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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

What can politicians do right now to help businesses?

By growthzone | November 11, 2020

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

Chamber Stimulus

501(c)(6) Relief

By growthzone | November 10, 2020

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…

Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational Licensing Reform

By growthzone | November 9, 2020

READ H.B 4012 Why Occupational Licensing Needs Reform Occupational licenses are issued to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. The number of required licenses in Illinois has grown from a handful in the 1950’s to over 430 today. Policymakers across the political spectrum are challenging states to examine occupational licensing and its impact on…

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