The NACC is involved with tracking and influencing policy at the federal, state and local level. Below, I have highlighted some key policies that have come to fruition in recent weeks that could impact your business:
FEDERAL LEVEL
Congress Made Much Needed Fixes to the PPP Loan
We are delighted that Congress passed legislation to provided much needed technical fixes to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) guidelines that better serve businesses and organizations. The PPP Flexibility Act was passed on 6.4.20 and made the following adjustments to current guidelines:
- Extended the time period in which borrowers must spend loans in order to have the debt forgiven from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.
- Decreased the percentage of funds that are required to be spent on payroll from 75% to 60% in order for the loan to be forgiven
- Extended the amount of time small businesses have to pay back loans from 2 years to 5 years – if they don’t qualify for loan forgiveness
STATE LEVEL
Proposed “Business Interruption Grant Program” through Illinois Deprtment of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
From the appropriations bill passed this General Assembly session, funds were earmarked for a Business Interruption Grant administered through the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IL DCEO ). We discussed this grant program with Margaret Croke, Acting Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs at the IL DCEO during our Re-opening Illinois Guidelines virtual program on June 1st. Ms. Croke reported that while the grant guidelines are being developed, they are looking to fund those businesses who will not be able to re-open until Phase 4 or 5 (restaurants, health clubs, etc.). In addition, 50% of the funds would be used to support childcare centers since they are a key component to re-opening our infrastructure – and have experienced significant loss due to the costs associated with operating within health and safety guidelines. The guidelines are expected to be completed in the next few weeks and will update as matters unfold.
LOCAL LEVEL
Naperville City Council
We commend Mayor Steve Chirico and our city council for voting unanimously to direct staff to develop guidelines for a grant program that supports Naperville businesses that sustained damage to their property during the recent riots and looting. This is in development and we will continue to inform as details emerge. Hats off to our local government for looking to support our hurting business community.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENT
Data Privacy: What it Means for Your Business
June 24th, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Business Works presents a virtual program with Jordan Crenshaw, the Executive Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center. Some general topics discussed will be:
- What is data privacy and why is it important to businesses and consumers
- COVID-19 impact on data privacy
- Best practices to equip your business against data privacy liability as the economy reopens
- US Chamber’s initiatives to protect businesses through cohesive date privacy policy development
This is a complimentary event, but please register in advance here.
(If you are interested in sponsoring this meaningful event – sponsorships are still available.)
PLEASE HELP ME
Identify a business category in your NACC Member Info Hub.
Often policy issues come onto our radar that are specific to an industry. As. I search our membership, these categories are critical in my ability to quickly find your business so that I can communicate with you – and ultimately advocate for you. Please be sure to take this important step as a Chamber Member.
If you have questions or want to discuss policy issues related to your business, I can be reached at (630) 544-3387 or at rosborne@naperville.net.
Reba Osborne, Director of Government Affairs