Government Affairs Roundup
“Your Timely Roundup of Local, State, and Federal Updates”
Chamber members:
Happy Valentine’s Day to all reading this! We’re one week away from Governor Pritzker delivering his Budget & State of the State addresses. It will be interesting to hear what his thoughts are on revenue and funding of current and new programs & services. In the meantime, see below for information on a property tax relief plan, Route 66 funding, and gaming revenue.
*Government Affairs Roundup brought to you by CITGO*
Property Tax Relief Proposal
State lawmakers in Illinois are proposing new measures that could affect taxpayers, particularly families and property owners grappling with high taxes in the state. Illinois consistently ranks among the states burdened with steep property taxes.
Representatives Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) and Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) outlined their proposal in House Bill 4866, aimed at reducing property taxes by boosting state contributions to local pensions. At a recent press conference, they were joined by former state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), who originally introduced the idea before leaving office.
Batinick noted that the portion of the state budget allocated to pensions has decreased over the years. While pensions once consumed around 25% of a $40 billion budget, they now account for approximately 20% of a $50 billion budget. This shift frees up funds, with Batinick suggesting that directing some of these savings toward property tax relief could benefit struggling communities. According to Batinick, increasing state aid for local pensions could eventually halve property tax levies in certain areas.
Meanwhile, State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) emphasized the proposed state-based child tax credit as a means of alleviating financial strain for Illinois families. Aquino explained that the initiative would provide $300 to families earning below the median income threshold, a sum he believes can significantly bolster household finances. This additional support, Aquino argued, enables families to meet basic needs, invest in education, and contribute to local economies.
Aquino estimated that nearly half of the state’s children stand to benefit from the proposed measure, which is detailed in Senate Bill 3329 and House Bill 4917. Additionally, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) introduced a separate proposal offering up to $700 in child tax credits.
Governor Pritzker Awards $3.3 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Along the Historic Route 66
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced seven awards, totaling $3.3 million, through the Route 66 Grant Program. This funding is intended to boost local tourism and attract visitors to the historic Route 66, leading up to the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 in 2026.
“Like so many great things, Route 66 begins in Chicago, travels Illinois, and spreads across the country delighting millions and forming an essential part of our nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These investments will enhance visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come.”
300 miles of Route 66 weave through Illinois, and the economic and historical impact of Route 66 is felt firsthand in communities across the state. These grants will bolster tourism, education, preservation, and promotion of Route 66, while prioritizing the needs of future travelers by prioritizing projects focused on future transportation and tourism trends such as electric vehicles.
“Illinois is the best place to not only live, work and do business but also visit,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This investment in Route 66 will boost Illinois’ tourism industry and local economies while investing in travelers by promoting EV destinations throughout Illinois.”
| Grantee | Award Amount | Project Description |
| Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau | $180,400 | Support the research, design, and installation of murals in Lexington, Bloomington, and McLean. Support the installation of EV chargers in Normal and the creation of Route 66 Centennial signs. |
| Choose Chicago | $142,500 | Support the organizing efforts for the Route 66 Classic Car show and by developing tours in Chicago |
| Discover Downstate Illinois | $50,763 | Support the Celebration of Route 66 Festival, featuring the Midwest Drag Racing Series and various musical performances. |
| Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau | $892,000 | Support the design, engineering, and installation of electric signs and EV stations along with renovations to the Ariston Cafe and a mural project at Route 66 Skyview Drive. |
| Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau | $600,000 | Support the Route 66 statewide marketing and promotions, including projects like the Route 66 Scenic Byway Visitors Guide, festivals, and more. |
| Heritage Corridor Destinations | $1,250,000 | Enhance Route 66 exhibits and museums, including signage, kiosk, and EV stations. |
| Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau | $232,000 | Development and installation of structures for the Illinois Fair Grounds Route 66 Experience. Enhance the World’s Largest Route 66 sign as well as the construction and installation of other classic neon signs throughout Springfield. Support the preservation of oral history and audio recordings for future Route 66 attractions and preservation efforts of the Lincoln Information Center. |
Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in America, and it serves as an important historical and cultural symbol. Route 66 was designated in 1926 as part of the new numbered highway network and grew to be one of the most well-known and travelled highways. The construction of Route 66 helped make the Western part of the United States accessible to anyone with a car, while generating economic benefits for many communities along the Route.
