This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes information about National Preparedness Month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, shares an article about policy proposals for replacing motor fuel taxes, makes counties aware that the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) is closing its application period, announces that applications are being accepted for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), links to ISACo's 2023 Public Acts Report and State Mandates Report, extends an invitation for counties to submit legislative proposal ideas to ISACo as well as suggested amendments to ISACo's County Platform, highlights ISACo corporate partner Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC and invites counties to join ISACo.
Strengthening Readiness Efforts for All Illinois Communities During National Preparedness Month
September is the start of National Preparedness Month where the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and county emergency managers are highlighting the importance of all readiness efforts across the state. Additional information is available via this link.
USDA Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Funding Awarded to Illinois
On September 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awarded over $544,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Illinois. With this grant, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop products and create new market opportunities for the state’s specialty crop producers. Additional information is available via this link.
Clock Ticking for States to Replace Dwindling Gas Taxes
Motor fuel taxes are a key source of funding for transportation infrastructure, but have been shrinking for years. Two new reports explore possible alternatives. Follow this link for a Governing Magazine article about this topic.
Homeowner Assistance Fund Program Ending
On September 1, 2023, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced that the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) will no longer accept applications beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. ILHAF supports qualified homeowners with grants of up to $60,000 for past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance and homeowner and/or condo association fees. Additional information is available via this link.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will accept applications from October 2, 2023, through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the State can be found here). The tiered application system, which was paused during the pandemic, will resume this year. The tiered application system will be reinstated to ensure families most in need are able to apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program.
ISACo Public Acts Report
ISACo published a report of tracked bills enacted into law in 2023. The report is available by clicking on the image below and will be updated to include any legislation approved during the fall Veto Session (October 24-26 and November 7-9) and subsequently enacted into law.
Please click on the image for our most updated comprehensive report on bills approved by both chambers of interest to counties.
* An ISACo tracked bill includes bills that directly or tangentially impact county finances and operations, bills that may be of interest to county officials for the performance of their duties and legislation presented "for your information."
ISACo State Mandates Report
Each year, ISACo publishes a report identifying newly-enacted laws that impose state mandates on counties. Our 2023 State Mandates Report: New Mandates on Counties Enacted in 2023 is available by clicking on the image below.
Our previously published annual State Mandates Reports are available via this link.
ISACo Accepting Legislative Proposals for 2024 - INPUT REQUESTED!
Does your county have a problem in need of a legislative solution? If so, please e-mail it to ISACo at info@isacoil.org. Submitted proposals will be considered by the Legislative Committee. Proposals ultimately approved by the ISACo Board of Directors will be included within our 2024 Illinois County Action Program (ICAP).
Additionally, ISACo will be considering amendments to our County Platform for 2024. Please review the 2023 County Platform and send any suggestions for additions/changes to info@isacoil.org. Proposed changes will be considered by the Legislative Committee and Board of Directors.
CORPORATE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
This week's corporate partner spotlight highlights ISACo's partnership with Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC.
The Law Firm of Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC strives to provide superior legal representation with the objective of exceeding their clients’ expectations. Each member of the firm is committed to utilizing critical analysis and innovative approaches to achieve timely resolutions with the best possible results for their clients.
More information about the services provided by Mahoney, Silverman and Cross, LLC is available via this link.
Click on this link to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available through ISACo's Corporate Partner Program.
Become an ISACo Member!
Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.
ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.
Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.
If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Executive Director Joe McCoy at (217) 679-3368 or jmccoy@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.