ISACo

The State Treasurer’s Office made more than $130 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in September, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced on Monday, October 28, 2024. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing revenue in the state investment portfolio. During 2024, Frerichs’ Office has earned nearly $1.19 billion for the state portfolio.

Paid voting leave laws require employers to pay their employees for time off to cast their ballots if their schedule interferes with active working hours. Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee have laws mandating paid voters leave:

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging eligible natural gas customers to enroll in the state’s new Low-Income Discount Rates. Beginning October 2024, these rates will offer a 5-83 percent monthly bill credit for qualifying customers based on a five-tier system. Discount tiers are based on income, household size, and the cost of utility service offered in the area.

The Illinois State Association of Counties' Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee held its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 24. The Committee heard from two guest speakers on recycling matters. ISACo's Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee discusses and formulates ISACo policies about air, water, energy, and land use. In addition, the Committee serves as a forum for counties to share information and best practices about their activities. Click on the title for more information about the committee meeting.

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in nine metropolitan areas and decreased in five for the year ending September 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in eight areas, increased in five, and was unchanged in one.