This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes key remaining session dates, links to several ISACo-tracked bills scheduled for committee hearings this week and bills approved by committees during the prior week, announces Made in Illinois grant awards, reports on the state of Illinois' Covid-19 After Action Report and Playbook, highlights the state's increase in international tourism in 2023, shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, provides current CD and Treasury Rates via ISACo corporate partner IPRIME, congratulates NACo Leadership Academy graduates from Illinois, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner UnitedHealthcare and invites counties to join ISACo.

Remaining Session Schedule

The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on Friday, May 24. Additional session days (May 25-31) are included on the calendar as "budget hold days" for the event they are needed. 

The deadline for Third Readings of Senate Bills in the House and House Bills in the Senate is Friday, May 17.

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 1287 - Prop Tx-Descriptions (No Position)

HB 2161 - Unlawful Discrimination-Family (No Position)

HB 3288 - DCEO-Regional Manufacturing (No Position)

HB 4127 - Cd Corr-Reentry Prgm-Reimburse (Support)

HB 4144 - Public Water Supply Disruption (Oppose)

HB 4179 - Emergency Service Dist-Various (Support)

HB 4224 - Library-Bond Percentage (No Position)

HB 4255 - Veh Cd-Tow Truck Lights (No Position)

HB 4489 - Bike/Pedestrian Path Funding (ISACo Initiative)

HB 4500 - Unlawful Possession Weapons (No Position)

HB 4722 - Priv Party-Vehicle Relocation (No Position)

HB 4750 - Prop Tx-Tax Bill Information (Oppose)

HB 4816 - Pretrial Success-Grants (Support)

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

HB 5189 - Veh Cd-Reports-Rail Fatalities (No Position)

HB 5411 - Veh Cd-Various (No Position)

HB 5515 - Revenue-Motor Fuel (Support)

HB 5545 - Revenue-Megaprojects (No Position)

HB 5574 - Hwy Cd-Impact Fee-Repeal (Support)

HB 5650 - ICJIA-Community Violence (Support)

SB 0692 - Interjurisdictional Industrial Zoning Impacts Task Force (Support)

SB 2371 - County Employee-Managerial (No Position)

SB 2703 - Prop Tx-Historic Residence (No Position)

SB 2878 - Prop Tx-Senior Homestead Exmpt (No Position)

SB 3476 - Use/Occ Tx-Meals (No Position)

SB 3713 - Crime Victims Comp Act (No Position)

SB 3723 - Nursing Facility-Residency (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. 

Tracked Bills Approved by Committees Last Week

HB 2385 - Ins-Colonoscopy Coverage (No Position)

HB 3763 - Personnel Record Review (No Position)

HB 3773 - Limit Predictive Analytics (No Position)

HB 3886 - IDPH-Public Health Emergencies (No Position)

HB 4180 - Insurance-Diagnostic Mammogram (No Position)

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

HB 4590 - Animal Adoption-Fee Waiver (Support)

HB 4621 - Statewide Office of Pretrial Services (No Position)

HB 4715 - Unmanned Aircraft Regulation (Support)

HB 4804 - Unplanned Water Supply Disruption (Support)

HB 4848 - Vehicle Code-Load Covers (No Position)

HB 4942 - Counties Code-Coroner Reports (No Position)

HB 4959 - Creative Economy Task Force (No Position)

HB 5085 - EMS Act Training and Curriculum (No Position)

HB 5095 - Nursing Home-Discharge (No Position)

HB 5128 - EMS Telephone-Board Members (No Position)

HB 5138 - IDOT-Studies-Local Governments (Support)

HB 5258 - Ins-Dependent Parent Coverage (No Position)

HB 5431 - Pregnant Prisoners-Restraints (Support)

HB 5546 - Julie-Positive Response System (No Position)

HB 5643 - Ins-Pregnancy Tests (No Position)

SB 1102 - Shelby County Rescue Squad (Support)

SB 2651 - Counties-Preserve Landmarks and Expanded Leasing Authority (Support)

SB 2859 - Property Tax-Wastewater (No Position)

SB 2744 - Ins-Vaccine Administration Fee (No Position)

SB 2798 - Land Transfer-Monroe and Kane (No Position) 

SB 2849 - Unmanned Aircraft Regulation (Support)

SB 3091 - IDNR-Land Transfer-Will County (No Position)

SB 3201 - Police Training-Autism (No Position)

SB 3209 - Property Tax-Charitable Exemption (No Position)

SB 3389 - Regional Planning Act-CMAP (No Position)

SB 3455 - IDOR-Property Tax Study (No Position)

Made in Illinois Grant Program Awards

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) awarded $1.7 million in grant funding to 40 small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state through the Made in Illinois Grant Program.

The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to local Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing. IMEC served as grant administrator for this program.

The press release is available via this link. 

