This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes a link to ISACo's 2024 Bills Approved by Both Chambers report, provides an update on ISACo-tracked bills signed into law by the Governor, invites counties to submit legislative proposal ideas for 2025 as well as amendments to ISACo's County Platform, provides a link for county officials and staff to register for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in July, announces Community Development Block Grant recipients, conveys that Illinois has been selected to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, announces upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Nationwide and invites counties to join ISACo.
Bills of Interest to Counties in 2024
ISACo has published our Bills Approved by Both Chambers: Legislation of Interest to Counties in 2024 report. The report organizes approved bills by category, includes a synopsis and ISACo's position. The report will be updated frequently as the Governor signs legislation into law. Please click on the image for our most updated comprehensive report on bills approved by both chambers of interest to counties.
*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 previously published our "End of Session Report" for the 2024 Spring legislative session on May 29, 2024.
Governor Bill Actions
Governor JB Pritzker has signed several ISACo-tracked bills into law. The bills are linked to below:
HB 4959 (P.A. 103-0588) - FY25 Budget Implementation Act
SB 0251 (P.A. 103-0589) - SFY 2025 Appropriations Bill
SB 1996 (P.A. 103-0590) - Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Operations Fund
SB 3268 (P.A. 103-0593) - Omnibus Medicaid Bill
ISACo Accepting Legislative Proposals for 2025 - INPUT REQUESTED!
Does your county have a problem in need of a legislative solution? If so, please e-mail it to Legislative Advocacy and Research Manager Nekya Hall at nhall@isacoil.org. Submitted proposals will be considered within ISACo's committee process. Proposals ultimately approved by the ISACo Board of Directors will be included within our 2025 Illinois County Action Program (ICAP).
Additionally, ISACo will be considering amendments to our County Platform for 2025. Please review the 2024 County Platform and send any suggestions for additions/changes to nhall@isacoil.org. Proposed changes will be considered by the Legislative Committee and Board of Directors.
Join ISACo's Policy Committees
ISACo policy committees shape the Association's legislative advocacy efforts. Meetings are held virtually and committees 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.
Policy Committee opportunities are as follows. Committees with links are already meeting, although there are openings on all policy committees.
Please click on the image below, complete the form and e-mail it to Legislative Advocacy and Research Manager Nekya Hall at nhall@isacoil.org.
2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition
(July 12-15, 2024, Hillsborough County, Florida)
The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference is the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. Conference content includes discussion of federal policies impacting counties, workshops lifting up county best practices, engaging general sessions, mobile tours across our host county, and more. NACo members also have the opportunity to influence the association’s direction and future during the Annual Business Meeting on the final day of the conference.
Click on this link to register for the conference.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recipients
On June 7, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure. A total of $41 million has been awarded to 32 communities, which will support critical repairs to water, sewer and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for 52,000 Illinois residents.
The list of recipients and press release is available via this link.
Funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Illinois has been selected as one of ten states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week.
The CCBHC Demonstration Program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide, and at higher rates than community mental health centers previously received for Medicaid customers. HFS anticipates that this program will bring an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system
The press release is available via this link.
