During the last legislative session, the Chicagoland Chamber worked with the General Assembly to support HB 645 (P.A. 102-407), which established the Future of Work Task Force. Their mission: plan for the future of work by addressing state and local challenges.
Governor J. B. Pritzker signed HB 645 into law this summer.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the task force is composed of 23 members, including State Representatives, State Senators, appointees of the Governor’s Office, State Agencies, and representatives from the business, labor, environmental and education communities.
The Illinois Future of Work Task Force shall issue a report based upon its findings to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than May 1, 2022.
The stated purpose of the task force is the following:
- Identify and assess the new and emerging technologies that have the potential to significantly affect employment, wages, and skill requirements;
- Develop a set of job standards and working conditions that will ensure that future work in Illinois builds a vibrant middle class
- Identify the potential jobs of the future and opportunities to shape those jobs for the improvement of life for all of Illinois;
- Compile research and best practices from other states and countries on how to deploy technology to benefit workers and the public good;
- Develop tools to assess the impact of proposed technologies and evaluate their costs and benefits on workers, employers, the public and the State;
- Identify policies and practices that will help businesses, workers, and communities thrive economically throughout the State of Illinois; and
- Propose workforce development, training, education, and apprenticeship programs for the jobs of the future.
In December, Chicagoland Chamber Vice President of Government Relations, Brad Tietz, was jointly appointed by the House and Senate Minority leaders to serve as a business representative on the Task Force.
There are so many aspects to this conversation relevant to the Chamber’s community, whether it’s workforce development and retention, aligning our educational systems with industry, the impact of technology and automation on jobs, potential regulations around tech sectors, and remote / hybrid work and its impact on small businesses dependent on office worker foot traffic, local finances such as transit revenues and sales taxes to name a few.
The Chicagoland Chamber is currently conducting research on Chicago’s small business community through it’s annual Small Business Outlook. Small businesses throughout the region are encouraged to participate in this study, which will produce one of the most thorough, forward-looking sources of information for participants and the community.
To participate in the study and be entered into a drawing for Southwest tickets or $100 Amazon gift card, visit here.