http://www.nfib.com/Keep up with the latest news, politics and events for small business in Illinois.en-usEM3 iOnwebmaster@nfib.orghttp://www.nfib.com/object/IO_31671.htmlRising healthcare costs continue to be a huge issue for small employers. Over the last few years, the governor and Legislature have expanded the state's Medicaid program and instituted the AllKids program to reduce the number of uninsured families, but at significant cost to taxpayers. Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37130.htmlOrganized labor is pursuing legislation that would require any construction projects located in a Tax Increment Financing District or Enterprise Zone to pay the prevailing wage, which is normally union scale.Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37125.htmlThis is NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer's first visit to Illinois to meet with NFIB members, and this reception will be a great opportunity for him to get to know you. Quincy and Western Illinois are home to one of the largest concentrations of NFIB members in Illinois.Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32306.htmlTaxes in Illinois, 2008 small business agenda.Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_32308.htmlLabor/workplace issues in Illinois, 2008 small business agenda.Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36968.htmlEvery 20 years, the citizens of Illinois are asked if they want to hold a state constitutional convention and revisit issues addressed back in 1970 when our current constitution became law. The question of a constitutional convention has been controversial because it reopens debate on a series of issues that were "settled" in 1970, such as Illinois' flat income tax and the ability of our governor to have the amendatory veto power. It would also allow for discussion of new proposals such as instituting a "recall" provision for our governor or removing the reliance of property taxes for education funding in Illinois.</br></br>Should Illinois hold a constitutional convention? Make your voice heard today!Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36932.htmlSJRCA 92 is a constitutional amendment proposing to change Illinois' current flat income tax to a graduated income tax. If the proposal is approved by a three-fifths majority in both chambers, the question is placed on the general election ballot for citizens to decide. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36925.htmlThe 1970 constitutional convention led to Illinois' current flat income tax, taxing personal income at 3 percent and corporate income at 4.8 percent. The constitution also states that there must be an 8-5 ratio between the personal income and corporate income tax so lawmakers could not overwhelmingly shift the taxation burden onto the employers in Illinois. There has been much discussion of changing Illinois' flat income tax to a graduated income tax. To do this, a constitutional amendment must be passed by both chambers of the Illinois Legislature with a three-fifths vote and then the question would be placed on the general election ballot in November for voters to decide. The current proposal before the General Assembly would put the question before the voters but allow lawmakers to set the final tax rates.</br></br>Please take a moment and make your voice heard by voting today!Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36875.htmlIn what was a surprise to almost everyone at the Capitol, legislation to bring back the antiquated Structural Work Act surfaced this week and was quickly moved through the House Judiciary Committee on a partisan vote.Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36865.htmlThe Structural Work Act was an antiquated law repealed in 1995 that allowed trial lawyers to sue third parties for workplace injuries. The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act is in place to ensure injured workers are treated fairly and compensated for any loss. The Structural Work Act allowed greedy trial lawyers to go above and beyond the workers' compensation system and sue anyone who may have been remotely involved in a workplace injury, including suppliers, contractors, subcontractors, architects and retailers.</br></br>This legislation will be voted on soon, so please call your lawmakers today and tell them to vote NO on HB 2094. Illinois doesn't need to bring back the Structural Work Act and third-party frivolous lawsuits.Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36341.htmlLegal reform in Illinois, 2008 small business agenda.Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36635.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on healthcare, activism and the Constitutional Convention in Illinois, April/May 2008 edition.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/extLinkIO_36577.htmlHB 5141 would remove an employers ability to pay teenagers, under the age of 18, 50 cents less than Illinois' current minimum wage. This wage level, commonly known as the "teen wage," has been part of Illinois law for decades. Tell lawmakers you oppose HB 5141, removing the "teen wage."Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36534.htmlThe political action committee of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business group, today announced a roster of candidates in Illinois for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. NFIB supports candidates who have pro-small business voting records and are strong advocates for small business owners. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36540.htmlThe House Labor Committee this week passed House Bill 5141 (Fritchey) which would remove the "teen wage" from the Illinois minimum wage law. Currently employers may pay those employees under the age of 18, 50 cents less the minimum wage. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36466.htmlDespite desperate pleas from small business owners regarding the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, lawmakers have introduced thirteen different healthcare mandates this legislation session.Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36419.htmlCommittee action continued this week in both chambers. The deadline for lawmakers to move their bills out committee is March 14.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36440.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business association, has announced that it has endorsed Jim Oberweis in the special election to replace former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert as U.S. Representative in Illinois' 14th Congressional District.Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36249.htmlIllinois lawmakers were in Springfield this week for the first time since the Feb. 5 primary election. This week was also the deadline for bill introductions and the committee process is in full swing. Next week Gov. Rod Blagojevich will deliver his budget address.Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35918.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on activism in Illinois, February/March 2008 edition.Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36044.html"Small businesses are the drivers of our state's economy, accounting for more than 98 percent of all employers in Illinois. Small business also creates about two-thirds of all net new jobs. It's vital that we have a thriving small-business community for our state and the nation to continue to grow and prosper."Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35894.htmlRegister today for the 2008 NFIB National Small-Business Summit! NFIB and eBay have joined forces to create an event you won't want to miss. At the Summit, you'll interact with policymakers, business leaders and fellow entrepreneurs while sharing your experiences and finding new ideas to boost your business. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35920.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, is very pleased with the economic stimulus deal reached Thursday by U.S. House congressional leaders and the White House. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35811.htmlIllinois lawmakers were in Springfield Jan. 9-10 for the beginning of the 2008 legislation session and, ironically, to finish up some 2007 business. Currently, lawmakers are not expected back to Springfield until after the Feb. 5 primary election, but that could change.Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35783.htmlThe Illinois Department of Labor has issued important rules related to the new independent contractor law which took effect Jan. 1, 2008. The new law is aimed solely at the construction industry and is a major change in how employers classify independent contractors.Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35379.htmlSpecial NFIB member report on looking ahead to 2008 and getting involved in Illinois, December/January 2008 edition.Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35289.htmlMost employers in the construction industry have used the 20-point IRS test as a guideline to determine if workers are employees or independent contractors. Gov. Rod Blagojevich recently signed HB 1795 which changes this process. The new definitions, which go into effect Jan. 1, 2008, are below.Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35179.htmlThe U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy has compiled the 2007 Small Business Profile for Illinois.Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35127.htmlDespite ill-informed rhetoric that often cites the federal death tax as only affecting wealthy people, this tax affects all Americans, and it strikes no one harder than the small-business community.Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST