A budget impasse this year has left Choose Chicago, one of the nation's largest convention and visitors bureaus, without hotel tax funding owed to it by the state. As a result, the organization in October was forced to eliminate 28 people from its staff and close two satellite offices in Canada and Mexico.
Two months later, a compromise between Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Democrats appears to have eased the stalemate, Choose Chicago reported last week.
"I am very pleased to share that just a short time ago the Illinois House of Representatives passed SB 2039 … on a vote of 107-1-1. Earlier today an amendment was filed to this bill that restores the statutorily mandated state funding to Choose Chicago and all Illinois tourism bureaus," Choose Chicago CEO Don Welsh said Wednesday in an email to supporters. "The governor just concluded a press conference expressing his support for this bill."
Although it does not establish a state budget -- lacking since July -- SB 2039 would release more than $3.1 billion in state appropriations that have been frozen due to the ongoing budget impasse, including $7.2 million in hotel tax receipts owed to Choose Chicago.
"Needless to say this is a momentous step in getting tourism funding restored," Welsh continued.
Before it can be signed into law, SB 2039 still must clear the Illinois Senate, which is scheduled to vote on the legislation this week. It's expected to pass the bill.
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