Executive Messages
President’s Message
From 1936-1961 our predecessors named the organization “Retail Liquor Dealers’ Protective Association.” The country had just been through prohibition and businesses were hit with new state and federal laws, creating challenging economic times. Our retail industry forefathers fought to keep taxes and workplace rules fair and tried to find ways for their businesses to prosper.
Like those before us, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association works hard to keep the business climate fair. The ILBA employs lobbyists in Springfield and has been in many coalitions to keep our business climate steady. With the State of Illinois in the red, nothing will be off the table when the Legislature convenes in January. If you are not currently, I ask you to consider adding your name and business to the many that already belong to the ILBA. The old saying “strength in numbers” is what our organization was founded on and it still holds true today
Pete Gwizdala
President
Crazy Times Bar & Grill Owner
Director’s Message
A Very Active Spring Session!
2000+ Bills Introduced – 599 Bills Passed – 150 Bills Tracked by ILBA
The Illinois Licensed Beverage Association worked tirelessly this spring session as the Governor and Legislators introduced a wave of new Bills aimed at our industry. We had several times the normal workload this session and fought hard to limit the impact on our licensees. While we won and lost some, we modified and killed many bills with the good work of our Lobbyists Sam Panayotovich, Joe Berrios, Executive Director Dan Clausner, and ILBA Governmental Affairs Director Eric Meyer. Our Team spent countless hours at the Capitol meeting with Legislators, Coalition Members and testifying in various Committee Hearings. Many of our ILBA Members also testified at hearings and attended Press Conferences in support of our fight against higher taxes and minimum wage increases. Additionally, we utilized many Special Email Blast Messages to ILBA Members. Special Thanks To All Of You That Called, Emailed And Visited Your Legislators This Spring.
Dan Clausner
ILBA Executive Director
Won
– SB 1246 VIDEO GAMING STINGS
– HB3610 SA1 GROWLERS
– SB1831 SPECIAL EVENT BEER RETURN CREDIT
– SB690 VIDEO GAMING EXPANSION
– SB1 SAVED 60% TIP CREDIT (MIN WAGE)
Killed
– PLASTIC STRAW BAN
– PLASTIC BAG TAX
– SATELITE/CABLE TAX
– SICK LEAVE
– BEER , WINE & SPIRITS TAX
– LATEX GLOVE BAN
– CONTAINER DEPOSITS
– STREAMING TAX
– MATERNITY LEAVE (4MO)
Some of the Bills have already become law, while others await the Governor’s signature. While we lost some battles, our positions were well represented in Springfield. We want to thank all of you that helped and attended our legislative functions. We would also like to thank the IGMOA for joining again with us on our Legislative Reception and Gaming Expansion efforts.