2  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
104th Legislative Session a Wrap
LOU SANDOVAL
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Dear Illinois Chamber Members, 
 
As I write this letter, we have just 
wrapped up the 104th General 
Assembly’s Spring legislative session. 
I want to take a moment to thank 
you, our valued members, for your 
ongoing support and commitment 
to strengthening Illinois’ business 
climate. 
	
This session presented both 
challenges and opportunities, and I’m 
proud to share that your Chamber 
was at the forefront of advancing a 
pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-Il­
linois agenda. Our advocacy team 
worked tirelessly to ensure your voice 
was heard at the Capitol, and as a re­
sult, sound strategic policy outcomes 
prevailed. 
Key Outcomes for 
Business This Session: 
Economic Incentives: We supported 
critical elements of the FY26 Busi­
ness Development Package, includ­
ing measures to boost high-growth 
manufacturing and incentivize film 
industry and tech investment across 
the state. Additionally, the Chamber 
supported forward-thinking leg­
islation aimed at incentivizing key 
affordable housing developments that 
we hope to continue to advocate for 
in the future.
Fought Against Harmful Tax and 
Fee Increases: We stood against pro­
posals that would have introduced 
additional tax burdens on employ­
ers, including a statewide delivery 
fee, digital ads tax, and tipped credit 
elimination,  and reminded lawmak­
ers that investment follows certainty, 
not volatility. 
Advanced Infrastructure and Work­
force Priorities: By collaborating 
with state and regional partners, we 
helped secure investments in infra­
structure and job training that will 
directly support your business opera­
tions and workforce pipeline. 
Elevated Member Voices: We mobi­
lized member testimony and engage­
ment on bills impacting energy, mass 
Transit, taxation, regulation, and the 
legal climate, ensuring real busi­
ness perspectives shaped legislative 
outcomes. 
 
We recognize that the work is far 
from over. Although these advances 
signify some small wins, there was 
still over $1Billion in revenue en­
hancements (including over $330 
million in expansive corporate tax 
changes) that were passed in the bud­
get along with critical bills brought 
in at the last minute that dramatically 
impacted the viability of Illinois as a 
market destination for new business­
es and a sound place to continue to 
do business for those already here.  
	
We continue to work through­
out the Summer and into the Fall 
Veto Session to ensure that the voice 
of business is heard and bills that 
impact the business community will 
not become law. These efforts are 
part of a broader effort to reposition 

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