City Council has passed a PTO ordinance that provides greatly expanded paid and sick leave for Chicago employees. The ordinance, however, subjects small businesses to crushing penalties and lawsuits. Many small businesses will also be unable to comply with the mandates of the ordinance by the end of the year. This is an open letter sent to Chicago City Council members asking that amendments be made that protect small businesses and provide a reasonable grace period before the implementation of the ordinance.
Small businesses drive Chicago’s economy and neighborhood businesses create jobs for local residents. We are asking alders to make amendments to the PTO ordinance that provide necessary safeguards to protect Chicago small businesses.
Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses
After persistent support from the SBAC to legalize sandwich signs, in June 2021, Chicago Alderman voted to adopt a new policy on sandwich signs, which will go into effect NEXT WEEK. On March 1, 2022, Chicago small businesses can officially use “A-frame” or sandwich signs on the sidewalk to drive foot traffic into their stores.…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Two Locally Owned Grocery Stores Underway on West Side
This comes after decades of disinvestment. After decades of disinvestment, two new grocery stores are being built on Chicago’s West Side – something residents have long awaited as other grocery store chains close up shop. The SBAC and our robust collation of partners are committed to revitalizing, empowering, and connecting local business districts across…
OpEd: Crains Chicago Business
February 08, 2022 11:34 AM A Labor Shortage Creates an Opportunity to Help the Homeless Illinois politicians should engage those leading the fight against homelessness and also engage small-business advocates to explore how to prepare homeless individuals for a return to the workforce. NELI VAZQUEZ ROWLAND ELLIOT RICHARDSON Read the FULL OpEd HERE SPONSORS…
