This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes links to several ISACo-tracked bills scheduled for committee hearings this week, shares a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast, announces a grant opportunity to fund Energy Efficiency Assessments in areas of Environmental Justice Concern, reports on the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, shares information about Illinois Soundstage Capital Grants received in the state, announces loan applications are open for Licensed Social Equity Cannabis Dispensaries, highlights Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Workshops that are available during the month of March, shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, provides current CD and Treasury Rates via ISACo corporate partner IPRIME, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner UnitedHealthcare and invites counties to join ISACo.

List of Tracked Bills in Committee

The following ISACo-tracked bills are posted for possible committee hearings this week. If there is no position listed then the bill is still under review by staff. In some cases, initial ISACo positions may be changed in the future. A complete list of ISACo tracked bills is available via this link.

HB 1389 - Obstruct Justice-Body Cameras (Support)

HB 2099 - Food Truck Freedom Act (Oppose)

HB 2470 - Low-Income Broadband Program (Support)

HB 3306 - Local Zoning-Manufactured Home (Oppose)

HB 3548 - Veh Cd-Non-Highway Vehicles

HB 3904 - Local Official Vacancy Posting (Oppose)

HB 4326 - Veh Cd-Non-Highway Vehicles

HB 4418 - Government Contract Retainage (Oppose)

HB 4440 - Counties Code-Diversity Goals (Support) (ISACo Initiative) 

HB 4441 – Local & School Contracting Goals (Support)

HB 4529 - Notice of Police Misconduct (Support)

HB 4551 - County Cd-Wind & Solar Facilities

HB 4569 - Coroners-Forensic Pathologists (Support)

HB 4612 - Counties Code-Wind Facilities (Support)

SB 2781 - Forests-Wetlands-Prairies (Support)

SB 3309 - Veh Cd-Bike Trail Signage

SB 3350 - Fentanyl Test Strips (Support)

SB 3405 - Counties Problem Solving Court (Support)

SB 3538 - Loc First Responder Insurance (Oppose)

SB 3597 - Counties Cd-Borrowing Money (Support)

SB 3608 - Local Reg-State Facilities (Oppose)

SB 3680 - Local Crime-Free Housing Ord (Oppose)

SB 3735 - Personnel Records Review (Oppose)

*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. 

Counties Count! Podcast New Episode Now Available

Episode 3 - A Conversation with Executive Director Joe McCoy - is now available by clicking on the image below.

This episode discusses the Governor's combined State of the State and Budget Address, opportunities to shape state and federal policy affecting counties by participating on one of ISACo's seven policy committees and the February NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. 

Also available in the Apple App Store and on Spotify.

Grant Opportunity to Fund Energy Efficiency Assessments

On March 1, 2024, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the Energy Efficiency Assessment Grant Program, with up to $500,000 in total funding available to public housing authorities, units of local governments (municipalities, counties or townships) or nonprofit organizations for energy efficiency assessments at single-family or duplex properties. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program will focus on properties serving residents receiving housing assistance and located in areas of environmental justice concern. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website.

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

Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan Available

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the Illinois Power Agency's (IPA) 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (LTRRPP) last week, authorizing over $1.1 billion to procure new renewable generation in Illinois over the next two years. The procurement encourages investment in both utility-scale and community solar, utility-scale wind, hydropower and other clean energy projects in Illinois. The Commission is required by statute to review the LTRRPP every two years.

The press release is available via this link. 

$10 Million in Illinois Soundstage Capital Grants

On February 28, 2024, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $10 million in grant funding for local film studio infrastructure projects through the Illinois Soundstage Program. This grant funding will support the state's continued efforts to position Illinois as a leading production center in North America and help diversify the film industry outside of Chicago, all while boosting economic and workforce development across the state. The Fields Studios ($5 million), located in Chicago, Fresh Films ($3.8 million) in Rock Island and Flyover Studios ($1.1 million) in Champaign have all been awarded funding through this program.

The press release is available via this link. 

Loan Applications Open for Licensed Social Equity Cannabis Dispensaries

On February 29, 2024, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that applications for Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program are open. Through the program, $12 million is available through Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) fully financed by the State. Loan amounts, up to $240,000, will be provided to qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries.

The press release is available via this link.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Workshops Available

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is hosting free virtual workshops in March as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited.

March workshop dates and topics:

• March 5, 10 a.m. to noon: Job Costing and Work-In-Process
• March 7, 10 a.m. to noon: Overhead Rate Calculation - Construction and Professional Services, Part 1
• March 12, 10 a.m. to noon: The Benefits of Using Accounting Software
• March 14, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks - Part 1, 2 and 3 Q&A
• March 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Construction
• March 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Professional Services
• March 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Suppliers
• March 28, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Trucking

The press release is available via this link.

What We're Reading

As They Buy Tech, Cities Want Mobile Systems That Perform Multiple Tasks in All Kinds of Settings (Governing)

Illinois DCFS Leaders, Advocates Share Recent Growth, Potential Solutions for Foster System (WAND)

Statewide Tornado Drill Slated for Illinois Next Week. Here's What to Know (Chicago 5)

U.S. Health Officials Drop 5-day Isolation Time for COVID-19 (WCIA)

Current CD and Treasury Rates Provided by IPRIME

The following rates provided by ISACo corporate partner IPRIME are current as of March 3, 2024. Please click on the image below to review the rates. 

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. 

Unlock the Power of CJCCs: Getting Started, What You Need to Know

(Monday, March 11, 2024, 1:30pm-3:00pm CST)

Uniting key stakeholders from government, criminal justice and the community, Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (CJCC) offer an effective way to improve your local justice system. Learn the essential elements of establishing and strengthening CJCCs, the driving force behind successful criminal justice efforts in leading counties. Whether you're looking to create a CJCC from scratch or enhance an existing one, discover the invaluable insights needed to make your county's justice system more efficient, fair and just.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Five Keys to Enhancing Civic Engagement: Meeting Diverse Community Needs with 21st-Century Solutions

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

With only 41% of citizens satisfied with their government’s information-sharing practices and the needs of communities becoming more diverse, civic engagement can be a huge challenge. Luckily, there is a modern approach.

During this webinar, they’ll unpack 5 actionable steps to enhance civic engagement. The communities around the country that are employing these keys are experiencing an engaged community like never before.

Webinar Agenda:

Civic engagement statistics
5 keys to enhance your civic engagement
Success stories from your peers

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.

From Care to Productivity: Leveraging Mental Health

(Thursday, March 14, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

County elected officials and staff are essential frontline service providers, especially during challenging times. This webinar offers vital training from the National Council on Mental Wellbeing’s Mental Health First Aid at Work program. Participants will gain actionable strategies for recognizing and addressing mental health concerns in the workplace, identifying team members grappling with mental health or substance abuse issues, and fostering a supportive organizational culture that prioritizes wellbeing.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

County Strategies Supporting Older Adults and Their Caregivers

(Monday, March 18, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Caregivers provide care every day to the growing aging population in communities across the nation. They also fill the ever-growing gaps in the direct care workforce and help older adults age in place. County leaders are shifting their systems and implementing service delivery approaches to expand caregiver access to services and supports. Join NACo and the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) to learn more about the new Action Guide for counties, how counties can leverage the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers and innovative programs at the local level to support family caregivers and increase their access to county-based services.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

THERE FOR WHAT MATTERS™

The mission of UnitedHealthcare is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. UHC dedicates itself to this every day for our members by being there for what matters in moments big and small — from their earliest days, to their working years and through retirement.

Across the United States, UHC offers health benefit plans for all ages, all lifestyles and all kinds of budgets — including member programs for individuals and families, people with health insurance through work, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

They work with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals and over 6,700 hospitals and care facilities nationwide. Together, they work to provide more people with access to quality care when and where they need it.

CREATING A BETTER HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE

UnitedHealthcare believes that when it comes to your health, everything matters. That’s why they are constantly working to improve the health care experience and make it deliver for the needs of everyone.

They know health care can be complicated, so they work to make it simpler — for patients as well as providers. Streamlining processes and providing answers helps make coverage easier to understand and use.

UHC believes everyone deserves quality health coverage they can afford. So they provide coverage options designed to fit all kinds of budgets, and always look for ways to take costs out of the system to improve affordability and access for all.

They focus on serving the individual, offering access to quality care, personalized solutions and support for every step of the way.

Click here to learn more about UnitedHealthcare.

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