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SBAC Advocacy Update

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!

Insights Archive

SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS

By growthzone | January 17, 2022

SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS BY REDUCING COMMERCIAL VACANCIES Struggling neighborhood business districts are often plagued by vacant properties. These commercial vacancies impact local economies, foster criminal activity and devastate communities. Local governments can reduce the property taxes owed by commercial property owners when their properties, or a portion of those properties, are vacant. While most…

SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022

By growthzone | January 17, 2022

SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022 Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new video series, SBAC Business Buzz, featuring Elliot Richardson’s update on SBAC initiatives impacting the Illinois small business community. Today’s 3-minute recap focuses on Back to Business Grants, Workforce, Occupational SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva Daily…

Press Release: Illinois Legislative Leaders Support a Small Business Agenda

By growthzone | January 15, 2022

JANUARY 18, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Patti Zikmund // 773-459-3301 // patti@sbacil.org The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), and a coalition of 50 state-wide business organizations, is working with Illinois political leadership on multiple pieces of legislation supporting small business for the upcoming General Assembly. The legislation will foster the recovery of small businesses,…

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