This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes an announcement about ISACo's newest member county, an update on the fall Veto Session, provides the General Assembly's 2024 session schedule, links to several newly tracked ISACo bills, includes recently filed rules for the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, shares information about a credit upgrade for Illinois, highlights grant money awarded to Illinois Rural Court Services, reports on a grant opportunity for Energy Efficiency Projects, announces additional grant money awarded to Mental Health Services for Illinois Youth, shares information on lottery tickets available for purchase that will benefit Illinois veterans, announces a new appointment to the Capital Development Board (CDB), shares information on in-person workshops and online training available for Livestock Manager Certification, includes recommended news content, provides an opportunity to submit proposals for ISACo's 2024 legislative agenda, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) and Public Surplus webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Nationwide and invites counties to join ISACo.

ISACo is pleased to announce Monroe County as the latest member of our association. We thank Monroe County for their membership and welcome them to our association! Information on Monroe County is available via this link. 

Veto Session Update 

The General Assembly convened on November 7-9 for the second and final week of the fall Veto Session. 

Six vetoes were before the General Assembly but only one was acted upon. The Legislature accepted the Governor’s amendatory veto of HB 2878. The underlying bill is a procurement omnibus. The Governor objected to language to authorize public-private partnerships for local transportation projects because of a lack of ethics and transparency provisions. He consequently used his amendatory veto authority to remove that provision from the bill. HB 2878 now becomes law without the local public-private partnership authority. 

As a reminder, the legislation of most interest to counties that received vetoes and amendatory vetoes is available via this link. 

Bills Passed by Both Chambers

The bills of most interest to counties are included below:

The House concurred with Senate Floor Amendment (SFA) 1 to HB 351 with a vote of 86-18-2. The bill creates a task force to review eligibility to hold public office and make recommendations as to what criminal conduct should disqualify an individual from holding public office. The bill includes a provision prohibiting individuals from holding local office if convicted of certain crimes while serving in office. The bill also clarifies what information notaries must retain for the purpose of petitions. HB 351 is headed to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate concurred with House Floor Amendment (HFA) 2 to SB 1769 with a vote of 37-18. The bill requires all vehicles purchased or leased by "government entities" (defined as the State or a State agency), except law enforcement and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) vehicles, to be zero-emission by 2030. The bill exempts vehicles purchased by the Department of Transportation (IDOT) as part of their consolidated vehicle procurement program. SB 1769 is now headed to the Governor’s desk.

The Senate concurred with HFA 1 to SB 1988 with a vote of 48–6. The bill deals with Cook County assessments. It provides that when the Cook County Assessor makes revisions that increase a property owner's assessment, the Assessor must continue to accept appeals from the property taxpayer for at least 30 business days from the latter of when the assessment notice was mailed or was published on the Assessor's website. SB 1988 will next be considered by the Governor.

HB 2473 was amended to repeal the moratorium for construction of nuclear reactors of fewer than 300 megawatts – defined as small nuclear reactors – beginning January 1, 2026. The bill also directs the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to establish rules for decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness by January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Governor to commission a study researching the state’s role in guiding the development of small module nuclear reactors.

HB 2473 is a compromise in response to the Governor's veto of SB 76 that would have lifted a moratorium on all new nuclear power plant construction in the state. 

The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 44-7, and in the House with a vote of 98-8. The Governor indicated he looks forward to reviewing and signing the bill.

SB 1699 includes a provision extending the timetable for a county to hold a public meeting concerning the siting of a commercial wind energy or solar facility to 60 days after the filing of an application for the facility. The timetable for this hearing had been 45 days in accordance with P.A. 102-1123. The bill will next be considered by the Governor.

2024 Spring Session

Both chambers will convene for the 2024 Spring Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 16.

The House calendar is available via this link.

The Senate calendar is available via this link.  

Adjournment is scheduled for May 24, although legislators blocked off the remainder of May in the event additional work is required for the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 budget. The House is scheduled to be in session 51 days while the Senate is scheduled to be in session 46 days. 

2024 Key Dates and Session Deadlines:

January 19: House and Senate LRB Bill Drafting Request Deadline

February 9: Senate and House Bill Filing Deadline and LRB Amendment Drafting Begins

February 21: Governor’s Budget and State of the State Address

March 15: Senate Committee Deadline for Consideration of Senate Bills

March 19: Primary Election

April 5: House Committee Deadline for Consideration of House Bills

April 12: Senate Third Reading Deadline for Consideration of Senate Bills

April 19: House Third Reading Deadline for Consideration of House Bills

May 3: Committee Deadline for Consideration of Bills in the Opposite Chamber

May 17: House and Senate Third Reading Deadline for Consideration of Bills in the Opposite Chamber

May 24: Adjournment

May 25–31: Contingent Session Days (If Needed)

List of Newly-Tracked Bills

The following bills have recently been added to ISACo's tracked bill list. If there is no position listed then the bill is still under review by staff. A complete list of ISACo tracked bills is available via this link.

