As we begin this new year, we would like to remind Employers and Employee of important components of the Fair Workweek Ordinance that became effective on January 1, 2021. These new provisions require “Safety-net hospitals” to abide by the Fair Workweek Ordinance and allow for any employee covered by the Ordinance to independently file a…
Amid corruption probe, some Democrats say they are ready for end of Michael Madigan’s reign as speaker THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Michael Madigan has been speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for all but two years since 1983. This coming week, Mr. Madigan, one of the last of the old guard brought up under…
City of Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection // Dec. 17, 2020 Yesterday, the Chicago City Council passed an important piece of legislation expanding regulatory relief for businesses that continue to be impacted by COVID-19. This ordinance extends a number of different measures, outlined below, that were implemented this year in order to support…
The Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, offered by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provides economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. We strongly recommend that all interested small businesses apply as soon as possible- the application period for the BIG program will close at 5:00 p.m.…
Convenience stores and gas stations argued against the proposal By NACS Online // July 08, 2020 CHICAGO—A proposal to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in Chicago has stalled in a City Council committee, the Chicago Sun Times reports. Alderman Matt O’Shea, a close ally of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, presented the measure, which drew opposition from…
Offending employers can be fined for violations By NACS Online // October 01, 2019 SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Amendments to Illinois’ Equal Pay Act went into effect on Sunday, Sept. 29, leaving employers little time to adjust their hiring practices, reports the National Law Review. Under the amended EPA, employers and employment agencies may not: Screen applicants based on their current…
MIRA members in Chicago continue to educate Chicago aldermen on the Fair Work Week Ordinance. Labor and special interest groups have galvanized the new mayor around this cause. Many aldermen are willing to support an anti-business law to win the sympathies of the mayor and labor. The previous legislation has been revised and is slightly less…
The state will gradually increase the minimum wage starting in 2020 until it hits $15 by 2025 By NACS Online // February 22, 2019 CHICAGO – This week Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law a higher state minimum wage, CBSreports. Starting in 2020, the minimum wage will increase every year until it hits $15…
Lawsuits says that the companies are selling product to underage Chicagoans By NACS Online // November 14, 2018 CHICAGO – The Windy City filed suit against eight online sellers of electronic cigarettes yesterday, fulfilling a campaign promise made by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Tribunereports. The re-elected mayor said the online retailers are selling…
Repeal of the penny-per-ounce sweetened beverage tax will take effect on December 1, 2017 By NACS Online On October 11, the Cook County Board officially repealed the controversial city beverage tax. “The repeal was a foregone conclusion after the board’s Finance Committee voted 15-2 on Tuesday, signaling the pop tax would be scrapped after…