This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter provides information about Governor JB Pritzker's combined State of the State and State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 Budget Address, links to newly tracked bills, highlights the State of Illinois' 2023 Gaming Revenue, shares a Second Funding Opportunity for the Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), provides information about the new Director for the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), highlights the Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance that's available to qualified Illinoians, reports on $18 million in grant funding received through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, reports that Illinois transit providers are receiving new paratransit vehicles, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Public Surplus and invites counties to join ISACo.

Governor Pritzker Delivers State of the State/SFY 2025 Budget Address 

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker delivered his combined State of the State and State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025 Budget Address to a joint session of the Illinois House and Senate. The Governor's SFY 2025 budget proposes $52.933 billion in state revenues and $52.695 billion in state spending. This represents an increase of $752 million (2 percent) in spending over SFY 2024 estimated spending.

More information is available via this link. 

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 4804 - Unplanned Water Supply Disrupt (No Position)

HB 4805 - Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban (No Position)

HB 4808 - EPA-Water-Regionalization

HB 4809 - Finance-Public Works-Land

HB 4815 - IEMA-OHS-Grant Programs (No Position)

HB 4816 - Pretrial Success-Grants (Support)

HB 4820 - Pen Cd-Felony Forfeiture (No Position)

HB 4823 - $IDPH-Local Health Prot Grants (Support)

HB 4824 - Medicaid-Birth Center Rates (No Position)

HB 4827 - Elec Cd-Protect Election Judge (Support)

HB 4828 - Isolated Confinement Restrict

HB 4830 - Ins-Replace Missing Teeth (No Position)

HB 4831 - Single-Use Plastic (No Position)

HB 4834 - Crim Id-Sealing-One Year

HB 4839 - Illinois Native Landscapes Act

HB 4848 - Veh Cd-Load Covers

HB 4849 - Restore LGDF (Support)

HB 4851 - Second Chance Act

HB 4852 - Community Protection Act (No Position)

HB 4856 - Sexual Assault Evidence-Notify (No Position)

HB 4857 - Distressed Farmers Act (No Position)

HB 4860 - Vehicle Sale/Use & Emissions (No Position)

HB 4864 - Inc Tax-Manufacturing (No Position)

HB 4865 - Landlord-Tenant Fees (No Position)

HB 4873 - Pen Cd-Various

HB 4877 - Aggravated Fleeing Peace Ofcr (No Position)

HB 4881 - EPA-Open Burning (No Position)

HB 4883 - DNR Land Transfer-Will County (No Position)

HB 4884 - Guardianship-Dis Adults (No Position)

HB 4885 - Protection Order-Hardships (No Position)

HB 4887 - $Local Health Dept Funding (Support)

HB 4892 - Elec Cd-Ranked-Choice Voting (No Position)

HB 4898 - Remote Meetings-Severe Weather (Support)

HB 4906 - Biodiesel Usage Incentive

HB 4909 - Build Illinois Homes Act (No Position)

HB 4912 - Human Services-Equitable Pay (No Position)

HB 4914 - Equal Pay Act-Pay Scale

HB 4915 - County Transportation Revenue

HB 4921 - Home Equity Assurance-Loans

HB 4923 - DHFS-Medical-Legal Partnership (No Position)

HB 4929 - Ins Cd-Gym Membership

HB 4937 - Local Museum-Teacher Admission

HB 4942 - Counties Cd-Coroner Reports

HB 4943 - Motor Fuel Tax-Distribution

HB 4944 - Paid Leave for All-Employee (No Position)

HB 4946 – Counties & Muni Codes-Littering (Support)

HB 4951 - Neighborhood Concert Tax

HB 4958 - $DCEO-Child Care (No Position)

HB 4959 - Creative Economy Task Force (No Position)

HB 4969 - EMS-Statewide Suspension

HB 4973 - Property Tax-Notice Compliance (No Position)

HB 4975 - DHS-Gambling Disorders (No Position)

HB 4977 - DHFS-Inpatient Stabilization

HB 4978 - DHFS-Extended Hosp Stays (No Position)

HB 4983 - Pen Cd-IMRF-Return to Service (No Position)

HB 4987 - USE/OCC Tx-Food

HB 4991 - Building Codes-Energy

HB 4993 - Vital Records-Death Notice (No Position)

HB 4995 - TIF Districts-Referendum

SB 2951 - Public Official-Continuing Ed

SB 2954 - Property Tax-Veterans (No Position)

SB 2955 - Property Tax-Hospitals

SB 2964 - Coroner-Fentanyl Poisoning

SB 2969 - EPA-Greenhouse Gases (No Position)

SB 2970 - Energy-Generation Task Force (No Position)

SB 2971 - DCFS-Police/Security-Repeal (No Position)

SB 2972 - Prescribed Burning-Liability (No Position)

SB 2974 - Property Tax-Attached Property

SB 2983 - Elec Cd-Deception or Forgery (No Position)

SB 2989 - Multi-Story Housing-Accessible

SB 2995 - School Cd-Property Tax Relief

SB 2996 - Property Tax-Veterans

SB 2997 - Property Tax-Taxing District Lease

SB 2998 - Inc Tax-Recycling Programs (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. 

Illinois Gaming Board Reported $1.5 Billion in Gaming Revenue for 2023

At the Illinois Gaming Board’s first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue from Illinois’ 15 licensed casinos, more than 46,000 video gaming terminals and 13 sports wagering operators statewide in 2023.

Total revenue from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023:
State taxes - $1,307,113,715
Local taxes - $243,253,726
Total taxes - $1,550,367,441

The press release is available via this link. 

Second Funding Opportunity for the Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (IEPA) Office of Energy announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities.

Information on how to apply and the press release is available via this link.

Mary Killough Appointed New Director of Illinois Department on Aging

On February 13, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Mary Killough, a lifelong advocate for seniors, as the next director of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), pending Senate confirmation. Killough currently serves as Vice President of Operations and Government Relations for AccentCare, a national leader in home health and hospice services. She previously served as Deputy Director of IDoA from 2011-2015. Killough, a licensed attorney, has over 30 years of experience serving Illinois’ senior population.

Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance Available

County officials may want to share with their constituents that free income tax preparation is available through several trusted programs across Illinois for qualifying taxpayers needing assistance filing their 2023 income taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) Foundation Tax-Aide Program, and the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program (TAP), provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide.

The press release and information on how to apply is available via this link.

$18 Million in Grant Funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

On February 15, 2024, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded over $18 million in funding to 36 recipients, serving 1,700 community members statewide, to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades.

The press release and list of recipients is available via this link.

Illinois Transit Providers Receiving New Paratransit Vehicles

On February 15, 2024, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers through its Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, helping to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options in communities large and small throughout the state. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The press release is available via this link.

What We're Reading

Last Day for Illinoisans to Register to Vote Before Grace Period (WCIA)

Illinois Bill Looks to Raise Estate Tax Threshold (WGEM)

Illinois Secretary of State Pushes for Lobbyist Ethics, Compensation Reporting Reforms (WCIA)

With Influx of State and Federal Funding, Illinois Looks to Add Enough Chargers to Support 1 Million EVs (Capitol News Illinois)

JB Pritzker and Toni Preckwinkle Will Seek $250 Million More to Alleviate Chicago’s Migrant Crisis (WBEZ)

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. 

Get The Most Out of Your NACo Deferred Comp. Program: New Enhancements and Digital Features

(Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

It's time to go digital with your plan's payroll submission processes. Please join NACo to learn more about their digital payroll and plan administration tools, as Nationwide Retirement Solutions moves to a more digital and efficient process that delivers simplicity and extraordinary care.

In this session you'll learn:

- How FastPay makes submitting payroll and census data faster and easier; offering four submission methods, FastPay is designed to save you time and secure participant information

- A new feature, Task Center! Task Center is a digital workflow platform located right on the Plan Sponsor website, streamlining your administrative processes to save you time and drive efficiency; Task Center now offers digital payroll change notices to ensure these notices are delivered to you in a timely manner.

This session is geared towards payroll specialists, HR roles, clerks, and other employee benefit professionals.

Complete this form in advance of the webinar to begin your digital plan administration journey today.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Collaborative Governance for Delivery of Successful Human Services

(Thursday, February 29, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Join NACo’s Technology Xchange initiatives for this collaborative webinar that showcases successful programs in Human Services

The webinar will focus on the use of collaborative governance to improve the outcomes and efficiency of county human service delivery. Collaborative governance provides a structure to support the coordinated delivery of services, bridging the spectrum of health, human and social services, for individuals with intellectual, mental health and/or physical disabilities and children and families involved in the child welfare system. Specific examples will be provided of collaborative governance structures and how those structures have resulted in improved outcomes for individuals and families. Research on the concept will also be discussed.

Audience Key Takeaways

1. Gain a basic understanding of the concept of collaborative governance.

2. Gain a basic understanding of the research supporting the concept of collaborative governance.

3. Understand how the use of cross system data and communication can help to address current barriers in county human services.

4.Learn more about implementation successes in a county delivered human social services system.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

How Franklin County Ohio Modernized Government Experiences (GX) For Staff and Residents Using Low/No

(Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Join NACo for an eye-opening webinar as they explore Franklin County, Ohio's journey to solving long-standing challenges. Uncover how they've embraced "Rapid Low-Code Application Development" to become faster and more collaborative and pave the way for smarter governance through iterative solutions.

During the webinar, you'll get to hear firsthand from the team that brought Quickbase to Franklin County. They'll share valuable insights on their collaborative approach, staying ahead in tech, effective prioritization strategies, and the exciting prospects ahead.

Plus, we’ll hear from Quickbase expert Jen Bensi to see some of the macro trends that are impacting government agencies around country and how Quickbase can digitize your public sector data and workflows without compromising your transparency, collaboration, and security.

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.

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 date: 

February 26, 2024, at 2:00pm CST (Please contact thomer@isacoil.org for the link)

Become an ISACo Member!