“The historical and economic impacts of Route 66 are prominent across the state,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader David Koehler (D-Peoria). “These investments play a critical role in our continued efforts to boost tourism across Illinois, while simultaneously showcasing our commitment to clean energy.”
The State of Illinois continues to prioritize its tourism industry as millions of visitors spend billions of dollars annually across Illinois, boosting economic development and supporting jobs in the industry. Illinois reached its highest-ever hotel tax revenue figures in FY23 with $308 million – surpassing the pre-pandemic record in FY19. Additionally, Illinois welcomed over 111 million visitors who spent $44 billion in 2022 – representing 14 million additional travelers spending $12 billion more than calendar year 2021.
“Southwestern Illinois is filled with a rich history and hidden gems built for exploration by visitors from near and far,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). “By investing in the historic Route 66, the State of Illinois is prioritizing our world-class tourism industry while promoting a clean future with critical connections to EV charging infrastructure along the highway.”
The success of Illinois’ tourism sector is due to commitment to supporting the industry as well as the Illinois Office of Tourism’s award-winning “Middle of Everything” campaign. Data from Longwoods International shows that the campaign had an enormous positive economic impact – leading to an additional 2 million trips which equated to an additional $1 billion spent in Illinois hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and attractions. Additionally, every $1 spent on the campaign equated to $91 in visitor spending while generating $10 in state and local tax revenue for every dollar spent – an enormous return on investment.
Illinois Gaming Board Reported $1.5 billion in Gaming Revenue for 2023
At the Illinois Gaming Board’s (the “IGB” or “Board”) first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 15 licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals and 13 sports wagering operators statewide in 2023.
Total revenue from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023:
State taxes – $1,307,113,715
Local taxes – $243,253,726
Total taxes – $1,550,367,441
“None of the tax revenue and other economic benefits from legal casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering would have been possible without the IGB’s tireless work to protect the integrity and public confidence in Illinois gaming,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “The IGB looks forward to continued cooperation and partnership with our licensees and stakeholders to ensure continued success, revenue generation, accountability, compliance, and the highest ethical standards for Illinois gaming in 2024 and beyond.”
On the heels of the Super Bowl, Administrator Fruchter noted that the total amount of money wagered (or handle) in the Illinois sports wagering market for 2023 was $11.6 billion. Of that amount, $1 billion accounted for in sports wagering adjusted gross revenue (“SWAGR”). SWAGR is the amount of revenue left after winnings were paid to wagerers. When the 15% state sports wagering tax is applied to the SWAGR, the result was $150.3 million in state taxes. Additionally, $10.6 million was generated by the 2% Cook County tax on SWAGR.
Since sports wagering launched in 2020, Illinois has had one of the highest grossing sports wagering markets in the country. Administrator Fruchter reminded Illinoisans who plan on placing bets to do so safely and responsibly and only through a retail or online sportsbook that is approved to operate in Illinois.
“Unlike licensed sportsbooks, unlawful actors do not undergo strict suitability reviews and background investigations,” Fruchter said. “These illegal operators do not contribute tax revenue to our communities. They maintain no age verification requirements to protect minors, no controls to prevent money laundering, and no guarantees that customers will receive fair payouts.”
Administrator Fruchter said when it comes to placing Super Bowl prop bets, also known as side bets, Illinois only allows wagering on activity directly within the control or jurisdiction of the National Football League (NFL) and/or individuals subject to its Integrity Policy. Such approval does not include actions within the control of a single person/entity outside of the NFL’s oversight and actions not directly related to the conduct of the Super Bowl.
For example, betters cannot bet on the length of the National Anthem or how many times Taylor Swift will be shown on camera, but they can wager on the length of the Anthem compared to the length of a certain play in the game. In addition to wagering on player or in-game statistics and any objective player or in-game statistic in relation to an objective non-game statistic, people can also bet on the color of Gatorade that will be poured on the coach of the winning team as well as the outcome of the coin flip.
