We often hear “bad policy happens when we aren’t paying attention.”
As Director of Government Affairs for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, it’s my job to keep my ear to the ground and my mind open to all information I seek or that crosses my desk. We pay attention to what is happening at the local, state, and federal levels of government. As you can imagine, there’s a lot going on at any given moment, but that doesn’t stop the NACC. We will push back against policy that has a negative impact on our Members just as we will stand in support of the policies that positively serve our Members.
The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly produced an influx of bills that we are monitoring closely. Typically, we can expect to see nearly 30,000 bills filed within a two-year period. As of this writing, a little over 900 bills advanced out of committee in both chambers. Our main concern is legislation that, if passed and signed into law, would have a negative impact on the ability of many to do business in the State of Illinois.
Bad policy doesn’t always happen in the legislative process. It can also happen when agencies overstep their authority. For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced a proposed rule change that would ban most non-compete agreements. While many non-compete agreements are difficult to enforce, the NACC was concerned about the FTC’s deliberate overreach.
Our belief, shared by the U.S. Chamber and other business organizations, is that the proposed rule change goes beyond the scope of authority of the FTC. A rule change like this would set a bad precedent and provide a level of power that was never intended for the FTC. As part of our advocacy efforts, the NACC signed onto the U.S. Chamber Coalition Letter to members of Congress asking them to get involved. Find the full letter at: www.uschamber.com/finance.
If you are a Member of the Chamber or an industry association, you may already be receiving communications expressing concern or that speak in support of initiatives at all levels of government. Pay attention, learn more, read more – and reach out as this is your chance to be heard. Contact your elected officials and ask where they stand while letting them know where you stand. It takes all of us to demand better policy.
We are proud to pay attention and represent the voice of business in Naperville. We operate with the understanding that a strong, active, and engaged business community results in a better quality of life for all of us. It results in jobs, safe communities, and a thriving local economy.
RELATED POSTS / Beth Goncher has been contributing columns since October 2022. For a history of her stories, click here.
