Elliot Richardson
Things were buzzing during our 2025 Advocacy Day in Springfield.
Indeed, the hallways were packed as advocacy groups navigated their way into meeting rooms to press for or push back against legislation. Policymakers were engaging constituents as they departed committee hearings and left the House and Senate floors. Democracy was on display and, as always, it was exciting to be active participants. The small business community showed up in a big way and made its voice heard.
Our recent visit included meetings with Gov. JB Pritzker and legislators from both sides of the aisle. During those meetings, we pressed for the reinstatement of the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit program, which will provide $2,500 tax credits to small businesses that hire net new employees. Our group stressed these tax credits will support small businesses that want to hire but face tough economic headwinds. We highlighted the fact these tax credits will generate revenue in the long run and send the right message to small businesses that do not feel the love from Illinois politicians nearly enough.
Our group also pressed for legislation focused on providing small businesses with better access to government contracts. When the government spends our tax dollars on contracts, a fair share should go to small businesses. We pushed for a bill that will support people that lose their jobs and want to start businesses. There also were engaging discussions about innovative approaches to economic development.
We always pursue our legislative objectives on these visits, but being in Springfield also allows us to hear which issues politicians feel will impact small businesses and local communities.
Legislators consistently are being presented with bills and spending time with them keeps us well-informed. During this visit, policymakers candidly discussed the fiscal issues confronting our state and how federal policies may impact the state’s small business community. We also connected about more than politics, sharing stories, and learning what drives elected officials to engage in the political arena.
Small business owners always are pressed for time and traveling to Springfield is a major undertaking. These trips, however, offer advocates the opportunity to connect with many policymakers in a short period. Politicians understand the commitment small business owners make when they dedicate a full day to these efforts. We have had many wins and firmly believe our ability to drive a nonpartisan, policy-driven message through these visits has helped fostered this success.
The weather was cold and windy as we descended on the state Capitol but warm as we left and gathered at a local establishment to debrief and mingle. There is something special about relationships that are forged by business owners and advocates who travel a considerable distance and come together for the shared goal of supporting small businesses.
We are thankful to the folks who joined us in Springfield, and for everyone who engages with their elected officials to support the small business community.
• Elliot Richardson is co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council.
