News & Updates

 

Compliance Laws Beginning in 2023– Below are summaries of what to expect and prepare for beginning of January 1, 2023

 

Illinois Support Through Loss Act

• Effective January 1, 2023.
• Requires an employer to grant each employee 24 hours of paid leave time to take for an eligible reason related to a loss.
• Any employer with a paid leave policy that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Act shall not be required to grant an employee additional paid leave time.
• Paid leave does not carry over from year to year.
• Access Senate Bill SB 3120 for more information

Illinois Meal and Rest Break Amendments

• Effective January 1, 2023.
• Every employer shall provide every eligible employee with at least 24 hours of consecutive hours of rest every seven consecutive days worked in addition to regular rest after the close of each working day.
• An employee that works at least 7.5 total hours shall be entitled to at least one 20-minute meal break no later than 5 hours into the employee’s shift.
• An employee that works more than 7.5 continuous hours shall be entitled to an additional 20-minute meal period for every additional 4.5 continuous worked hours.
• Provides that any employer that violates any of the provisions of the One Day Rest In Seven Act is guilty of a civil offense and subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 per offense.
• Access Public Act 102-0828 for more information.

As of 12/20/22– From U. S. Chamber of Commerce

What to Expect for the Economy in 2023— The end of 2022 is shaping up to be strong, with fourth quarter growth projected to be over 2%. Looking ahead, the US Chamber of Commerce recently convened its Chief Economists Committee to discuss member outlooks for the economy in 2023.  The consensus among Committee Members is that the U. S. will experience a mild but short recession in the middle of 2023, caused by consumer and business spending falling because of rising interest rates. Further contributing to the downturn would be consumers finally exhausting historic savings built up during the Covid -9 pandemic, meaning they would no longer have that source of money to keep spending at pace with inflation.  The Big Picture: The U. S. economy is in for a bumpy 2023. Businesses should be prepared and as always, be prepared for those unexpected events that come out of nowhere. To read more on this article (published Dec 16th, 2022), please click HERE

Worker Shortages Still Matter— We have more than 3.3 million workers missing from the labor force based on labor force participation rates and 4.3 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Businesses are still struggling to get the workers they need, even while inflation receives most of the attention from policymakers. Food service industry is still short about 300,00 workers. There is a massive shortage of skilled workers, including in fields such as auto mechanics which in turn creates issues for a variety of industries reliant on these skilled trade workers.

 

As of 10/6/2022– Grow Grant–Helping Businesses Become More Resilient

Attention Small Businesses

NOW OPEN and closes on October 31st

The Cook County Small Business Source Grow Grant

$10,000 grants to small businesses, coupled with advising and coaching services to foster their recovery and resiliency from the pandemic, scale their operations and thrive in Cook County. The Source will offer virtual and in-person informational webinars.

For more info: Click on the link–  https://cookcountysmallbiz.org/

 

As of 9/9/2022– From Maine Township Assessor’s office on 2nd installment property taxes:

Maine Township Assessor Susan Moylan Krey is alerting residents that the second installment property tax bills will be arriving much later than normal this year. In a typical year, the second installment bill is issued in late June and due by August 1st. However, for 2021 taxes payable in 2022, the issuance of the bill and the payment due date are expected to be much later.

Taxpayers may appreciate that the second installment of the 2021 taxes will not be due until sometime toward the end of 2022, but please be aware that you will have far less time to prepare for the first installment of 2022 taxes, which should be due March 1, 2023. There may be just a few months between these two bills.

These delays and schedules are outside of the Township Assessor’s control, and if you have any questions, please call their office.

Governor Pritzker Signs Legislation Addressing Rise in Organized Retail Thefts

INFORM Act builds the state’s previous efforts to expand victim rights protection

CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker today joined Attorney General Kwame Raoul, lawmakers, advocates, and law enforcement officials to sign legislation designed to combat a nationwide rise in coordinated retail thefts.

“This new law represents another important step to fight crime and advance public safety in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is how we protect store workers and customers, prevent militarized storefronts and empty commercial corridors, and across the board, make communities safer for all who call them home. And I look forward to furthering our work to shape a public safety system that works for all of us, including ensuring the victim rights advanced today are carried throughout our justice system.”

House Bill 1091, otherwise known as the INFORM Act, enforces the new crime of Organized Retail Theft. Those who violate the crime by knowingly engaging with others in a theft valued at $300 or more would be guilty of a Class 3 felony. Those who engage in retail theft from one or more establishments would be guilty of a Class 2 felony.
This legislation is specifically aimed at a multi-billion-dollar industry carrying out sophisticated theft operations to turn a profit on the resale market. Last December alone, Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force retrieved $1 million worth of stolen goods from storage units.
“Serious criminal activities, including gunrunning and drug trafficking, have been funded using proceeds from the sales of merchandise stolen through organized retail crimes. This is not just a criminal problem – this hurts consumers as well. That is why we need online marketplaces to do their part. Online marketplaces must use their intellectual resources to make sure criminals are not selling stolen products on their sites, which will help us protect consumers,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “This law strengthens the authority of my office and other law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal enterprises that are directly responsible for the rise in organized retail crime. I appreciate Gov. Pritzker’s signing of this important law, as well as the leadership of Sen. Glowiak Hilton and Rep. Kam Buckner in guiding this bipartisan proposal through the Illinois General Assembly.”

“We’ve witnessed how organized retail crime hurts our local economies and threatens the safety of our communities,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “This legislation gives our law enforcement the necessary tools to combat this rise in retail crime and hold criminals accountable.”

“This new law goes after large scale, smash-and-grab outfits preying on our businesses,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Today we send the message that there will be swift consequences for those conspiring to take advantage of our retailers.”

“One of my top priorities this session has been to address the organized retail theft that has been plaguing both downtown Chicago and the small businesses across our neighborhoods,” said State Representative Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). “Between inflation and the lingering effects of the pandemic, local businesses are already facing major obstacles. By creating a specific offense for this crime, we can protect the local businesses and residents who are being targeted by criminal enterprises, which will then protect the safety and economic wellbeing of communities across Chicago and the state.”

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois is enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

“Organized retail crime is not a victimless crime. It threatens the safety of employees and customers, robs businesses of tax dollars and puts communities at risk of further crime including illegal firearm purchases, human trafficking and even terrorism. We thank Governor Pritzker for signing this important measure into law, creating additional avenues to combat these complex crimes and provide for safer communities,” said Rob Karr, president & CEO, IRMA. “I want to thank Attorney General Raoul for his partnership in combatting the rising issue of organized retail crime, as well as every lawmaker who supported and voted in favor of this measure that will help protect retailers, employees and customers across the state.”

In addition to the INFORM Act, Illinois is advancing efforts to reimagine public safety. Through the Reimagine Public Safety program, $250 million will be deployed to disrupt cycles of violence in neighborhoods where it’s needed most through community-based solutions.
Additionally, Governor Pritzker enacted the most comprehensive reform to state firearms laws in over a generation, coordinated 911 and 988 services to provide care to those experiencing behavioral health emergencies, and launched a victim-centered co-responder pilot program to pair victims and witnesses with trauma-informed social workers.

This legislation is effective January 1, 2023.

 

Important COVID-19 Update from Mayor George D. Alpogianis

 

Click HERE to View a Summary of New Mandates and Certain Exemptions & Exceptions.

Illustration Of Covid-19 Requirements For Restaurant, Bar, And Fitness Center Patrons

Click HERE for the most up to date information from the Cook County Department of Public Health

1/13/2022-  Supreme Court Blocks nationwide vaccine and testing mandate for large businesses, allows health care worker vaccine mandate to take effect

 The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden’s vaccine or testing requirement aimed at large businesses, but it allowed a vaccine mandate for certain health care workers to go into effect nationwide.

In freezing a lower court opinion that allowed the regulation to go into effect nationwide, the majority sent a clear message the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, charged with protecting workplace safety, overstepped its authority in issuing such a sweeping emergency directive that would impact millions of workers. In contrast, the justices said that a separate agency could issue a rule to protect the health and safety of Medicare and Medicaid patients.

 

 

Job Market Data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, January 7, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Job openings: On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released job openings data. Employers had 10.6 million job openings at the end of November – down from 11 million in October, but still significantly elevated historically. There are now 3.7 million more job openings than there are unemployed workers – unprecedented. The quits rate was 3%, matching the highest-ever rate. Overall, 4.5 million people quit their jobs in November – the highest level recorded.