SB 2633 - Firearms-Domestic Violence (No Position)

SB 2638 - Muni Cd-Hotel Use Tax

SB 2639 - Insurance Code-Infertility Coverage (No Position)

SB 2640 - FOIA-Admin or Technical Info

SB 2641 - Network Adequacy-Specialists

SB 2642 - Paid Leave for All Workers (Support)

SB 2643 - Integrity In Death Care Act

SB 2644 - SOS-Advance Directive Registry

HB 4217 - Concealed Carry-Out of State (No Position)

HB 4224 - Library-Bond Percentage

HB 4225 - Prop Tax-Extensions

HB 4226 - CT Reporter-Proficiency Test (No Position)

HB 4229 - Property Tax-Day Care Centers

*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 positions of "support" or "oppose" are usually reserved for bills that directly or tangentially impact county finances and operations. ISACo also supports member county initiatives that are consistent with ISACo's County Platform. 

Rules Filed for Paid Leave for All Workers Act Implementation

On November 3, 2023, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) filed proposed rules (available via this link) concerning the effectuation of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. IDOL is accepting public comments for 45 days. Counties wishing to submit comments can email Anna.Koeppel@illinois.gov. 

ISACo supports HB 4190 (Representative Ness, D-Crystal Lake) which would change the effective date of the Act from January 1, 2024, to July 1, 2024. This bill was introduced to delay the implementation date and allow for additional time to review the proposed rules and further amend the law to exempt counties, municipalities and townships. The bill did not advance during the Veto Session.   

For those wanting to learn more about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, IDOL is hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 16 at 2pm CST. Additional information about this webinar is available via this link. 

Illinois Earns Credit Rating Upgrade 

On November 7, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the state's ninth credit rating upgrade in just over two years as Fitch Ratings elevated Illinois' rating for general obligation bonds. 

The rating of a state's bonds is a measure of their credit quality. A higher bond rating generally means the state can borrow at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. 

The press release is available via this link. 

Illinois Courts Help Secure Foundation for Rural Court Services

On November 6, 2023, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) announced that two Illinois Probation Departments and County Court Services Departments were each awarded a grant from the Foundation for Rural Services-Community Service Grants Program. The Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) is a nonprofit organization that works with the NTCA (originally the National Telephone Cooperative Association)—Rural Broadband Association to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America. 

The Community Service Grant provides funds to rural areas for several different initiatives, including telecommunications applications. The local NTCA member contributes 10 percent of the grant funding, while the FRS contributes the other 90 percent of funds. The Grants Unit in the Probation Services Division at AOIC was able to assist the field in securing these grants.

Information on the Foundation for Rural Services-Community Service Grants Program is available via this link. 

The press release is available via this link. 

Grant Opportunity for Energy Efficiency Projects 

On November 6, 2023, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Director John J. Kim announced the Residential Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program, previously known as the Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Program (LIREE) with up to $5,000,000 in funding available for energy efficiency upgrades at single family or duplex residential properties. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program will benefit residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal housing assistance program and located in areas of environmental justice concern. 

Applications for the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be accepted on a rolling basis and eligible properties will receive funding on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligibility and application information is available via this link. 

The press release is available via this link.

$3.5M Awarded to Boost Mental Health Services for Illinois Youth

On November 3, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that the State of Illinois has awarded $3.5 million in funding to 19 different applicants to support post-pandemic child and adolescent health. The size of the grants range from $92,000 to $200,000. The new round of grants follows $9.5 million in grants that were primarily federally funded and awarded to 40 organizations around the state.

The press release is available via this link.  

Winter Riches Lottery Ticket Available

On November 8, 2023, the Illinois Lottery and the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) launched the 2023 Winter Riches Instant Ticket, where 100 percent of its profits are directed to organizations supporting veterans in Illinois. Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays and IDVA Director Terry Prince presented the ticket to kick off its availability at 7,000 retail stores in Illinois. Launched in 2006, the ticket has generated more than $21 million, and approximately 400 veterans' organizations statewide have received funds.

