HB 824 has now become law, but important work remains to fix troubling problems for employers. The Chamber is very concerned that the legislature has not properly focused on two critical issues arising from the recent activity on ethics.

The first is that most state contractors will find it simply impossible to comply with the onerous new reporting requirements contained in HB 824. The bill fails to recognize that many state contractors have dozens, if not thousands, of business units and employees that all fall under the scope of the law. Yet the law requires “real time” updates to filings with the State Board of Elections. Employers failing to meet this impossible standard face stiff fines and eventual loss of contracts.

The second issue is the Governor’s own Executive Order on pay-to-play. Little noticed in the legislative maneuvering over HB 824, the Executive Order is in place even though the bill is now law and until a court rules it invalid.

The key problems with of the Executive Order are bans on contributions from state contractors not only to the Governor, but also to members of the General Assembly and the other Constitutional Officers. Despite a widely held belief that the Order is unconstitutional, it will remain in effect as a practical matter. Contractors that ignore the order and make contributions to legislators face loss of their state contracts from a Governor intent on enforcing his own Order.

Join the Chamber Effort to Correct These Problems

The Illinois Chamber has formed a coalition of employers and groups that are concerned with these issues and are working to correct them. The issue is complex and politically charged, but also very important to resolve. To make progress, especially by the November Veto Session, a large and active group of concerned employers must work hard with the legislature. If you or your organization wish to participate in this effort, please contact Todd Maisch, Vice President Government Affairs at tmaisch@ilchamber.org.

Chamber Videos

Throughout the legislative session, the Illinois Chamber's Vice President of Government Affairs, Todd Maisch, will be interviewing legislators on pertinent issues facing the General Assembly. Also included are special presentations from legislative events.

Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson talks to Todd about the budget, the capital plan and emerging energy projects.

Interview with Representative Gary Hannig on the the House Democrats' budget.

Interview with Senator Christine Radogno regarding this week's budgeteers meeting and the Medicaid audit.

Interview with Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias about the budget and Bright Start program.

May 9, 2008

Interview with Senator Dale Righter regarding redistricting and other Constitutional amendment. May 2, 2008

Highlights of Secretary of Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration Mitch Roob's presentation from the Chamber's Healthcare Reform Symposium. April 11, 2008

Interview with Representative Frank Mautino on pending healthcare reform. April 4, 2008

Interview with House Minority Leader Tom Cross regarding economic stimulus and the need for infrastructure investment.

March 14, 2008

Interview with Comptroller Dan Hynes on the fiscal health for Illinois. February 20, 2008