Advocacy Initiatives

The SBAC has a unique ability to tap the bipartisan nature of the often hyper-partisan political environment in the Illinois State Capitol. The following items are state level initiatives the SBAC is prioritizing in Springfield.

THE SAFER COMMUNITIES & SMALL BUSINESS ACT
Supporting Small Businesses and Formerly Incarcerated Citizens (HB 3418)- This initiative will provide wage subsidies to businesses that hire formerly incarcerated individuals and increase tax incentives to small businesses that hire returning citizens.

Procurement Bidding Reform (SB2192) - The Procurement Bidding Reform will inform a bidder who has failed to be awarded a contract after 4 consecutive bids with a written explanation from the chief procurement officer for the agency's rejection of the submitted bids.

Transparency Bill (HB2368)-The Transparency Bill would require all state agencies to report transparently the total number of contracts given to minority-owned businesses in a year.

Health Care Consumer And Small Business Affordability And Transparency Act (SB1912)- Health insurance premiums have skyrocketed for many small businesses. As a result, business owners are struggling to afford health insurance for themselves and their employees. Action must be taken to address excessive premium increases that are hurting small businesses.

The SBAC is also fighting for small businesses in the City of Chicago with our current Chicago Action Plan.

Zoning Reform- One of the most complicated barriers a prospective business owner must face is finding a commercial space properly zoned for the use of the business. Chicago and surrounding communities have overly complicated and outdated zoning requirements that must be adjusted for the new economy that exists today.