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.
Relief for Small Businesses
The Back to Business (B2B) Grant: The Small Business Advocacy Council fights for legislation that will support the small business community and neighborhood business districts. We also understand the importance of providing information about programs that can benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses. Illinois policymakers have launched another round of Back to Business grants (B2B) that…
Small Business Grants for Minority Owned Businesses
It’s tough to run a small business. We know that funding is always top of mind at all times. In an effort to keep our small business owners informed of possible grants as they become available, we will list some as they become available and the criteria for applying. We encourage you to take advantage…
Daily Herald Business Ledger Articles with SBAC President Elliot Richardson
Check out all of SBAC President Elliot Richardson’s Daily Herald Business Ledger articles below 2023 2022 2021 2020 2023 March 5, 2023 Transparency will empower the small business community February 5, 2023 Making economic incentives available to small businesses January 8, 2023 Small business advocacy in 2023: Hitting the ground running 2022 December 11, 2022…