Government Relations Corner: Review of ICIC Partnership in 2015

The Builders Association partnered with the Illinois Construction Industry Committee in 2015 to better serve our membership in the political arena. Below are some of ICIC's notable achievements of the past year:

• ICIC has long pushed for a simple registration process at the Capital Development Board that will aid contractors in identifying certified MBE/FBE firms available to work in specific construction categories. After more than two years, the registry is now up and running and will provide a valuable resource for firms seeking MBE/FBE partners.
• ICIC has been in regular contact with the Illinois Department of Labor to encourage much-needed reforms regarding prevailing wage, including better alignment with Davis-Bacon and clearer administrative processes. IDOL has already begun making many changes and we look forward to making additional progress in 2016.
• House Bill 2635 was successfully amended to address the concerns of contractors.  The bill had sought to weaken the Mechanics Lien law by allowing a bond to replace a lien.
• Senate Bill 1334 established a "cure" period of 10 days post-bid for finalizing MBE/FBE vendors on state construction projects.