Federal Communications Commission Broadband Field Hearing on Small Business

Statement by Jerry Roper, President & CEO

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jerry Roper and I am President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional Chamber in the U.S. representing over 2600 member businesses throughout the Chicagoland area. Our goal is to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in the country through an aggressive agenda of public policy advocacy that promotes economic development, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and results in job growth and retention. We appreciate this opportunity to comment on the FCC's efforts to develop a National Broadband Plan.

Legislative Update

County Board Votes to Override Stroger's Veto of Sales Tax Reduction

On December 1, 2009 the Cook County Board voted 12-5 to override President Stroger's veto of the vote to roll back the County's sales tax rate from 1.75% to 1.25%. The rate reduction will take effect on July 1, 2010 saving taxpayers approximately $30 million in FY 2010 and $190-$200 million in FY 2011.

In November, Governor Quinn signed a bill that reduces the number of votes needed to override a veto from 14 to 11 of the 17-member Board.

The Chamber thanks those Commissioners voting for the override: Claypool; Collins; Daley; Gainer; Goslin; Gorman; Peraica; Reyes; Schneider; Silvestri; Steele; Suffredin

Commissioners voting against the override were: Beavers; Butler; Moreno; Murphy; Sims

The Chamber is encouraged by this vote and we're confident the rollback will contribute to an improved economy in 2010.

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