Jiménez Holds Roundtable with House Speaker Welch

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, held a small business roundtable and was joined by small business owners, community organizations and Democratic House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch on Monday, March 9th in the 4th House district.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our district’s economy and the heart of our neighborhoods,” said Jiménez. “They create local jobs, keep our commercial corridors vibrant, and reflect the culture and identity of the communities we call home. Roundtables like this are essential because they create a space where business owners can share their experiences, raise concerns, and work with us to develop solutions that strengthen our local economy and support the people who keep our neighborhoods thriving.”

Small business owners used the roundtable to share the challenges they have been facing in recent months, many of which existed even before the recent immigration raids. Business owners emphasized the need for greater access to state resources and technical assistance to help them grow, remain stable, and continue serving their communities. The recent raids have only intensified these struggles, with many businesses reporting a sharp decline in foot traffic—an essential driver of sales—and workers expressing fear about showing up to work.

Rep. Jiménez and Speaker Welch listened closely to the concerns raised by community members and local business owners and discussed both current and proposed legislative solutions. To address the impact of immigration enforcement actions, Rep. Jiménez successfully passed into law House Bill 3247, the Safe Schools for All Act, and House Bill 1312, the Bivens Act. These measures aim to strengthen protections for immigrant communities by allowing individuals to pursue legal action when their constitutional rights are violated by immigration agents and by establishing additional protections and resources for individuals in or near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, universities, and courthouses.

Leaders emphasized the need for property tax relief and targeted investments to support local businesses and residents, priorities reflected in HB3410, HB5604, and HB5601—the State-Designated Cultural Districts (SDCDs) legislation spearheaded by Representative Jiménez. SDCDs play a vital role in promoting historic and cultural communities, fostering economic development and entrepreneurship, preserving culturally significant spaces and traditions, supporting local cultural education, and celebrating the unique identity of our neighborhoods.

Investments in these districts strengthen neighborhood economies, provide technical assistance through local chambers of commerce, drive growth and opportunity, and help prevent displacement and inequality for long-time residents and small businesses.

Representatives of the small businesses attending were from Print Studio Chi, MG Garcia

Services, State Farm Insurance Agent, El Azteca, Sara’s Cocina, Hermosa Belmont Cragin Chamber of Commerce and the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce. They were joined by Rincon Family Services and Puerto Rican Cultural Center, nonprofit organizations in the community.

“Our neighborhoods have been profoundly affected by federal immigration raids, which have left families fearful of leaving their homes and have disrupted local businesses,” said Jiménez. “While we cannot stop federal actions, we can take bold steps to support our communities. I’m committed to supporting legislation that will ensure families feel safe, workers are protected, and small businesses have the resources they need to thrive and keep our neighborhoods vibrant.”