Public Policy Newsletter Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Chicagoland Chamber PAC AdvocacyChampion Award Luncheon On March 23, the Chicagoland Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) will honor Patrick Donelly, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency, for his advocacy of the hospitality community and in making Chicagoland economically competitive to create good-paying jobs. Patrick will receive our PAC Advocacy Champion Award – the fourth person to receive this honor. The Chamber’s PAC is a critical component of our advocacy strategy, and is vital to ensuring that we retain elected officials who understand our issues and the importance of maintaining an economically competitive environment to foster job creation and economic growth.Join a variety of business, civic, and elected leaders in honoring Patrick.For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michael Reever at mreever@chicagolandchamber.org or click here.

Policy Issues at a Glance State of Illinois The Chamber’s government relations team is down in Springfield this week talking with legislators and proactively engaging on a variety of issues, including tech, health care and workforce development. Many of the issues the Chamber engaged on for our members last year are expected, or have already begun, to be introduced. Governor Rauner will give his ‘State of the State’ address on Wednesday, January 31. City of Chicago On January 17, the Chamber was at the first City Council meeting of the year. At this meeting, the Chamber advocated for the passage of the Presence Health Development TIF, which will not only provide greater access to healthcare in underserved areas, but also economic development including full and part-time jobs. In addition, we continue to actively educate aldermen on the Chamber’s opposition to the mandated scheduling issue that was introduced last year. Cook County On January 17, the Chamber attended the first Cook County Board Meeting of the year. At this meeting, the Chamber advocated for passage of an ordinance to allow more time to fix a previously passed ordinance that would have impacted many businesses seeking local economic development incentives requiring burdensome affidavits. In addition, we continue to engage in conversations to ensure that incentives already promised to a business are not delayed, which potentially could temporarily increase their initial property tax payment because correcting such delays could take 9-12 months beyond when property tax bills are sent.

Policy Events Tax Policy Council – On February 6, the Chamber welcomes Connie Beard, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue. At this meeting, Director Beard will update our members on legislative priorities, and take questions from members.

Chamber in the News

We want to hear from you about any policy issues that may be of importance to you and your business. Please contact Michael Reever, VP of Government Relations directly at mreever@chicagolandchamber.org or (312) 494-6736.

Public Policy Committee

Chair: Robin L. Brown, Ingredion

Vice-Chair: Matthew Summy, Comcast

Amalia Rioja, Baker & McKenzie | David Ritter, Barnes & Thornburg | Mary Kenney, BMOHarris | Rick Bodnum, CME Group | Stanley Kaminski, Duane Morris  | Harry Seigle, The Elgin Company | Adrian Guerrero, Union Pacific | Ray Drake, UPS | Benjamin Gibson, University of Chicago and University of Chicago Medical Center

Your Government Relations Team

Michael L. Reever, Esq.VP, Government Relations mreever@chicagolandchamber.org Danielle StanleyManager, Policy and Programs dstanley@chicagolandchamber.org Ryan McLaughlin
Mac Strategies GroupPR and Communications Consultant Matt MurphyMac Strategies GroupState Government Affairs Consultant