The General Assembly now has just two weeks to finish their work in the spring session. The most urgent issue is passing a balanced budget. This is getting little attention since there are many significant issues still up in the air and the unforeseen $1.5 billion financial windfall announced by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
The progressive income tax remains the House due to a lack of confirmed “yes” votes. The House Republicans are staunchly opposed, and the measure needs a three-fifths majority (71 votes) to pass. There are 74 House Democrats, and a small number are still holding back support.
NFIB has been waging a grassroots effort that has produced over 450 messages and phone calls to lawmakers in opposition to the progressive tax measure. You can take action if you haven’t already done so.
Other issues: The first major capital/transportation bill in 10 years remains in negotiations on a variety of topics including a potentially steep increase in the motor fuel and diesel tax as well as other transportation-related fees.
Issues in the workplace
SB 1829 is a massive bill aimed at public and private workplaces to eliminate sexual and other employee harassment. While NFIB recognizes the need for safe workplaces, we are concerned about expanded regulation on small business, as well as increased penalties and litigation.
SB 687 Amendment 1 provides the brackets and income tax levels (see page 36). It passed 36-22. NFIB sent an opposition “Key Vote” message to Senators and will continue to oppose it. This bill was moved from the House Revenue Committee back to Rules, and an indicator that it is not ready for further action. NFIB opposes.
SB 471 Amendment 2 is the paid sick leave mandate bill that would require all employers to provide up to five paid sick days to each worker. NFIB testified against the bill in committee and sent an opposition “key vote” message to Senators. This bill is back in the House Labor committee but was not called for a vote. NFIB opposes.
HB 834, a bill that prohibits employers from asking potential employees about their past wage and salaries (includes punitive employer penalties) passed the Senate Labor committee but was amended and awaits further action. NFIB opposes and issued a “key vote” message to Senators.
HB 252, a bill that changes the Illinois Human Rights Act workplace laws to apply to all employers, not just to those with 15 or more workers, It previously passed the House and just passed the full Senate but heads back to the House for concurrence. NFIB opposes.
SB 1596, a bill that expands civil liability on business by going around the workers’ compensation system on asbestos (and potentially other longterm work-related illnesses) cases that date back beyond the 25 years repose for workers’ compensation cases passed both houses and goes to the governor. NFIB opposed this and sent a letter to Governor Pritzker requesting a veto.
HB 2838, this troublesome bill would put prime contractors on the hook for paying workers twice if a sub-contractor fails to pay their workers on a job for the prime. It passed the House 70-41. Negotiations are ongoing in the Senate. NFIB opposes.
