Advocacy

ADVOCACY The Rockford Chamber supports issues that contribute to strengthening the overall business climate

The Government Affairs Council met in-person at Stockholm Inn in 2021 to discuss public policy issues to present a collective and powerful business perspective to elected officials. Our Government Affairs Council remained central to advocating for a strong and healthy business environment through influencing legislative, economic and social policy.

Some 2021 highlights included:

• Special Meeting on Infrastructure Sales Tax to discuss chamber support of continued local infrastructure investment.

The sales tax is an extension of an existing tax (a 1% Sales Tax specifically used for roads and infrastructure) and is a sound tool for direct investment in infrastructure.

Following a recommendation by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council, the Chamber’s Board of

Directors, at its January meeting, voted to endorse supporting the referendum on the ballot for the February 23rd primary. This extends the 1% sales tax for City of Rockford infrastructure investments. Since the 1% sales tax program began in 2007 nearly $200 million in sales tax dollars alone have gone into roads and other infrastructure, while avoiding nearly $60 million in interest costs.

Rockford residents were encouraged to vote YES on this referendum on February 23, 2021 and it did pass. • Newly installed Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joseph Hanley shared current actions, initiatives and plans for his office in addressing crime, prosecutions, and community safety. • Recently elected and installed Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli spoke on his agenda and priorities for

Winnebago County. • Newly elected State Representative Dave Vella shared his agenda and priorities in his role with the General Assembly, as well as to receive feedback from the GAC as to what issues or concerns members may have. • Michael Dunn Jr., Executive Director of the Region 1 Planning Council provided an update on the various activities and initiatives of the RPC. • President of Rock Valley College, Dr. Howard Spearman provided an update on the various activities and initiatives for Rock

Valley College. • Government Efficiency Committee, lead by Bobbie Holzwarth and LoRayne Logan, shared the outcome of their work. • Dr. Sandra Martell, Public Health Administrator for the Winnebago County Health Department. provided an update on pandemic related activities, the current state of Winnebago County and the region, and any recommendations for the business community to assist in preventing further spread of covid. • Newly appointed Fire Chief Michele Pankow and Police Chief Carla Redd shared their agendas.

Your voice as part of Government Affairs is critical! As a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, you are welcome to be a voting member of our Government Affairs Council. Voting members set the course for Chamber stances on policy, current events, and regulations. You serve as part of a collective of influential, action-oriented business leaders. Our elected officials look to the business community for our opinion, our expertise, and our votes. Our Government Affairs Council is the link between the business community and the public sector. Visit our website to learn more on becoming a participatory member. Just looking for information? All members are welcome to attend GAC events as non-voting members by registering online for individual events.