Monthly Archives: March 2019

Transportation Modernization Plan Introduced in IL House

A transportation modernization program has been introduced in the IL Legislature.  Introduced by Rep. André M. Thapedi, D-Chicago, HB 3823 would raise $2 billion in annual revenue offset with pro-consumer and pro-business reforms. The bill phases out the state sales tax on motor fuel with consumers realizing a combined 15 cent per gallon Motor Fuels […]

USDA Gathers Stakeholder Input On Hemp Production

The Agricultural Act of 2018, better known as the 2018 Farm Bill, authorizes the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to approve plans submitted by states, territories and Native American tribes for the commercial production of hemp. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” is the cannabis plant and any part of that plant, including the seeds […]

WI Assembly Speaker’s Water Quality Task Force Meets

WI State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’ Task Force on Water Quality met for the first time in the state capitol this week to hear testimony from state agencies on water quality issues throughout the state. The committee hopes to put forth bipartisan legislative recommendations on clean drinking water by this fall. The Department of Natural […]

Sharpless Named Acting Head Of FDA

The Trump Administration has named Dr. Norman “Ned” Sharpless, now head of the National Cancer Institute, as acting commissioner to replace Scott Gottlieb, who has announced his intention to resign recently. Sharpless, an oncologist, was known for advocacy for cancer research during his 18 months as institute director. Gottlieb is leaving within weeks, after two […]

Food Safety Accountability With Blockchain

As more food safety disruptors come into play and the meaning of the word “food safety” evolves with consumer perception and regulations, keeping track of ingredients is of utmost importance. During the session “Food Safety Disruptors – Emerging Technologies and the Baking Industry” at the American Society of Baking’s BakingTech in Chicago Feb. 24-26, Robert […]

IL Submits Final Hemp Rules

The IL state Agriculture Department has submitted its final draft of rules for the industrial hemp program. When the 2014 Farm Bill authorized limited hemp production for research purposes, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture administered the program. And until regulations are promulgated for implementing the hemp provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill that will remain unchanged. […]

F.D.A. Details Key Priorities In 2020 Budget

The Food and Drug Administration shed light on the agency’s priorities for federal food safety activities and programs. F.D.A. Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., and Frank Yiannis, deputy commissioner, said in a joint statement that the request for more funding in the fiscal 2020 budget, “…will allow the agency to add new staff and resources to […]

IL Graduated Income Tax Proposal Raises Business Taxes

Governor JB Pritzker publicly unveiled his graduated income tax proposal that will increase the corporate income tax by 13.5 percent while spiking the tax rate for many small businesses by 60.6 percent. Pritzker’s office estimates the tax scheme will generate $3.4 billion. If enacted, Illinois will have the 3rd highest corporate tax rate (10.45 percent) […]

FDA Chief Scott Gottlieb Resigns

Scott Gottlieb, the leader of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), is resigning his position effective next month, the Trump administration announced Tuesday. The Washington Post was first to report that Gottlieb, who commutes to Washington from Connecticut, is stepping down to spend more time with his family. His resignation was unexpected. He tweeted two […]