Through unanimous consent, governments at all levels have solved all issues with potential impacts on your business in a perfect and non-controversial way…
APRIL FOOLS!
As is more typical, we head into spring with significant challenges at all levels of government.
On the bright side, April brings a fantastic opportunity to advocate for the business community in Illinois.
On April 16, 2026, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual “Chamber Day” lobby day in Springfield. It is scheduled to feature insights from all four legislative leaders, an Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy panel discussion, and a presentation from the head of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, in addition to updates on critical state and federal issues. Finally, we will make a trip to the Capitol building to advocate with our elected officials. I strongly encourage you to join us! You can register HERE
If you are interested in learning more about advocacy, and how you can be a more effective voice for your business, I invite you to attend the Advocacy Essentials Seminar from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on April 15, 2026, the day before lobby day, at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce offices. The Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) is sponsoring this half-day event and it will feature Elliott Richardson, Co-Founder and President of the Small Business Advisory Council (SBAC) and me. More information is available HERE
Local
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce continues to watch two local energy issues with great interest.
- IMEA Contract Extension–
As a business community, we have a responsibility to advocate for an electric delivery system that prioritizes reliability and provides predictable and affordable costs.
The energy future for Naperville remains alarmingly in doubt, as the proposed extension remains neither approved, nor denied with a substitute plan.
- Energy Stretch Codes –
There has been talk in the local environmental community about proposing a new Energy Stretch Code for Naperville. This change would make our energy code stricter than the current code which was developed by the International Code Council (ICC), the leading global source for model codes and standards for building safety and regulation. NACC OPPOSES the adoption of an Energy Stretch Code, as an unnecessary and ill-timed cost increase on businesses and residents. Local builders and developers have testified that adopting a stretch code would make costs skyrocket with minimal impact on energy efficiency. Anyone who wishes to build to a higher efficiency is certainly free to do so. However, to mandate these changes at a time of soaring energy costs would be irresponsible and unwise.
State
As mentioned, Chamber Day will take place this month. Please make every effort to attend.
Here is a reminder of the issues the State Chamber is working on:
- Prioritizing Childcare and Workplace Incentives
- Advancing Illinois’ Energy Future and Workforce
- Reforming Business Licensing and Permitting
- Prioritizing AI and Quantum Education in our K-12 Schools
- Establishing an Insurance Cost Advisory Task Force
- Creating Reasonable Paid Leave Reforms
- Improving our Legal Climate
- Improving Housing Availability and Affordability
- Supporting the Innovation Economy
I hope to have specific legislative initiatives for us to discuss with our legislators during lobby day.
Federal
Several issues continue to cloud the national economic picture:
- Impact of the Middle East Conflict – The conflict in Iran continues to impact the economy. The quicker and more effectively this can be resolved, the better it would be for the global economy. One specific challenge is the restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean via the Gulf of Oman. Approximately 20% of global oil production passes through the strait. It is also a globally important transportation area for fundamental economic inputs like fertilizer and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Difficulty in moving these products has caused significant, although hopefully short-term, price increases especially in energy markets. Delays in fertilizer shipment increase the cost of agricultural inputs and if allowed to continue, could impact food costs.
- Partial Government Shutdown – The U.S. Chamber is calling on Congress to end the partial government shutdown and fund the Department of Homeland Security. Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber, said “As we approach what will be the fifth week of lapsed funding for the Department of Homeland Security and in particular funding for TSA staff, the negative effects continue to compound. Millions of Americans rely on safe, efficient air travel every day, including businessmen and women who use it to meet clients and make sales, supporting numerous conference centers, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Blocking operational funding and paychecks for those who help us travel safely is wrong and strains the air travel system. We are calling on Congress to quickly approve a DHS funding bill and end this partial government shutdown.”