Illinois Releases COVID-19 After-Action Report and Playbook

The State of Illinois released a playbook detailing measures the state should take to prepare for future public health emergencies as well as recommendations for future administrations that may have to navigate public health crises.

The playbook was produced through a review of the impact of COVID-19 on Illinois residents, with a focus on health and human services outcomes; compiling lessons learned during the pandemic; and developing forward-looking recommendations to improve preparedness for future public health emergencies and non-emergency state operations.

The press release is available via this link. 

International Visitor Growth in Illinois for 2023

DCEO and the Office of Tourism are proud to announce a significant increase in international visitors to the state in 2023, marking a momentous milestone in tourism growth for Illinois.

Illinois welcomed 2.16 million international visitors in 2023, reflecting a substantial 39 percent increase from the previous year, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in international visitation showcases Illinois as an increasingly sought-after global destination. Additionally, international visitors injected nearly $2.7 billion into Illinois' economy in 2023, representing a 47 percent increase in spending compared to the previous year.

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Democrats Flex Muscle to Kick Off Final Month of Session as Revenues Remain on Track (Capitol News Illinois)

Lawmakers, Organizations Express Frustration Over Continued Licensing Delays in Illinois (SJR)

New DCFS Director Shares Vision for Troubled Agency: ‘It Requires Collaboration’ (WTTW)

Illinois Communities get $150 Million for Housing Upgrades (WCIA)

Current CD and Treasury Rates Provided by IPRIME

The following rates provided by ISACo corporate partner IPRIME are current as of May 13, 2024. Please click on the image below to review the rates. 

Leadership Academy Graduates from Illinois  

ISACo congratulates the Illinois NACo Leadership Academy graduates from January 2024! Click on the image below for a full list of graduates and information about this important leadership growth program. 

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. 

Global Connections for Your Local Economy Virtual Training #4: Understanding Your County’s Competition

(Thursday, May 16, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Ever wonder why multinational companies invest billions in some counties, but pass by others? Or what makes the difference between a successful business interaction which results in hundreds or thousands of new jobs, and one that falls flat? If you’re ready to take your county’s economic development to the next level, join the International Economic Development Task Force throughout this Spring for a special virtual training series on how to bring jobs and capital to your community through foreign investment. In this fourth training, we will discuss how to determine your county’s competitive advantage and form your value proposition using key economic data points.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Beautifying Brownfields: An Unexpected Opportunity for Your Coal Community

(Thursday, May 23, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Nearly two out of every three counties (64 percent) have an identified brownfield property. While brownfields properties are typically abandoned or blighted structures, they can also be a building block for revitalization. Join the BRECC National Network this May and learn how key federal resources can support innovative brownfield redevelopment projects in energy communities.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

2024’s Top Tech-tonic Shifts in Local Government

(Thursday, May 30, 2024, 2:000m-2:45pm CST)

Industry insights to help you adapt to changing demographics, regulations, and more!

In this session, NACo will uncover research on the changes and trends affecting local governments. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the transitions happening in 2024 and beyond. Secure your seat for this informative session to learn key insights for local governments around:

• ADA Compliance Laws
• Increased Use of AI (with examples)
• Generational shifts in employees and constituents
• And more!

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

How to Deliver A County AI Hackathon

(Friday, May 31, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm CST)

One collaborative strategy in prioritizing and evaluating AI Use-Cases is to hold an AI Hackathon. During this webinar, you will hear from Alameda County, California, and King County, Washington, on how they have taken this approach. The concept, steps for preparing, and for delivering the Hackathon will be shared. Tips on how to engage partner and county wide staff will also be covered.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Doing More with Less: Sustaining the County Government Workforce with Artificial Intelligence

(Thursday, June 6, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Today’s county government landscape is at a pivotal juncture, with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data technologies spearheading a revolutionary shift. A transformation is essential in an era where service delivery, technological advancements, and evolving workforce dynamics intersect. County governments face significant challenges, including a dwindling workforce due to retirements, competition for employees with the private sector, and a new generation seeking technologically savvy work environments. Amidst these challenges lies a critical question: How can county governments efficiently serve their communities with fewer resources while meeting the increasing expectations of today’s public?

In this webinar, attendees will learn how AI and modern technologies are not merely tools for keeping pace with change but are strategic imperatives for sustaining and empowering the county government workforce. By highlighting adoptions of AI, from accelerating document processing to reducing field inspection times, we will show the power of these technologies to enhance productivity and service delivery.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Q2 Tech Xchange Focus Group: How Is Your IT Department Structured?

(Friday, June 7, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm CST)

Counties come in all shapes and sizes. This is also true for their IT departments. Whether your IT is centralized, decentralized or a hybrid, join us for a lively discussion that will cover best practices in providing IT support for systems, networking, data, architecture, and user support. Topics to be covered will include staff augmentation, internal staffing, cloud utilization (security and continuity benefits), its impact on staffing requirements, CIO/IT Director reporting relationship, union/non-union, and work environment (on premise, hybrid, remote).

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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