May 15, 2009—Issue 18

As the General Assembly approaches the scheduled adjournment date of May 31, various issues—including the budget, capital, and ethics—are being discussed at the Capitol. 

Following is information on legislation of interest that either passed the General Assembly or was proposed this week.

HB 35—Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal

HB 35, sponsored by Rep. Mike Tryon and Sen. Susan Garrett, creates the Illinois Transparency and Accountability Portal (“ITAP”), which will be a website providing information about State government.  The information provided will include: 

(1)   Names and salaries of current State employees,

(2)   Current State expenditures,

(3)   Development assistance reportable pursuant to the Corporate Accountability for Tax Expenditures Act,

(4)   Revocations and suspensions of:

(a)  State occupation and use tax certificates of registration and

(b)  State professional licenses, and

(5)   Current State contracts. 

HB 35 has passed both chambers.  The bill may be accessed at the following link:  click here.

HB 4557—Alcohol Tax

HB 4557, sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, provides for an approximately $0.53 increase in the tax on a gallon beer or a gallon on cider, a $1.28 increase in the tax on a gallon of wine, and a $4.27 increase in the tax on a gallon of spirits.  HB 4557 may be accessed at the following link:  click here.

SB 744—Gaming Expansion

SB 744, sponsored by Sen. Terry Link, is a gaming bill that provides for three new casino licenses (including a casino in the City of Chicago) as well as slot machines at horse racing tracks.  SB 744 may be accessed at the following link:  click here.

SB 1292—Pensions Reforms

SB 1292 is the Governor’s pension reform proposal and is sponsored by Rep. Kevin McCarthy.  On Tuesday, May 12, the House Personnel and Pensions Committee conducted a hearing regarding the bill, which includes, among other things, increasing the retirement age from 60 to 67.  TFI President Tom Johnson testified in support of the proposal.  SB 1292 may be accessed at the following link:  click here.

2009 First Quarter Sales and Miscellaneous Tax Sunshine Index

The Department of Revenue recently published its “Index of Department of Revenue Sales and Miscellaneous Tax Private Letter Rulings and General Information Letters issued for the First Quarter of 2009.”  The index can be found at 33 Ill. Reg. 6,763-6,773 (May 15, 2009) and accessed at this link:  click here.

Recently Released Information

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (“COGFA”) has released a report produced by Aon Investment Consulting entitled, “Analysis of Investment Fee Savings and Transition Costs due to Potential Consolidation into Illinois Public Employees Retirement System (ILPERS).”  The report may be accessed at the following link:  click here.

And Finally . . .

The Senate reconvenes on Sunday, May 17, and the House reconvenes on Monday, May 18.