October 10, 2023
The SBAC continues fighting for policies that will support small businesses and neighborhood business districts. Here are some updates on our efforts!
Health Insurance
The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a challenge for the small business community. Last spring the SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers, and the public, can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance. This legislation passed and will apply to health insurance plans in 2026. This is a big win for small businesses struggling to provide affordable, quality health insurance to employees. Learn more about the bill here.
You can hear SBAC President Elliot Richardson speak about the legislation here!
Property Taxes
The SBAC is formulating its 2024 state agenda and property taxes will be a big priority. We will be advocating for legislation focused on reducing property taxes and providing relief for small businesses. More to come shortly!
Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus
Neighborhood business districts are struggling in Chicago’s disadvantaged communities. We can revitalize neighborhoods by reducing barriers for small businesses and improving the process for entrepreneurs who want to open or grow a business in Chicago.
We are forming a legislative caucus focused on neighborhood revitalization and asking every politician in Chicago to participate. To see which policymakers have already expressed an interest in the caucus click here!
This caucus will focus on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth in Chicago.
Please reach out to get involved in the SBAC!
Rebuilding Lives and Businesses Press Conference with A Safe Haven and SBAC
The Small Business Advocacy Council and A Safe Haven have partnered up in the fight to Rebuild Lives and Businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing people to lose their jobs, livelihoods and their homes. The situation is tragic. Small businesses continue to struggle. With winter coming and the pandemic showing no signs of waning, small businesses…
What can politicians do right now to help businesses?
With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, we need politicians to support the small business community now. The SBAC’s Elliot Richardson explains some things politicians can do right now to help in his Business Ledger article! Read Article
501(c)(6) Relief
Stimulus for 501(c)(6) Organizations Small businesses, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce across the nation are struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the CARES Act included relief for 501(c)(3) organizations, 501(c)(6)s were inexplicably excluded from this important legislation that would have provided significant aid to these crucial nonprofits, including local chambers of…
