Illinois State Senate
State Government: Elected Officials | State Legislative Bodies
Recent News About Illinois State Senate
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Next COVID-19 relief bill remains stalled in Washington; ‘Adverse impacts on the economy and individuals will be longer-lasting than they could have been’
With the outcome for a new COVID-19 financial stimulus package still in flux, concerns about the lasting economic damage have heightened the longer the legislative stalemate goes on. -
State senator questions affordability of new law increasing Labor Commissioner role in arbitration cases
New legislation that expands the role of the Labor Commissioner in arbitration proceedings has raised concerns about how it will divert state resources and drive up business costs. -
New California pay reporting law could lead to unintended consequences
While a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on the Sept. 30 deadline is designed to address pay disparity, it has raised concerns about using insufficient wage data that could possibly find fault where none exists. -
California employers concerned with privacy, security impact of new COVID-19 legislation
New workplace legislation just signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom has raised concerns among the business community due to imprecise language regarding COVID-19 notification requirements and outbreak presumptions. -
Budget trailer bill expands paid leave in California; lawmakers pass on health care consolidations requiring approval from attorney general
A bill that would have mandated the attorney general approve health care provider consolidations failed to pass the Legislature late last month, but a budget trailer bill on supplemental sick paid leave, to be enforced by the state Labor Commissioner, was passed at the tail end of the abbreviated session. -
PAGA reform addressed in new appellate ruling; Attorney got $630,000, plaintiff got $10,000
As California lawmakers reach the end of a legislative session shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a proposal that could reform the PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) is on the table for consideration. -
Proposed tax increase could reach 16.8%; ‘Will discourage growth and encourage some of the state's largest taxpayers to leave California’
A proposal to retroactively raise taxes on higher earning individuals and businesses is being considered by state lawmakers who have not yet indicated when it will be voted on before the Legislature adjourns Aug. 31. -
California assessors dispute bill to exempt solar industry from Proposition 15 tax hike; ‘This would establish a bad precedent’
State Assembly members have approved a solar industry exemption from the Proposition 15 property tax increase if voters approve that ballot measure in November. -
Federal judge sides with California in lawsuit over Quebec climate pact
SACRAMENTO — A federal judge has ruled that California's climate pact with Quebec does not interfere with the U.S. government's authority involving foreign affairs. -
Business groups ask lawmakers to reconsider COVID-19 presumptions; ‘Massive additional risk on small businesses to pay for COVID cases'
With state lawmakers scheduled to return to Sacramento this week for a shortened session, business groups have expressed concern about several legislative proposals to expand workers’ compensation measures. -
Business groups, governors urge liability protections in next COVID-19 relief bill
As federal lawmakers prepare to present new COVID-19 relief legislation that is expected to include temporary liability protections for businesses, a number of California organizations say they support such measures. -
Strict liability proposal could have stifling effect on California commerce; ‘Higher burden on small businesses and consumers’
With COVID-19 pandemic losses bearing down on businesses, a new bill that would expand strict product liability to internet commerce is opposed by industry groups who say it will drive up costs and stifle economic growth. -
Chamber: Potential expansion of leave law would hurt businesses facing slashed profits, income amid COVID-19
A new bill that would make small businesses subject to the same family leave law as large companies would adversely impact the California business community at a time it is already struggling under the COVID-19 economic decline and new shut down orders, a trade group coalition says. -
No cost estimate yet available on rent deferment legislation: ‘This is adapted for a multi-year scenario’
A new COVID-19 relief bill that would allow tenants to defer rent and help landlords with state-subsidized tax credits could forestall a wave of evictions, but no firm cost estimate has yet been provided by the state. -
California Chamber argues COVID-inspired employee-leave bill will hurt small businesses
SACRAMENTO — The California Chamber of Commerce calls a new Senate bill a job-killer, saying it will harm small businesses, according to a press release issued by the Chamber. -
Bill to help business comes at critical time in economic recovery and needs shepherding, observer says
An ideal bill to help businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic needs help making it through a legislative process that’s been pared down due to the coronavirus, a former state Senate Minority Leader says. -
New False Claims Act measure would benefit plaintiffs’ lawyers, not state revenues, opponents say
A bill that would include private plaintiffs’ attorneys in tax enforcement actions passed the California Assembly last week, a move that opponents say would add to the state’s budget crisis and lead to costs that cause more businesses to shut down or move out of California. -
Legalized sports betting could be on California's November ballot
Legalizing sports betting in California could be seeking voter approval this November as two state legislators are pushing to add a proposal to the upcoming election's ballot. -
Bill to help commercial renters would unduly burden property owners, opponents say
As businesses across the state get ready to reopen, legislators are considering a controversial new bill that would give tenants the option of getting out of leases if they can’t negotiate terms with landlords. -
Higher education associations seek temporary liability protections in light of COVID-19
While colleges consider reopening plans, a coalition is calling on Congress to expand liability protections to educational institutions in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency.