2020 HBAI’s Accomplishments

2020 was a challenge for everyone. The Pandemic, tax increases, increased regulation, and work comp rate increases were the challenges that faced HBAI. Somehow, we were victorious on all fronts and we now go into 2021 stronger than before. Here is what we did in the year that was:

• We made Construction “Essential:” At first warning that Governor Pritzker might shut down the state to combat COVID-19, HBAI influenced the Governor and state policy makers to make home construction, remodeling, and necessary associates “essential” when the “Stay at Home” order came down on March 21. We also kept government functions running so that construction and remodeling could be permitted and inspected.

• We Defeated the “Fair Tax:” While many state associations hid from the fight against increased taxation, HBAI stood strong with 44 other business groups and publicly opposed the Constitutional Amendment to initiate graduated income taxes in Illinois. We got the word out to our members and the voters rejected the Governor’s proposal in a way few knew could happen.

• We Deflected Work Comp Reform: The Governor proposed changes to Workers’ Compensation law making it presumable that workers claiming to have COVID-19 contracted it in the workplace. Work Comp claims in Illinois would have gone from $4 billion in 2019 to $12 billion in 2020 and your insurance rates would rise by 300%! Our coalition defeated the proposed rule and reasonable reform was passed in May protecting essential workers.

• We Exempted Developments from ComEd Regulations: The Illinois Commerce Commission allowed ComEd to impose on all new and existing developments a regulation requiring their utilities to be placed in the front yard. HBAI fought for and gained an exemption for residential developments that have received preliminary plat approval. This will save our members $2500 to $5000 per lot.