Payrolls: On Wednesday, the payroll firm ADP reported that payrolls grew a whopping 807,000 in December. That was well above expectations. It portends a strong December jobs report from BLS.

December jobs report: Expectations are for businesses to create 400,000 jobs, although the strong ADP mark could raise those expectations. Look for November’s disappointing 210,000 jobs added to be revised up substantially. October’s strong 546,000 jobs gained could also see an upward revision.

Bottom line: Right now, given what we saw in the job openings data and the payroll numbers, the job market remains one with lots of openings and lots of workers taking some of those jobs – but not enough yet. And we won’t know how Omicron impacts that situation for at least a few more weeks.

—Curtis Dubay, Senior Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Cook County Department Of Public Health Issues New Mitigation Orders Amid Latest Covid-19 Surge, December 29, 2021

In response to the current COVID-19 surge of cases and hospitalizations in suburban Cook County, Cook County Department of Public Health issued a new mitigation order for its suburban Cook County jurisdiction. Specifically, the order calls for proof of vaccination for customers of indoor settings where food or drink are served for on-premises consumption, like restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, and in fitness facilities. The order will go into effect January 3, 2022.  Click HERE for full details.

The Latest on the Vaccine Mandate Lawsuits and What Employers Need to Know, December 27, 2021

• On December 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reinstated the OSHA ETS requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their employees are fully vaccinated by January 4 or allow employees to submit weekly negative test results. This was a reversal of the previous stay by the Fifth Circuit.
• On December 22, the U.S. Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for the ETS to occur on Friday, January 7.
• To account for the litigation uncertainty, OSHA updated their enforcement policy stating that it “is exercising enforcement discretion with respect to the compliance dates of the ETS.” It will not issue any citations before January 10 and will not enforce the vaccine or testing requirement until February 9 “so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard.”
• Click HERE to read more about the OSHA ETS, Federal Contractor Mandate and CMS Rule.

Illinois Minimum Wage, December 18, 2021 

The minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will be $7.20 per hour. Illinois’s minimum wage law applies to employers with four or more employees.  This takes effect on January 1, 2022

Facade & Streetscape Improvement/Beautification Program, November 22, 2021

The Village of Niles has a Façade & Streetscape Improvement/Beautification Program. The purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance for the design and construction of façade improvements which are in keeping with the Village Comprehensive Plan. It is also intended to provide financial assistance for capital improvement projects completed in conjunction with a façade improvement project. Click HERE for the full list of eligible expenses, the application, and further details.

2020 U.S. Census Results, November 22, 2021

The Village of Niles has increased in population to 30,912 from 29,803.

The State of Illinois is required to be divided into seventeen congressional districts, equal in population, for the U.S. House of Representatives. These districts will be used for elections over the next decade. Illinois currently sends eighteen members to the U.S. House but due to declining population in the 2010-20 period, the state lost one congressional district.

OSHA Suspends COVID-19 Employer Mandate, November 22, 2021

Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suspended enforcement of its Emergency Temporary Standard on private sector employers. This comes after last week when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered OSHA to not enforce the ETS pending judicial review. OSHA says that it remains confident in its ability to enforce such mandates in emergency situations but will take no further actions toward implementation until after the issue is litigated in the Courts. Click HERE for more information about the suspension. Click HERE for FAQs regarding the ETS.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Passes, November 22, 2021

The passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a historic victory, first and foremost, for the American people. Much needed and long overdue, it represents the largest federal investment in roads and bridges in half a century; the largest investment in public transit, clean drinking water, and wastewater infrastructure in American history; the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak; and the single largest investment the U.S. has ever made to address climate change. Click HERE to download a bill summary.

Cook County Mask Mandate, August 20, 2021  

The Cook County Department of Public Health announced that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask indoors, beginning Monday, August 23.  Click HERE to read the whole press release and order.   

Small Business Recovery Loans, August 06, 2021  

The Village of Niles has rolled out Small Business Recovery Loans for restaurants.  Click HERE for more details.

Paycheck Protection Program, July 28, 2021 

The SBA launched a new application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through SBA.  Lenders have to opt-in first to allow their borrowers to use the new portal.  Click HERE for more details.