ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of the Becoming Sovereign podcast, host Brandon Karpeles sits down with Tim Niemeyer and Jeff Hilsenbeck, co-founders of the Illinois Bitcoin Council (IBC). Tim and Jeff break down the core pillars of the 501(c)(6) non-profit organization—education, advocacy, and collaboration—and discuss their ongoing efforts to paint the state of Illinois orange despite heavy political friction.
They dive deep into the controversial 0.2% Illinois Digital Asset Tax passed during late-night budget sessions in June, detailing why the law is fundamentally unconstitutional and how the IBC is coordinating with coalition partners to fight it through legislation, education, and litigation. They also highlight their August 1st industry gathering at Fork & Coin in Portage Park, the push for a state Digital Bill of Rights, and why local grassroots initiatives are essential for long-term policy change.
In this episode, we cover:
• The Mission of the Illinois Bitcoin Council: How a non-partisan trade organization is building educational tools for homeschoolers and small businesses while advocating in Springfield.
• The 0.2% Digital Asset Tax Breakdown: Analyzing the technical and legal absurdities of a transaction tax passed without clear Department of Revenue enforcement rules.
• Fighting Back Through Coalition: How the IBC is partnering with the Illinois Blockchain Association, Stand With Crypto, and the Digital Chamber to pursue lawsuits and federal preemption.
• State & Local Legislation: The push for a Digital Bill of Rights in Illinois and previous efforts around the Community Bitcoin Reserve Act.
• Grassroots Hubs in Chicago: Highlighting the role of Portage Park's Fork & Coin restaurant and the Chicago Bitcoin Collective as physical centers for community building.
• Bipartisan Outreach Strategy: Utilizing tailored educational frameworks to explain the value of Bitcoin across political party lines.
Connect with the Guests & Illinois Bitcoin Council:
• Website: illinoisbitcoincouncil.org
• X/Twitter: @ILBTCCouncil
• Email: tim@illinoisbitcoincouncil.org | jeff@illinoisbitcoincouncil.org
Connect with Brandon & Sovreign:
- Website: sovreign.io
- LinkedIn: Brandon Karpeles
- Nostr: @plebiAnon
- X: @sovreignBTC