IDVA awards these funds generated from the ticket in the form of Veterans' Cash Grants to organizations providing services, including housing assistance, long-term care, disability benefits, employment services and treatment for post-traumatic stress.

The press release is available via this link. 

Capital Development Board Appointment

Tamakia Edwards will serve as a Member of the Capital Development Board (CDB). Edwards currently works as the Chief Strategy Officer at Comprehensive Construction Consulting, Inc. Edwards is a seasoned strategist, operations leader and change agent with a history of leading organizations through transformation initiatives of varying size and scope. Edwards received a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Certified Livestock Manager In-Person Workshops and Online Training Announced

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), along with the University of Illinois Extension, is hosting the Certified Livestock Manager Training (CLMT). There will be two training options this year: eight in-person workshops and online training, which will provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state's Livestock Management Facilities Act.

To attend an in-person workshop, registration is required. Information on registering is available via this link.

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Navigating the Fiscal Crisis in Public Transit (Governing)

State Police Still Drafting Assault Weapons Registration Rules as Deadline Nears (Capitol News Illinois)

Government Policymakers Start to Take AI Seriously (Governing)  

Illinois Community Colleges Launch New Brand Campaign (WCIA)

Local Governments are Likely to Find the Next Generation of their Workforces at Community Colleges (American City and County)

Senators Durbin, Duckworth to Introduce Bill to Expand Lincoln Home Site (SJ-R)

Chicago Police Stations Provide Shelter for Migrants, Homeless (Governing)

Upcoming Public Surplus Webinar Dates

Public Surplus will be offering 20-minute webinar sessions to interested individuals to learn more about Public Surplus and its online auction site. Participants will also be guided on how to register, or re-register to create a new account.

Public Surplus is an online auction platform that offers services to local government agencies.  

ISACo has partnered with Public Surplus to provide large discounts for our county members when it comes to doing online auctions, specifically real estate sales.

Through a partnership with ISACo, Illinois counties are eligible to list items with a reduced buyer's premium, which will encourage competitive bidding on surplus items listed. With Public Surplus, buyers are responsible for all service fees, and it costs counties nothing to use the service.

Public Surplus will also provide a 10 percent rebate to ISACo on each sale so that the Association can continue to offer a high level of service at minimal cost to members.

The webinar will take place on the following dates: 

• November 16, 2023, at 1pm CST Click on this link to join the webinar meeting. 
• November 30, 2023, at 10am CST (Link Available Later)

Upcoming NACo Webinars

NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities. 

Making the Most of Elective Pay: How Counties Can Access and Use Clean Energy Tax Credits

(Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Established in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), elective pay (otherwise known as direct pay) provides tax-exempt entities, including county governments, with the ability to monetize certain clean energy tax credits that they have previously been unable to access due to their lack of tax liability. Now, counties can elect this new “direct pay” option that will allow them to receive a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of between 6 and 70 percent of the cost of capital expenditures for certain renewable energy projects, alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuel charging stations.

During this webinar, experts from KPMG will provide an overview of what types of investments qualify for the new “direct pay” option, as well as how to apply for and receive the clean energy credit refunds.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

TechKnow Series: November and December Sessions

(Thursday, November 20 - December 13, 2023, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

November 20, 2023 | 12:00pm CST - Charting Your AI Growth: Practical Generative AI - An Introduction to Use Cases

December 13, 2023 | 12:00pm CST - Charting Your AI Growth: Practical Generative AI - Steps for Productivity Improvements

The dates above are for the TechKnow Webinar Series following the Tech Xchange Overview where there will be a discussion regarding the developments of Generative AI as a tool, its use cases and the potential in productivity improvements.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Strategies for Connecting County Residents with Free Tax Assistance

(Thursday, November 23, 2023, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

With refundable tax credits serving as the largest federal anti-poverty program, tax time is an important opportunity for county leaders to connect low-income residents with vital income supports. Join NACo and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for a webinar focused on strategies for supporting and promoting Free IRS-certified tax preparation so that county residents can keep more of their money at tax time..

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

This week's corporate partner spotlight highlights ISACo's partnership with Nationwide.

Over the past 85 years, focusing on customers and valuing people have helped Nationwide become one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world.

Even though Nationwide has dozens of affiliated companies, people are its biggest resource – and its greatest asset in providing excellent customer service to its customers. That's why its Supply Management Services group makes sure agents and associates get the best quality products and services, at the best possible cost. It's also why Nationwide has an Office of Customer Advocacy. 

More information about the services provided by Nationwide is available via this link.

Click on this link to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available through ISACo's Corporate Partner Program.