We are into the last full week of session days. The General Assembly is scheduled to be in session until May 31, except for the 25th. While there are major issues still to be reckoned with, lawmakers seem optimistic they will finish on time and deliver on the big items.
First on NFIB’s list of bad bills is the progressive income tax. It passed the Senate a few weeks back and is in the House. As we said before, the House Republicans are staunchly opposed, but it’s likely to get the three-fifths majority (71 votes) it needs to pass because it’s Governor Pritzker’s No. 1 priority.
NFIB has been waging a grassroots effort that has produced over 700 messages and phone calls to lawmakers in opposition to the progressive income tax measure.
Other Issues
Debate continues on a major capital/transportation projects plan of more than $41 billion over 6 years which includes:
- A doubling of the fuel tax to 38 cents per gallon
- Vehicle registration fee hikes
- New taxes on internet streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Primes
- Increases in in taxes on beer, wine and liquor
- Parking garage tax
- Higher real estate transfer fees
Workplace Mandates
- SB 1829 is a massive bill aimed at private workplaces with the intention of eliminating sexual harassment and creating other workers’ protections. While NFIB recognizes the need for safe workplaces, we are concerned about expanded regulation on small business, as well as increased penalties and litigation. NFIB opposes the current bill as drafted.
- SB 687 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 passed out of House Revenue committee Friday morning without advanced warning to the opposition. Debate was heated. Expect a full house vote on Monday or Tuesday. NFIB opposes.
- SB 1407 this prevailing wage expansion sets a precedent that certain privately-owned facilities within the state will be required to pay government-mandated wages on construction work done on their own facilities. It also will have the effect of requiring all construction and maintenance work at to be exclusively performed by members of certain trade unions. Passed the Senate, moved to House. NFIB opposes.
- SB 471 Amend.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 in House Labor committee. 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 and is back in the House for concurrence. NFIB opposes and issued a “Key Vote” message to both chambers.
- 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 WC system on asbestos (and potentially other long-term work-related illnesses) cases that date back beyond the 25 years repose for workers’ comp cases passed both chambers. Signed it into law. NFIB opposed.
- 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.
- HB 2565, a bill that would have denied businesses from using non-compete clauses in employment contracts, even with highly compensated employees with access to highly sensitive company information. This was defeated in the House 37–62.
