In a surprise Memorial Day Illinois House of Representative debate and vote, the Graduated Income Tax legislation SJRCA 1 passed.  Now, voters get to decide in November if they want to change Illinois Constitutional amendment to allow income tax to be graduated based on the income.  The companion bill (SB 687) provides language that would set the specific rates for the tax has not yet reached a House vote.  We will keep you posted on this bill.   

We are strongly opposed to adopting a graduated income tax due to this being a potential bridge to higher taxes regardless of the rates stated in initial legislation like SB687.  Removing the protection of a flat (predictable) tax rate can cause businesses to be less likely to invest in Illinois or expand their current operations here.

In addition, it would allow multiple taxation on same dollar earned and make certain industries vulnerable to additional tax rates as the need for additional tax dollars grow in future years. For small business owners, who currently report earnings through a schedule on their personal income taxes, could find themselves in a higher tax bracket paying significantly higher taxes which could deter innovative new businesses from launching in Illinois.  Click here for more details.

As always, your chamber continues to keep their eye on policy that impacts your business!

The clock is ticking with only a few days left in the 101st IL General Assembly session.  Here are some key bills we are watching:
 
Graduated Income Tax-
 SJRCA 1 would allow an amendment to our state’s constitutional to allow a graduated income tax in the state. (SB 687) provides language that would set the rates for the tax. Both bills passed the Senate.  Two House Democrats have expressed reservations, and they need 71 votes to pass the House.  Momentum seems to be slowing.  Even if it does pass the House, it will require a majority public vote on this November’s ballot. Click here for an IL Chamber video explaining more details on this issue.
 
Legalized Recreational Marijuana
The legislation, (SB 7), would allow adults 21 and older to legally buy cannabis for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. The measure also would automatically expunge some marijuana convictions. If it passes, Illinois would join 10 other states, including neighboring Michigan, in legalizing recreational marijuana. Our IL Chamber is in communication with lawmakers to allow employers to still operate in drug free workplaces and pushing for local control to give municipalities the right to prohibit retail sales.
 
DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau Hotel Tax- NACC stands Opposed
 A “movement” of sorts in underway to add an additional hotel tax on DuPage County hotels, exclusively, to raise millions of dollars for a membership organization, the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, exclusively. Not yet in a current legislative bill, we are on alert to this initiative being weaved into a fast-moving shell bill prior to end of the session. We feel our local CVBs are doing an excellent job of driving tourism in our region without additional tax revenues, and these local entities would not be eligible for these additional funds.  Further, this additional tax will place undue burden on local businesses who bring in conference attendees and business travelers of all types to our area. In opposition, NACC has joined forces with the Greater Oak Brook Chamber, Chamber 630, Naperville Development Partnership and many local municipalities including the Naperville Mayor and City Council. Click Here for a Daily Herald article about this new tax threat.  We will keep you posted!
 
Please contact me if you would like more information about NACC’s advocacy efforts or if you would like to be more involved.   Reba Osborne, Director of Government Affairs and Business Development, (630) 544-3387 or rosoborne@naperville.net.