ITA supports policies that include encouraging a pro-growth technology industry, access to capital, encouragement of entrepreneurism, and supporting quality STEM education.
Besides working with our national partners, we frequently comment on proposed legislative or regulatory technology matters. On this page you will find recent letters or positions we have have taken to support or oppose specific issues and help educate members. We welcome member thoughts and comments on these and other issues critical to the industry.
Intellectual Property- US Chamber's Global Intellectual Property Center Job Study (August 2012)
"IP creates jobs. Illinois' innovative economy depends on strong protection of intellectual property for a vibrant economy and job creation. IP supports 2.38 million jobs, 53% of Illinois' private sector jobs."
- SOPA/PIPA Act (January 2012)
"On behalf of the undersigned leaders of technology in Illinois, we express our concerns with the Senate Bill Protect IP Act (PIPA) and the House Bill Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in their current forms. While we agree with the need to address these issues, the SOPA and PIPA Bills, in their current form, will not achieve their goals effectively."
Immigration
- Senate Bill 744, Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (May 2013)
"Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013"
- Support Passage of Common Sense Immigration Reform (May 2013)
"As
members of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition Steering
Committee and leaders of the business, civic, and education communities,
we urge Congress to pass common sense immigration reform." - Support of H.R. 6429, "STEM Jobs Act of 2012" (September 2012)
"Supports a bipartisan bill passage of H.R. 6429, to establish a new green card program for outstanding STEM advance degrees."
- Support of visa's to Foreign Born Students Who Earn Advanced Degrees in STEM (September 2012)
"Support immigration reform efforts currently under consideration in US Congress to provide visa's to foreign-born graduates looking to work in the United States in the fields of STEM."
- Support of Per Country Cap Repeal (July 2012)
"Removing
the per country limit on the number of legal permanent residents who may be
admitted to the U.S. in any given year would significantly enhance America’s competitiveness in the global economy."
Mobile Broadband
- Support of Mobile Broadband Legislation (May 2012)
"Urge the state to update Illinois communication laws to increase mobile infrastructure our members, their employees and customers need to access the best technologies."
Startup Development
- Startup 3.0 Act (March 2013)
"On behelf of our member companies we voice our support for House and Senate legislation, Startup 3.0 Act. This introduced legislation will continue our economic recovery by providing greater support for high-paying and high-skilled jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)"
- Startup 2.0 Act (July 2012)
"On behalf of our member companies,we voice our support for passage of S. 3217, “Startup Act 2.0.” This legislation would boost our economic recovery, providing greater support for high-‐paying and high-‐skilled jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)."
What to Get Involved?
ITA agenda is to support our members growth. If you are interested in getting involved in our policy initiatives, please contact Sarah Habansky, Vice President, Programs at advocacy@illinoistech.org.