State Electric Mobility and Innovation Director

2:55pm – Ameren

3:10pm – EVBox

3:25pm – Closing by Chamber Directors

Along with all of the great content you will hear at Chamber Day on Tuesday morning, attendees are also invited to this informative afternoon meeting. There is no additional cost for this session!

Release: IDOT Invites Applications for $2.5 million in Transit Grants

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that applications are now being accepted for a competitive grant program that aims to expand safe, equitable access to public transportation throughout the state. Selected projects will feature transit opportunities while furthering the goals of IDOT’s Illinois Long-Range Transportation Plan.

The grants will fund studies on planning and preliminary engineering issues regarding public multimodal, intermodal and non-motorized transportation. Previously chosen projects focused on topics ranging from bus-on-shoulder travel to transit equity, trails and bikeways, transit system expansion, travel behavior of people with disabilities and transportation for veterans.

The program’s total funding is $2.5 million, with awards averaging $200,000 and requiring a 20% non-federal match. Applicants can request IDOT provide this match, particularly if the study benefits a historically disadvantaged community.

Governmental entities such as counties, metropolitan planning agencies, municipalities, state agencies, public transit agencies and state universities are urged to apply.

Applications must be submitted to IDOT by 5 p.m. on May 24. Awards will be announced this summer.

GAP Call

The Illinois Chamber will host its Government Affairs Professionals (GAP) call on Monday, April 17th at 3:00 pm. We will provide you updates on the legislation we are watching for this week and the rest of the Spring.

Throughout the Spring, GAP calls will take place every Monday afternoon when either the House or Senate is in session. We will make you aware of scheduling changes as they occur.

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