Dear Members:

Mark your calendars and clear your schedule, the Chamber’s headed to Springfield Tuesday, April 17, and you’re encouraged to join us. Once again, we’ll be teaming up with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses for our annual trip to the state capitol.

Last year’s event demonstrated that businesses from every corner of the state supported reforming the broken workers’ compensation system. The event was a key moment in the legislative process and helped catalyze action by our legislative leaders. When the business community acts together, we have great influence.

This year we’re focused on the need for pension reform. Our message is simple, doing nothing isn’t an option, real reform must take place. The growing pension burden is stripping the treasury of every available dollar and because of this, despite a 66 percent tax increase, our elected officials face the decision between fully funding education, health care or pensions. 

The day of fiscal reckoning is upon Illinois. Our officials must have the courage and support to reform and modernize our public employee pension systems in a way that protects taxpayers, while ensuring that that employees and retirees receive the pensions they earned along the way.

Last week the Chamber’s board of directors unanimously voted to join the Illinois Chamber’s pension reform coalition and we’ll continue to be an active advocate for reform. We’re prepared to mobilize quickly and keep you educated about significant developments. 

Earlier today at the March General Membership Luncheon, attendees heard an incredibly insightful presentation by Pam Davis, Edward Hospital president & CEO, on the status of health care reform.

While it’s daunting to think about how to solve an issue like health care or find a way to pay down the tens of billions in unfunded pension liabilities, it’s important that we remember our role in the process. 

As taxpayers, employers, job creators, consumers and citizens, our role is to encourage our officials to act – to tell the interested parties to sit down and negotiate a sustainable solution.

You can be a part of reform, you will make a difference.

Participate in Destination Springfield 2012: Employer Action Day, Tuesday, April 17. You won’t be disappointed.

Sincerely,

John Schmitt
President & CEO
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
630-544-33670
jschmitt@naperville.net