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Chamber@Work | Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

April 8, 2015

The Chamber Congratulates Mayor Emanuel

Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Congratulations to Rahm Emanuel on his re-election as mayor. The Chamber endorsed Mayor Emanuel because of his steadfast stewardship of the city during his first four years in office and his ability to solve Chicago’s financial crises, maintain economic growth and continue to improve our education system.

We look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Emanuel and the City Council on the issues facing our city.

City and State Budget Update:

Budgetary pressures continue to limit funding for other important areas of our city, including education, public transportation and public safety. Solving these issues will require collaborative efforts by all stakeholders. The choices ahead are not going to be easy, but if we make the tough choices now, businesses will grow and jobs will be created for all who live and work in Chicagoland.

Since fixing the $1.5 billion FY15 budget hole, the Illinois legislature and Governor have pivoted to the FY16 budget. The Chamber applauds our elected officials who worked in a bi-partisan manner to achieve a compromise where all parties may not be fully satisfied, but put Illinois first. Estimates of a structural deficit for FY16 range from $5 to $9 billion.

Governor Rauner Visits the Chamber

Governor Rauner visited the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to meet with members of the Executive Committee on Monday, April 6th to discuss his ‘Turnaround Agenda’ for Illinois.

The Governor’s Illinois Turnaround Agenda highlights include:

Economic Competitiveness & Job Growth: Worker’s compensation; tort reform; unemployment insurance; local employee empowerment zones; minimum wage phase-in.
Taxpayer Protection & Property Tax Freeze: Free property taxes for two years and vote by referendum to raise them; issues to be collectively bargained determined by voters or local government; repeal prevailing wage law; and eliminate project-labor agreements.
Transforming Government: Term limits; prohibit ‘fair share’ dues; prohibit unions with state collective bargaining agreements to contribute to those who negotiate contracts.

Our elected officials at the city and state level have many challenges ahead, and it will be difficult to satisfy all stakeholders on either or all sides of an issue. Solutions will likely include a mix of tough budget cuts, possible revenue enhancements, and broad government ethics and business reforms.

Pension Reform Update

We continue to await the decision from the Illinois Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the pension reform bill passed in 2013, which has huge implications on budgetary planning. It is very possible that the General Assembly will be in session past its May 31 adjournment date, which makes passing a bill more challenging when a three fifths constitutional majority, not a simple majority, is required.

The final solution, especially at the state level, will likely be comprehensive in its scope and put us on a path toward fiscal stability where business will once again have certainty in where Illinois is headed in order to make decisions on how to grow, expand, and invest in Illinois. The pending decision from the Supreme Court will be critical in guiding constitutionality when discussing reforms to the city and state pension systems.

We want to hear from you on these critical issues or any others that may be of importance to you and your business. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns at mreever@chicagolandchamber.org or 312-806-1508.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Reever, Esq.
Vice President, Government Relations
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Public Policy Committee

Public Policy Division

Michael Reever, Vice President, Government Relations

312.494.6736

mreever@chicagolandchamber.org

Elise Houren, Manager, Government Relations

312.494.6727

ehouren@chicagolandchamber.org

Chamber Policy Consultant

Joan Parker

Joan A. Parker Government Affairs

312.909.1313

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 North Michigan Avenue | Suite 900 | Chicago, IL 60611
312.494.6700 | ChicagolandChamber.org