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While You are Busy Working...

While You are Busy Working...

While You are Busy Working...

While you are busy working…

While you are busy working in your business, the Chamber is working on your behalf. I went to Springfield for Chamber Day on March 20, and to the Chicagoland Chamber last week to discuss legislation that will affect our businesses directly. We are monitoring issues related to:

The new Minimum Wage Law – As it now stands will hit small businesses in the pocketbook. Will there be any adjustments made to the law?

‘Adult Use’ (Recreational Marijuana) – What does this mean for employers?

Data Security & Technology (on collection and use of personal information, including Data Breach and Biometric Information Privacy) – What do you need to know?

Please read LEGISLATION for the expanded information on each. Do you think this is worthy of our time and your investment?  I do. Every business in our community should support the Chamber’s role in representing businesses on legislation that affects them and their ability to do business. We are your voice and your source of trusted information. The greater we are in number, the stronger is our voice.

  1. The new Minimum Wage Law (enacted) as it now stands will hit small businesses in the pocketbook. Some of the questions raised and issues we are watching:
    - How will the payroll tax credit be applied? Will businesses of 6 - 50 employees be able to apply any credit beyond 2027 to mitigate the added cost of labor?
    - There is a new bill (HB 2900) that will allow for a tax credit to be included based on tying it to cost of living. We are watching this.
    - Will there be any adjustment to the law based on regionalization?
    - Specifically for restaurants re the Illinois Tip Law: the 60/40 Rule remains, but total hourly earnings cannot be less than the new minimum wage.
     
  2. ‘Adult use’ (recreational) marijuana (pending). What does this mean for employers? Here are some of the questions we raised:
    - If a company has a ‘no tolerance’ policy, how do employers maintain a safe and/or a drug-free workplace? (While there is language incorporated into the bill, this will be an issue for employers.)
    - How will employers test for impairment? Since the compound remains in a person’s system for a longer period than e.g. alcohol, what will be the determining factor beyond its presence?
     
  3. Data Security legislation (pending; includes Data Breach Notification and Biometric Information Privacy), on collection and use of personal information. How can you prepare?
    - Businesses must implement security measures against being hacked or breached and must notify impacted parties. Currently the bill (HB3200) states, “within 5 days of the breach.” It is being argued to change the language to read, “as soon as reasonably possible.” If found in violation, consumer can sue offending company; Attorney General can fine company or revoke their license to do business in the state.
    - The fines could be catastrophic ($1,000- $5,000 per violation, multiplied by number of times/day, per employee and per number of days.) to a business that is unprepared. It was noted that most violations are from small business: grocery stores, nursing homes, restaurants, etc.
     
  4. Restrictive Scheduling – This legislation is currently being considered by the Chicago City Council and would NOT yet have an impact on anyone outside of Chicago. If passed however, it may eventually expand statewide. Its effect would penalize employers in every industry that offers flexible scheduling to employees making $50,000 or less. A coalition including the Chicagoland Chamber is actively working to narrow the scope of this legislation.
Do you think this is worthy of our time and your investment?  I do. Every business in our community should support the Chamber’s role in representing businesses on legislation that affects them and their ability to do business. We are your voice and your source of trusted information. The greater we are in number, the stronger is our voice.
 

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