Occupational Licensing Reform
Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license.
Regulatory Sunset Review - HB5576
This legislation amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to require the existing sunset report process collects and provides comprehensive and specific information about the need for licensure, the licensing process, and the equity concerns arising from personal qualifications, such as the cost of training and continuing education and whether such requirements are suitably addressing public safety. The bill provides guidance for the report’s recommendations of modifications to licensing rules that will lower barriers for applicants but still address genuine public safety concerns, including a list of regulatory tools other than licensure, like registration or certification, disclosures, or insurance requirements. The bill does not usurp legislators' ability to make the final determination regarding a license.
License Information Task Force - HB5575
This legislation creates a task force that includes representatives from low- and middle-income licensed occupations along with a mix of academics, advocates, administrators, and legislators. The goal of the task force is to collect, centralize, and analyze data from IDFPR about low- and middle-income licensed occupations and evaluate licenses using an equity and access lens. The legislation provides that a final report will be published and provided to the General Assembly with recommendations about increasing equity and economic opportunity. With this comprehensive information, legislators can target reform efforts to preserve public safety while removing unnecessary requirements.
Supporting Entrepreneurship
SBAC INITIATIVES PAGE Supporting Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Find and Contact Your Elected Officials HERE! Resources & Fact Sheets Expand Download One-Pager
Shop Small, Shop Local: Support Chicago’s Neighborhood Businesses This Holiday Season
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Shop Small, Shop Local: Support Chicago’s Neighborhood Businesses This Holiday Season As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to consider the impact of where we shop. Supporting small, local businesses not only helps fuel Chicago’s economy but also strengthens our communities. This year, make a commitment to shop small and explore the…
FY2025 Chicago Budget Hearing Schedule
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET & GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FY2025 Budget Hearing Schedule – Amended Nov 14, 2024 6th Amended Agenda Amended Nov 14, 2024 Download Schedule NOVEMBER Wednesday, November 13th at 10AM NO COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, November 14th at 10AM NO COMMITTEE MEETING Friday, November 15th at 10AM Chicago Police Department Saturday, November…