This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes links to newly tracked bills, links to ISACo's 2024 Legislative Agenda and County Platform, invites county officials and staff to join an ISACo Policy Committee, includes information about Paid Leave for All Workers Act webinars, shares registration information for the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference, highlights the Local Tax Allocation Division's (LTAD) January Quarterly Newsletter, offers an update on Illinois' migrant response, reports an increase in Illinois' census numbers, announces that Heidi Mueller has been appointed by Governor JB Pritzker as the next Director for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), makes county officials aware of the State Health Assessment Plan (SHIP) that was delivered to the Illinois General Assembly, includes employment rates for metro areas, reports about the increase in respiratory viruses circulating throughout the state, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Public Surplus and invites counties to join ISACo.

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.

HB 4275 - Supported Decision-Making (No Position)

HB 4278 - Reimagine Public Safety Study (No Position)

HB 4279 - Child Support-Waiver of Fees

HB 4280 - Cottage Food Operations (No Position)

HB 4283 - Gun Crime Charge & Sentencing

HB 4285 - Child Labor-Job Duties (No Position)

HB 4287 - Building Codes-Energy

HB 4289 - Gov Ethics-Local Govt Lobbying

HB 4292 - FOIA-Judicial Branch

HB 4295 - Missing Persons-Ebony Alert (No Position)

HB 4297 - ISP-Active Shooter Alert System (Support)

HB 4308 - Property Tax-Person w/Disability

HB 4314 - Pregnancy Expenses Act (No Position)

HB 4315 - Juv Ct-Pre Trial Cond Order

HB 4322 - IMDMA-Child Support-DUI (No Position)

HB 4323 - Sex Offender REG-E Monitoring (No Position)

HB 4325 - Freedom of Information-Various (Support)

HB 4326 - Veh Cd-Non-Highway Vehicles

HB 4329 - Local Closed-Door Tax Increase (Oppose)

HB 4330 - Public Officials-Body Cameras

HB 4331 - Control Sub-Fentanyl Penalties (No Position)

HB 4333 - Law Enforcement Conduct

HB 4334 - Pen Cd-Police and Fire

HB 4335 - Property Tax-Veterans-Spouse

HB 4336 - Public Safety-Various-Pensions

HB 4339 - Local Records-Police Scanners

HB 4340 - Crim Cd-Grooming & Human Traffic (No Position)

HB 4342 - RTA/PACE Recovery Ratio (No Position)

*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. 

A complete list of ISACo tracked bills is available within our bill tracking system. 

ISACo's Legislative Agenda for 2024

On December 14, 2023, ISACo's Board of Directors approved the Association's 2024 Legislative Agenda, also referred to as ISACo's Illinois County Action Program (ICAP). The Board also approved the 2024 County Platform.

The ICAP includes several proactive proposals that ISACo staff will actively pursue in 2024. These proposals can be viewed by clicking on the image below:

The County Platform includes the core tenants of the Association as well as several policy statements that will guide ISACo staff when analyzing and taking positions on legislation introduced by other organizations and interest groups in 2024. The County Platform can be read by clicking on the image below:

Please click on this link to visit the webpage with information about ISACo's 2024 Legislative Agenda that includes the County Platform, position statements on proactive ISACo legislation and the document that summarizes each ISACo initiative. 

ISACo's 2024 Policy Committee Application Form Now Available

Join an ISACo Policy Committee and help shape the Association's legislative advocacy efforts. Meetings are held virtually and committees will meet four times per year unless committee members desire to meet more frequently. Service on an ISACo Policy Committee is contingent upon the county being a member of ISACo or the applicant being a member of an affiliated association. 

We encourage your participation and look forward to your contribution toward the betterment of county government in Illinois. The form is available via this link. 

Paid Leave for All Workers Act Webinars
 
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is hosting webinars about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act. The next webinar is Thursday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m. CST, with an additional webinar being held Thursday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m. CST. More information, including a previously recorded webinar and links to register, is available via this link.
 
IDOL is in the process of preparing additional guidance and resources to educate employers and employees about the Act. Individuals with questions or comments may contact IDOL by email at DOL.PaidLeave@illinois.gov.
 
Beginning January 1, 2024, employers are required to post a physical notice on the premises where other notices are posted that summarizes the Act and includes information about filing a complaint. An electronic copy of this IDOL notice is available via this link.

An ISACo resource page with information about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act is available via this link. 

Registration Open for NACo Legislative Conference

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference will be held from February 10-13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and our residents.

Attendees have the opportunity to engage in second-to-none policy sessions, meet the members of Congress and interact with federal agency officials.

This is a one-of-a-kind advocacy opportunity to strengthen our intergovernmental partnerships for years to come.

Registration information is available via this link.

ISACo and the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) will host a reception and dinner for conference attendees from Illinois. The dinner will be on the evening of Saturday, February 10 at the National Press Club. Additional information will be provided at a later date.

Local Tax Allocation Division (LTAD Quarterly) January Newsletter Available

The January 2024 edition of the Local Tax Allocation Division (LTAD Quarterly) Newsletter through the Illinois Department of Revenue is now available via this link. 

Migrant Response Update

On January 3, 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) reported that the State of Illinois is making progress on a data-driven approach to improve the migrant response with a new intake center and shelter site set to launch this month. The State is also announcing another extension of its food services contract at City of Chicago shelter sites to allow the City additional time to complete its procurement. 

The press release is available via this link. 

Increased Illinois Census Numbers

On January 3, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker announced that the United States Census Bureau approved the state's request to have nearly 47,000 Illinoisans included in future population estimates. The review, which was requested following concerns about inaccurately low counts in certain areas, ensures the state will receive a proportionate share of the $675 billion in annual funds distributed to states each year.

