Several proposals that would have been detrimental to the small business community were stopped in the Illinois General Assembly this spring, marking victories for NFIB and its small business members.

Other bills—that did advance—often incorporated some level of feedback from NFIB and other business groups, somewhat tempering the impact of the legislation on the business community. See list of key bills passed by the General Assembly here.

Workplace Temperature Standards – Stopped!

NFIB and its members actively opposed sweeping legislation to extensively regulate workplace conditions when temperatures reached a heat index of 80 degrees or a wind chill of 40 degrees of less (outdoors) or a heat index of 80 degrees or dropped below 65 degrees (indoors).

NFIB provided extensive comments to the sponsor and participated in stakeholder meetings. NFIB also joined other groups to oppose a similar measure in Chicago.

Neither proposal has passed at this time.

See Fox 2 News for media coverage of small business concerns. Read our letter to the editor in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers – Stopped!

NFIB and its members stepped up to oppose a proposal to grant unemployment benefits to striking workers. NFIB State Director Noah Finley testified against the proposal in committee, pointing out that it would raise costs for small businesses. Despite a push by unions and activists, the proposal was halted before it passed the House.

Below is a sample of the media coverage of our advocacy:

–  Illinois Bill Would Allow Striking Workers Unemployment Pay After Two Weeks

–  Should striking workers get paid unemployment? More states eyeing it

–  Illinois House committee advances bill to give unemployment benefits to striking workers – Prairie State Wire

Minimum Wage Hike – Stopped!

NFIB members let their elected officials know the impact that raising the state’s minimum wage to $27 an hour would have on their small businesses. The General Assembly got the message and didn’t advance the proposal. Our members’ concerns received considerable media attention.

See below for a few of the stories.

–  Illinois proposal to raise minimum wage to $27 sparks concern from small businesses | Local News | newschannel20.com

–  WQAD 8 ABC News

–  Group: Raising minimum wage could cause drastic inflation | Illinois | thecentersquare.com

–  US minimum wage would jump to $25 an hour under new bill in Congress | NewsNation

“Millionaire’s Tax” on Small Businesses – Stopped!

Lawmakers in the Illinois House pushed a so-called “millionaire’s tax” this spring that would have hit many small businesses that file their taxes as pass-through businesses. NFIB testified against the proposal and its negative impact on pass-through businesses, contributing to the measure stalling out and failing to move forward.

Some of the media coverage is included below:

–  Illinois Democrats trying to get ‘millionaire tax’ and redistricting amendment questions on fall ballot

–  Illinois Millionaires Tax doesn’t get support | Illinois | thecentersquare.com

Ensuring Career and Vocational Pathways for Students – Passed!

NFIB actively supported legislation to permit high school students the option to meet graduation requirements by taking career and technical courses instead of foreign language classes.

NFIB also drove media coverage of the issue and small businesses’ need for skilled workers:

–  With state mandate looming, small businesses struggle to find skilled workers | Illinois | thecentersquare.com

–  Small businesses search for new workers amid shortage

Prevailing Wage Expansion – Stopped!

Towards the end of the spring legislative session, a last-minute amendment was filed that would have significantly broadened the state’s prevailing wage mandate. NFIB testified against the amendment in the House. The legislation passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

Extensive Land-Usage (Wetlands) Regulations – Stopped!

Far-reaching “wetlands” legislation that would have imposed extensive new regulations on privately held land was considered by the Illinois House. After pushback from NFIB and other business and agricultural groups, the measure was halted.

Administrative Rulemakings on AI in Employment Decisions and Job Posting Requirements

NFIB has also been participating in the rulemaking process for administrative rules, providing feedback and comment on rulemakings governing the use of AI in employment decisions and job posting requirements.

NFIB participation has resulted in a number of changes to the proposed rules, making them simpler and more aligned with state statute.

Media mentions of NFIB’s involvement are included below:

• New Illinois law restricts AI use in hiring decisions
• Illinois Bill Requires Employer Notice on AI Decisions