In addition to reporting final 2023 revenue, the Board also took many other official actions during the meeting including the following:
• Granted a request under Sports Wagering Rule 1130 from Major League Soccer (“MLS”) to issue an order prohibiting wagering in Illinois on whether a player will receive a yellow card or red card penalty during a soccer match and whether a yellow card or red card will be shown during a soccer match. Effective immediately, today’s Board Order makes permanent the temporary suspension Administrator Fruchter issued on January 12, 2024.
• Received Initial Consideration of an Owners License Renewal for the Par-A-Dice Corporation d/b/a Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria. Par-A-Dice will make a presentation to the Board in support of its renewal request when the Board formally considers this issue at the next scheduled meeting on March 14.
• Approved a request from Full House Resorts Illinois LLC d/b/a The Temporary by American Place in Waukegan to extend temporary casino operations by an additional 18 months until August 17, 2027.
• Heard status updates from Organization Gaming License applicants Hawthorne Race Course, Inc. d/b/a Hawthorne Casino and Race Course and Fairmount Park, Inc. d/b/a FanDuel Racetrack and Sportsbook about their respective casino construction projects.
Illinois is home to 15 casinos, 13 licensed sports books, and a network of more than 8,500 licensed video gaming establishments. Casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering generated more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue to the state and local communities in calendar year 2023.
Illinois Regulatory Alert: ILLINOIS HEALTH BENEFITS EXCHANGE – SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH OPTIONS PROGRAM (SHOP)
Department of Insurance
Illinois Health Benefits Exchange (50 Ill. Adm. Code 4500 (New Part))
Text of Rulemaking: 48 Ill. Reg. 2038
Link to Flinn Report summary
Implements Public Act 103-103, which requires the creation of a fully-State-operated health benefits exchange by 2026. Sec. 45.100 creates the Illinois SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) to replace the federally operated version of the program currently accessible to Illinois businesses. DOI maintains that this transition will not have an adverse effect on small businesses because—for requirements affecting small businesses—it is maintaining the currently applicable standards.
Comments (through 3/25/24), requests for public hearing (through 2/23/24), or questions to:
Susan Anders, Rules Coordinator
Illinois Department of Insurance
320 W. Washington St., Fl. 4
Springfield, Illinois 62767
217-558-0957
Sue.Anders@illinois.gov
OR
Robert Planthold, Deputy General Counsel
Illinois Department of Insurance
122 S. Michigan Avenue, Floor 19
Chicago, IL 62603
312-814-5445
Robert.Planthold@illinois.gov
Recurring Business:
Will County Alternative Fuels Readiness Plan – New Interactive Map Survey
The Will County Executive Office would like to invite you to take part in the next phase of their initiative – the Interactive Map Survey. This feedback will play a crucial role in identifying suitable locations for new fueling stations for Alternative Fuel Vehicles, including Electric Vehicles.
Please help their team by promoting this mapping survey within our community. This additional input will help them plan for the future of alternative fuel infrastructure in Will County, pinpoint desired fueling locations, and contribute to a more sustainable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
For additional information on the project, please feel free to visit willcountyaltfuels.com.
Building Blocks of Success: IDOT announces February dates for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program workshops
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in February as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited.
February workshop dates and topics:
- Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to noon: Website Best Practices: Whether DIY or Hiring Firm
- Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to noon: Marketing & Networking Q&A
- Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Building a Capability Statement
- Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to noon: How to Connect & Stand Out
- Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Benefits of Becoming IDOT DBE Certified, How to Apply & Expand Work Categories
- Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to noon: Accounting Practices / Financial Reporting Financial Series
- Feb. 29, 10 a.m. to noon: Budgeting & Cashflow Management
Building Blocks of Success will continue through April. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Advance registration is required.
Questions can be directed to IDOT’s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611.
Through Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois, IDOT is helping to deliver the largest capital program in state history while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Administered by IDOT, the DBE program provides minorities, women and eligible small businesses with opportunities to participate in federally and state funded highway, transit and airport contracts. For more information on becoming a certified DBE and learning more about available IDOT resources, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.
Stay well,
Mike Paone
Executive Vice President
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct