This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes links to several ISACo-tracked bills scheduled for House and Senate Committee hearings this week, reports on ISACo-tracked bills approved by committees last week, provides an update about ISACo procurement legislation approved by a House Committee last week, makes counties aware of a Paid Leave for All Workers Act webinar opportunity, shares information about available grant funding through the Innovation Voucher Program, announces a funding opportunity for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, reports on two funding opportunities for Watershed Management Projects, includes information on available funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program, links to the Counties Count! Podcast interview with House Counties and Townships Chairman Curtis Tarver, 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 Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP and invites counties to join ISACo.

Tracked Bills in Committee

The following ISACo-tracked bills for which ISACo has a position are posted for possible House and Senate Committee hearings this week. 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 3763 - Personnel Record Review (Oppose)

HB 3777 - Crim Cd-First Responder (Support)

HB 3904 - Local Official Vacancy Posting (Oppose)

HB 4037 - Counties Cd-Solar & Wind Energy (Support)

HB 4182 - Construction Safe Detour Act (Support)

HB 4213 - Local-Accessory Dwelling Units (Oppose)

HB 4347 - Blockchain/BIPA-Prohibitions (Oppose)

HB 4418 - Government Contract Retainage (Oppose)

HB 4441 - Local & School Contracting Goals (Support)

HB 4529 - Notice of Police Misconduct (Support)

HB 4569 - Coroners-Forensic Pathologists (Support)

HB 4602 - One Day of Rest-Various (Oppose)

HB 4612 - Counties Code-Wind Facilities (Support)

HB 4715 - Unmanned Aircraft Regulation (Support)

HB 4722 - Priv Party-Vehicle Relocation (Oppose)

HB 4737 - Joint Purchasing-Ranking (Support)

HB 4752 - EPA-Lead Pipe-Timeline Extension (Support)

HB 4753 - Case Review-Homicide Victims (Oppose)

HB 4792 - Closed-Loop Well Setbacks (Oppose)

HB 4804 - Unplanned Water Supply Disrupt (Support)

HB 4815 - IEMA-OHS-Grant Programs (Support)

HB 4839 - Illinois Native Landscapes Act (Oppose)

HB 4860 - Vehicle Sale/Use & Emissions (Oppose)

HB 4892 - Elec Cd-Ranked-Choice Voting (Oppose)

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

HB 5049 - Nonpublic Forum Regulation Act (Support)

HB 5053 - Veh Cd-Street Racing/Sideshows (Support)

HB 5119 - Street Lights-Led Lighting (Oppose)

HB 5133 - County Co-Responder Units (Support)

HB 5195 - Elec Cd-Prohibit Ranked Choice (Oppose)

HB 5233 - Veh Cd-Weight Limit Exemption (Oppose)

HB 5255 - Fleeing-Attempt Elude Officer (Support)

HB 5297 - Resilient Illinois Loan Fund (Support)

HB 5300 - Wage Payment-Pay Stubs (Oppose)

HB 5362 - Elevator-Temporary Certificate (Support)

HB 5436 - Freedom To Ride Act (Support)

HB 5600 - County Automated Weight Control (Support)

HB 5623 - Loc Gov Efficiency Committee (Support)

HB 5624 - Open Meetings Act-Exceptions (Support)

SB 2876 - Environment and Conservation (Oppose)

SB 3173 - County/Muni-Broadband Projects (Support)

*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. 

Tracked Bills Approved by Committees

The following ISACo-tracked bills were approved by House and Senate Committees last week.

HB 4109 - Line of Duty Comp-Volunteers (Under Review)

HB 4144 - Public Water Supply Disruption (Opposed)

HB 4180 - Insurance-Diagnostic Mammogram (No Position)

HB 4409 - Crime Reduction-Adult Redeploy (No Position)

HB 4440 - CountiesCode-Diversity Goals (ISACo Initiative) 

HB 4500 - Unlawful Possession Weapons (No Position)

HB 4590 - Animal Adoption-Fee Waiver (Support)

HB 4776 - Juvenile Court-Sentencing (No Position)

HB 4942 - Counties Code-Coroner Reports (Under Review)

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

HB 5027 - Nursing Homes-Directory (No Position)

HB 5083 - Public Benefits-Mental Health (No Position)

HB 5142 - Pregnancy/Postpartum Care (No Position)

HB 5368 - Police Training-Hate Crimes (No Position)

HB 5427 - Police Training-Waiver (No Position)

HB 5543 - Township Code-Police Protection (No Position)

HB 5089 -  Labor Relations-PD Supervisor (No Position)

HB 5287 - Counties Code-Officer Stipends (Under Review)

HB 5371 - Human Rights-Various (No Position)

HB 5386 - Wetlands and Small Streams (No Position)

HB 5496 - Transport-South Suburban Airport (No Position)

HB 5561 - Whistleblower Act (Under Review)

SB 2617 - Cottage Food Operations (Under Review)

SB 2626 - Criminal ID Act-Expungement Filing (No Position)

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

SB 2641 - Network Adequacy-Specialists (Under Review)

SB 2643 - Integrity in Death Care Act (Under Review)

SB 2697 - Insurance Code-Cancer-Genetic Testing (No Position)

SB 2778 - Sheriff Department-Veteran Exam (No Position)

SB 2878 - Property Tax-Senior Homestead Exemption (No Position)

SB 3116 - EMS/Officers-Cell Medical Info (Under Review)

SB 3134 - EMS-Statewide Suspension (No Position)

SB 3208 - Wage Payment-Pay Stubs (Opposed)

SB 3309 - Vehicle Code-Bike Trail Signage (Under Review)

SB 3350 - Fentanyl Test Strips (Support)

SB 3414 - Insurance-Continuous Glucose Monitor (No Position)

SB 3426 - Revenue-Various (Under Review)

SB 3429 - Sanitary District-Disconnection (No Position)

SB 3434 - IEMA-OHS-Grant Programs (No Position)

SB 3455 - IDOR-Property Tax Study (Support)

SB 3475 - Hotel Tax-Deposits (Under Review)

SB 3559 - Anti-Retaliation Nursing Homes (No Position)

SB 3597 - Counties Code-Borrowing Money (Support)

SB 3648 - Community Emergency Services and Support (No Position)

SB 3775 - Vehicle Code - Various (No Position)

ISACo Procurement Legislation Approved by Committee

On Thursday, March 14, ISACo Legislative Advocacy and Research Manager Nekya Hall testified in support of HB 4440 sponsored by Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest) before the House Counties and Townships Committee. This ISACo initiative would clarify that counties have authority to set procurement goals for the county's contracts with women, minorities and persons with disabilities. The bill is permissive and not mandatory. The following is excerpted from ISACo's testimony:

The Illinois Counties Code does not have clear language authorizing county boards to establish goals for the procurement of goods and services that promote and encourage the participation of minority-owned and operated businesses, women-owned and operated businesses and businesses owned and operated by persons with disabilities.

The lack of such language creates uncertainty over whether a county can establish these goals within their procurement policies. Consequently, counties are unable to adjust their existing procurement policies to achieve more diversity in the contractual services they obtain from businesses.

The House Counties and Townships Committee voted in favor of allowing the bill to the House floor with the understanding that ISACo will work with interested parties to address any concerns. Any subsequent amended language will be returned to the Committee for consideration. 

ISACo thanks Representative Davis for his sponsorship of this ISACo initiative and Committee Chairman Tarver (D-Chicago) for his encouragement and support of further discussions. 

ISACo's Position Statement for HB 4440 is available via this link.

Paid Leave for All Workers Act Webinar Opportunity 
 
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is hosting a webinar about the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA). The webinar will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. CST. More information, including a previously recorded webinar and links to register, is available via this link. Individuals with questions or comments may contact IDOL by email at DOL.PaidLeave@illinois.gov.

Beginning January 1, 2024, employers must 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.

Three Million Innovation Voucher Program

On March 13, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $3 million in available grant funding through the Innovation Voucher Program. Innovation Vouchers will provide grants for companies to engage in research projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education, ultimately leading to the commercialization of new Illinois-based products and stimulating economic growth in the state. Grantees will be selected through a competitive application process.

The press release is available via this link.

Funding Opportunity for EV Charging Stations Opens

On March 13, 2024, the Illinois Department of Transportation released the first official Notice of Funding Opportunity for Round One of the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide up to $50 million for the construction of 46 charging stations across the state.

The press release is available via this link. 

Two Funding Opportunities for Watershed Management Projects 

On March 13, 2024, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced a total of $4.75 million in funding through the release of two Section 319(h) Grant Program Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to address nonpoint source pollution. Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for watershed-based planning projects and watershed-based plan implementation projects to prevent, eliminate or reduce water quality impairments to Illinois’ surface and groundwater resources.

The press release is available via this link.

Five Million in Funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program Available

On March 14, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness and is an extension of the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

The press release is available via this link. 

Counties Count! Podcast - Interview with Representative Tarver

Episode 4 - A Conversation featuring Illinois State Representative Curtis J. Tarver (D-Chicago) 25th District - is now available by clicking on the image below.

This episode discusses Representative Tarver's background, his personal experience working in the state legislature and what he's learned so far as the Chairman of the County and Townships Committee. 

Also available in the Apple App Store and on Spotify.

What We're Reading

Illinois Counties Defend Property Tax Sales Practice (Crain's Chicago Business)

Illinois Treasurer's Office Returns Nearly $20m in Missing Funds in February (WICS)

White House Hopes Senate Takes ‘Swift Action’ on TikTok Bill (The Hill)

With Recession Fears Subsiding, New State Economic Forecast Expects ‘Firm but Steady Growth (Capitol News Illinois)

Current CD and Treasury Rates Provided by IPRIME

The following rates provided by ISACo corporate partner IPRIME are current as of March 18, 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. 

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. 

Embracing Financial Innovation: Empowering Beaufort County's Treasurer's Department

(Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Join NACo for an insightful webinar as they delve into the cutting-edge financial strategies employed by Maria Walls, Treasurer of Beaufort County, SC. Discover how she is transforming fiscal management with the support of the cashVest program.

In this interactive session, Treasurer Walls will share her experiences and success stories in leveraging data to optimize the county's liquidity, maximize returns, and enhance overall financial performance. Learn about the strategic decisions made possible by this unique program that has generated over $12 million dollars for her community in the last 12 months alone!

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Demystifying Student Debt Forgiveness for County Employees

(Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Did you know that it is highly-likely that many of your county employees qualify for this new student debt forgiveness that seems to be dominating the headlines?

The real question is: are they aware of it? Are they maximizing their student debt forgiveness?

With new student loan payments coming back late in 2023, many are scrambling to find ways to cover student debt payments that have been paused for over 3 years! With 150+ debt relief programs out there and different qualification requirements for each, the process remains extremely confusing and cumbersome.

Please join NACo as they speak with student debt forgiveness expert Tony Raffa who will clear up much of the confusion out there as we cover:

Overview of current student debt relief programs and who is eligible.
Common issues with applying for and receiving student debt forgiveness
Upcoming deadlines that those with student debt need to be aware of
A new tool available to help your employees calculate their potential student debt relief and cut through the red tape when applying.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Insights from the Reaching Rural Initiative - Navigating Leadership, Innovation and Community Impact

(Thursday, March 27, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

The Reaching Rural Initiative brings together rural practitioners from different professional backgrounds to advance solutions to address the persistent challenges of substance use in their communities. Over the last year, Reaching Rural fellows convened, received coaching and participated in skill-building workshops to help them improve outcomes in their home communities. This webinar will highlight key insights gleaned from county elected officials who joined Reaching Rural and charted their course for continued progress in addressing substance use.

Hear how the lessons learned from 2023 Reaching Rural Fellows can be adapted within other rural communities to more effectively address substance use disorder. This webinar is hosted by NACo and its partners at the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR). The Reaching Rural Initiative is co-sponsored by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Justice Institute.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Insights from the Reaching Rural Initiative - Navigating Leadership, Innovation and Community Impact

(Thursday, March 28, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo’s Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) National Network for a learning session focused on the benefits and challenges of solar energy innovation in coal communities.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP is the largest law firm in the nation dedicated exclusively to collecting governmental debt. Last year we managed more than $10 billion in delinquencies on behalf of more than 2,400 governmental entities. Our collection programs are custom tailored using the latest technology and guided by the highest legal and ethical standards.

In addition to standard collection services, our unique data analysis technology gives us the ability to identify potential receivables such as erroneous homestead exemptions.

Linebarger’s Chicago office provides comprehensive collection services to cities across Illinois including Chicago, Waukegan, Joliet and Springfield, as well as the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Click here to visit their website.

Click here for information about our corporate partner program.

Become an ISACo Member!