What We're Reading
From Gun Control to Public Transit Rescue, A Look at What Didn’t Pass the Illinois General Assembly This Spring (WTTW)
Farm Family Preservation Act Not Included in Illinois’ Passed Budget (WRAM)
Can the Grid Keep Up With AI and Data Demands? (Governing)
The Right Technology Can Help Keep Local Government Workers Safe and Productive (American City and County)
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.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Supplier Management Access
(Monday, June 10-14, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
Effective partner management is integral to the operational efficiency of government business, yet it poses inherent cybersecurity risks, especially concerning partner access to sensitive systems and data. This cyber attack simulation focuses on evaluating the vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with supplier access, aiming to enhance understanding and preparedness in mitigating such risks. The simulation leverages reality-based scenarios involving partner access to critical systems, data, and networks within an organizational context. It will encompass diverse situational conditions, including third-party vendor breaches, unauthorized access via partner credentials, and partner-initiated cyber threats. The simulation aims to foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding partner access risks and to facilitate the development and testing of robust strategies for mitigating these risks effectively.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
How To Put Out the Fire In Child Care Provider Burnout
(Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
In the U.S., seven in ten child care centers are severely impacted by staff shortages, resulting in their inability to fully enroll children. Administrative and teaching burnout is increasingly driving professionals out of the field, causing economic strain as parents struggle to secure reliable care. Wonderschool, the leading child care company, maintained open doors for 97% of child care programs on its platform during the pandemic, compared to 40% nationwide. Today, Wonderschool is actively investing in innovative county and state solutions to reduce burnout and turnover while fostering new growth and opportunity. During this webinar, Wonderschool will share how it's "putting out the fire" and assisting high-quality child care centers in staying open and enrolling children, enabling parents to confidently return to work with peace of mind. The webinar will also explore how new initiatives like those led by Wonderschool ultimately contribute to economic development, educational opportunity, and community infrastructure.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Global Connections for Your Local Economy Series #5: Wrap Up Discussion and NACo Resources
(Wednesday, June 12, 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 final virtual session, IED Task Force members and guests will have an opportunity to revisit the FDI attraction strategies discussed throughout the series and discuss their preparation for the SelectUSA Investment Summit in an open forum.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Protected Retirement Solutions for County Employees
(Thursday, June 13, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment produc
Employees face an uncertain future, with 79 percent of retirees saying that workers do not know enough about investing to ensure their savings last through retirement and 61 percent that preparing for retirement makes them stressed. Employees also typically find it challenging to calculate precisely how to spend down their retirement savings so that their nest egg lasts as long as they live. Therefore, employees are looking to employers for guaranteed income solutions--three-quarters would roll at least some defined contribution plan savings into a financial product that would guarantee income for life. This workshop will focus on key strategies and solutions available to employees through 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans such as the Protected Retirement Solutions suite of investment products.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Navigating the Future of Public Finance: 2024 Top 10 Economic Outlook Mid-Year Update
(Monday, June 17, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
As NACo reach the midpoint of 2024, this webinar will explore the key insights and significant developments that have unfolded in 2024. Explore critical factors such as interest rate movements, the evolving economic landscape, inflation trends, and shifts in the role of cash as an income-generating asset.
NYSAC Executive Director, Stephen Acquario, will join Joe Rulison, CEO of three+one, to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the economic forces shaping the remainder of the year.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the economic trends that will continue to impact County governments in 2024. Register now to secure your spot!
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Supplier Management Access
(Monday, June 17-21, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
Effective partner management is integral to the operational efficiency of government business, yet it poses inherent cybersecurity risks, especially concerning partner access to sensitive systems and data. This cyber attack simulation focuses on evaluating the vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with supplier access, aiming to enhance understanding and preparedness in mitigating such risks. The simulation leverages reality-based scenarios involving partner access to critical systems, data, and networks within an organizational context. It will encompass diverse situational conditions, including third-party vendor breaches, unauthorized access via partner credentials, and partner-initiated cyber threats. The simulation aims to foster a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding partner access risks and to facilitate the development and testing of robust strategies for mitigating these risks effectively.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
What to Know Before You Go to NACo’s Annual Conference
(Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)
Join NACo staff to learn ways to maximize your NACo Annual Conference experience and to answer your questions.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Vote like a Pro at the NACo Annual Business Meeting
(Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)
Primary voting delegates participating in the 2024 Annual Business Meeting during NACo’s Annual Conference should join NACo to learn how to cast your votes and what to expect during the business meeting.
Learn more about the credentials process by visiting NACo.org/VotingCredentials or by emailing credentials@naco.org.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Building a Behavioral Health Continuum of Care: The Role of Rural Leaders and Behavioral Health Directors
(Thursday, June 27, 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.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Over the past 85 years, focusing on customers and valuing people have helped Nationwide become one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world.
Even though Nationwide has dozens of affiliated companies, people are its biggest resource – and its greatest asset in providing excellent customer service to its customers. That’s why its Supply Management Services group makes sure agents and associates get the best quality products and services, at the best possible cost. It’s also why Nationwide has an Office of Customer Advocacy.
Click here to learn more about Nationwide.
Become an ISACo Member!
Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?
ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents.
ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.
Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play.
If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Member Services and Communication Manager Tiffani Homer at (217) 679-3368 or thomer@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.