GOVERNMENT AFFAIR ------------Report |
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June 7th, 2024 This Week in Illinois |
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Spring Session Update
The Senate adjourned on Sunday, May 26th until the call of the Senate President. With the adjournment of the House on the morning of May 29th, both chambers have now concluded business for the 2024 spring legislative session. Neither chamber will return to Springfield until the fall.
The forthcoming Illinois Chamber End of Session Report will provide further detail on some of these topics as well a recap of all major legislative items considered this Spring. |
Illinois Chamber Joins University of Illinois System and other Organizations Across the State Advocating for Science Funding
The Illinois Chamber joined the University of Illinois System and many other organizations in a letter to members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. This letter urges congress to advocate for funding for the National Science Foundation. (NSF)
Provided below is an excerpt from this letter.
We write on behalf of Illinois’ institutions of higher education, businesses and nonprofits to underscore the importance of federal support for science, and to urge you to advocate for robust funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
In FY2023, NSF invested over $356 million in the state of Illinois for research, entrepreneurship and STEM education. These investments allow our institutions to make cutting-edge discoveries in areas ranging from quantum to biotechnology to clean energy. NSF seed funding also provides vital support for small businesses and startups through the SBIR/STTR programs; Illinois companies have received 67 SBIR/STTR awards from 2019-2023. And, with about a quarter of U.S. workers employed in STEM occupations, NSF education and workforce funding helps ensure that Illinois can meet the need for a trained, diverse STEM workforce.
Congress recognized the crucial role that NSF plays in advancing innovation and competitiveness when it passed the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022. Unfortunately, funding for NSF is far below the levels authorized in that legislation. While the CHIPS and Science Act authorized $15.65 billion for NSF in FY2024, Congress appropriated just over $9 billion, a 5% cut from NSF’s base budget in FY2023. While we appreciate the fiscal challenges facing this country, federal investments in research and innovation are vital to our state. With your support, NSF will continue to fund the new knowledge, startups and trained scientists and engineers that drive economic growth in Illinois and across the country.
View the full letter and signees: Here |
Apply Today: US Chamber America’s Top 100 Small Businesses
Attention Small Business Owners! We are thrilled to inform you of a new opportunity to apply to be one of the 100 small businesses selected for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO—, the Chamber’s award-winning digital platform for small businesses, are looking for America’s top digital innovators, customer champions, growth accelerators, disruptors, and global stars.
Small business owners can apply now through July 8 for a chance to be recognized on this elite list. The small businesses that make the CO—100 list will gain national brand visibility, unmatched access to top experts and thought leaders, exclusive VIP perks and benefits, networking opportunities, and a chance to be awarded $25,000 for being named America’s Top Small Business of the Year. The CO—100 will be invited to Washington, D.C. for a premier event on October 8at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's historic headquarters.
Apply: Here. |
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New Bills Signed Into Law
HB 4959, BIMP was signed into law. This bill creates the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Implementation Act. Adds, deletes, and makes changes to various statutory provisions as needed to implement the State budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Effective immediately, except some provisions take effect July 1, 2024 and some provisions take effect January 1, 2025.
SB 0251, $DOR was signed into law. This act appropriates $2 from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Revenue for its FY23 ordinary and contingent expenses.
SB 1996, Workers Compensation was signed into law. This bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides for increases in the rate of the annual Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund Surcharge. Amends the Workers' Compensation Act. Provides for increases in the rate of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund Fee and payments to the Rate Adjustment Fund. Provides for transfers from the Self-Insurers Security Fund to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund, to the extent that there are insufficient funds in the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund to pay the operating costs of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission or the salaries and benefits of employees of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Makes changes in provisions concerning the collection of civil penalties or reimbursements for amounts paid by the Injured Workers' Benefit Fund due under an order of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Makes changes to penalties for any person, company, corporation, insurance carrier, healthcare provider, or other entity that intentionally prepares or provides an invalid, false, or counterfeit certificate of insurance as proof of workers' compensation insurance or intentionally assists, abets, solicits, or conspires with any person, company, or other entity to intentionally prepare or provide an invalid, false, or counterfeit certificate of insurance as proof of workers' compensation insurance. |
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Register Today: Women in Business Conference
Join us this Thursday, June 13th as our experienced presenters discuss powerful strategies and techniques that can help you step into your next chapter: accelerate your career growth, unlock exciting new opportunities, and achieve your personal goals. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to learn from the best and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed!
Strong Women. Stronger Illinois
Illinois women are Second to No One. We have amazing talent, determination, intelligence, and resolve. This year's theme will be The Next Chapter. Join us as our experienced presenters discuss powerful strategies and techniques that can help you accelerate your career growth, unlock exciting new opportunities, and achieve your personal goals. Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to learn from the best and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed!
The Illinois Chamber welcomes you to our women's conference as we come together to discuss and further dreams of our already strong women for a stronger Illinois. This year's theme is "The Next Chapter." The robust agenda will provide time for networking and connecting with professionals, and topics providing takeaways for all to take back to the office or home.
Learn more about the presenters Here.
Register Here |
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Save the Date: State of Business in Illinois Event
When: Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Where: Staybridge Suites/ Holiday Inn, 6600 Mannheim Rd Building 1, Rosemont, IL 60018
Register: Here
This event, featuring Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, President & CEO Lou Sandoval, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, will allow attendees to hear from the experts on the state of business in Illinois. |
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If you have questions about the Government Affairs Report, contact Andrew Cunningham at acunningham@ilchamber.org. Do not reply to this email. |
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