The press release is available via this link. 

New Director Appointee Announced for Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

On January 3, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker announced that, following a national search, he is appointing youth justice and child welfare expert Heidi Mueller as the next Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) pending Senate approval. Mueller currently serves as Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), where she has been recognized for her nation-leading reform work and advocacy on behalf of young people. Robert Vickery, currently Deputy Director of Programs at DJJ, will serve as interim director of that agency while a search is conducted for Mueller's permanent replacement.

The press release is available via this link. 

State Health Assessment Delivered to General Assembly

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) delivered the final versions of the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and the State Health Assessment (SHA) to the Illinois General Assembly. The documents were delivered ahead of the statutory December 31, 2023, deadline and together form the basis of Healthy Illinois 2028, a five-year plan to address major public health concerns and improve the overall wellbeing of Illinoisans.

The State Health Assessment identified five major priorities to be addressed over the next five years. The Plan lays out goals for addressing those priorities. The documents were developed with the input and participation of dozens of public health and health experts, including advocates from the public and private sectors across the state.

The press release is available via this link. 

Jobs Up in Most Metro Areas in November

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas and decreased in four for the year ending November 2023, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decreased in three.

The press release is available via this link. 

Remember to Bookmark Getting Around Illinois.com

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions. Weather can change quickly in Illinois, so whether you’re driving a short distance or several miles, GettingAroundIllinois.com is an essential resource to keep you updated 24/7/365 on road conditions throughout the state all winter long.

The press release is available via this link.

Respiratory Viruses Circulating Widely

As Illinois’ overall respiratory illness level has increased from moderate to high in the past week and more than half the counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to stay up-to-date on all respiratory illness vaccines and to stay home and seek treatment if sick. This health guidance is being offered as seasonal respiratory viruses - including COVID-19, flu and RSV - are circulating widely and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that 61 Illinois counties are at either high or medium level for COVID-19 hospital admissions, according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker, as of the week ending December 23.

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Illinois Schools Face Financial Cliff as Pandemic Aid Ends (Governing)

Illinois Among State Capitols Receiving Bomb Threats (WICS)

As Equal Credit Participation Grows in Illinois, Study Shows Gaps Widening (Capitol News Illinois)

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. 

Supercharge Documentation and Efficiency With AI

(Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

To be competitive, organizations must invest in staff and give them the tools to be effective. Counties are embracing advanced automation and emerging technology to support their workforce, resulting in lower turnover, increased revenue and better outcomes. In particular, the Bells AI documentation assistant can cut documentation by around 50%, reducing the burden on staff and supervisors. Join us for a webinar with Grace White, Chief Quality Officer, MHMR of Tarrant County, TX and Chris Yakscoe, Director, Bells AI, Netsmart for a focused conversation on Bells and advanced automation technology.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how:

1. AI technology can address workforce challenges including staff satisfaction, training, quality improvements, and more!
2. Automation leads to sustainability, including faster and more accurate claims and maximized reimbursements.
3. Counties have harnessed emerging technology to target barriers to care, while improving compliance and the bottom line––and creating a positive workplace culture for staff.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Building a Behavioral Health Continuum of Care: The Role of Elected Officials and I/DD Directors

(Thursday, January 11, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Counties play a critical role in supporting community members living with behavioral health conditions or experiencing a behavioral health crisis. To build an effective and robust behavioral health system, counties need strong leadership to promote dialogue in the community and implement programs and policies that benefit all residents. This webinar will highlight two local leadership roles: county elected officials and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) directors. Attendees will engage in a panel discussion with representatives of these roles to learn about how elected officials and I/DD directors can identify solutions and cultivate support for sustainable, accessible behavioral health care.

This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Development Disability Directors (NACBHDD). It is the first in a series of three webinars that will spotlight specific kinds of local leaders and how they can leverage their unique roles to advance behavioral health care.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Boosting Career Opportunities in Coal and Manufacturing Communities

(Wednesday, January 18, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

The flexibility of a county’s workforce is crucial for success. Learn how county initiatives promote professional growth and career transitions to strengthen the local job market. Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network and Counties for Career Success (C4CS) initiatives for this collaborative webinar that showcases successful programs in coal and manufacturing communities.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Transforming Communities: County-Level Solutions for Mental Health and System Challenges

(Monday, January 22, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Falcon is a behavioral health consulting and management firm that works to provide solutions for counties in the intersection between justice system and community care. Falcon provides expertise to counties to assess their systems of care and transform them to achieve better justice, public health, and safety outcomes.

This presentation will focus on the following topics:

• The Sequential Intercept Model to include the continuum of care in the community
• Necessary components of and process through the continuum of care
• Identifying and addressing the areas of vulnerability in your system of care
• Wellness for staff and clients across the continuum of care

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

First-Time Attendee Orientation

(Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Learn tips and tricks to maximize the value of your first NACo conference.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Coal Countries: Transition Strategies from Coal Communities Across the Globe

(Thursday, February 1, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Coal communities across the world share challenges. Learn transition strategies from local governments in England, India and Canada for how localities are navigating clean energy infrastructure, strengthening their economies and supporting the local workforce. Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network for this collaborate webinar with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 

This week's corporate partner spotlight highlights Public Surplus.

Public Surplus is an online auction platform that offers services to local government agencies. Their system was created with unique capabilities specifically for public agencies, making it much more than an auction site. 

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. 

To foster this new partnership, Public Surplus will be offering a 20-minute webinar to interested individuals to learn more about Public Surplus. Participants will be guided on how to register, or re-register a new account. 

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

*Please note, if you already use a Public Surplus account, you must re-register in order for ISACo to receive a portion of the sale. ISACo thanks you for your support!

Sign up or re-register your Public Surplus Account 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!