This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes an update on recent actions taken by Governor JB Pritzker on legislation of interest to counties, includes a link to ISACo's 2024 Bills Approved by Both Chambers document, recaps the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Annual Conference, reports on Illinois' June employment rates, shares information on the first reported human case of West Nile Virus in Illinois this year, makes county officials aware of new rates posted of Annual Prevailing Wage Survey, invites counties to submit legislative proposal ideas for 2025 as well as amendments to ISACo's County Platform, invites county officials and staff to join an ISACo Policy Committee, shares what ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, announces upcoming NACo webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner UnitedHealthcare and invites counties to join ISACo.
Governor Bill Actions
Governor JB Pritzker has signed several ISACo-tracked bills into law. The bills are linked to below:
HB 2232 (P.A. 103-0655) - Prop Tx-Refunds
HB 3886 (P.A. 103-0658) - IDPH-Public Health Emergencies
HB 4125 (P.A. 103-0662) - Prop Tax-Certificate of Error
HB 4255 (P.A. 103-0667) - Oscillating Lights
HB 4351 (P.A. 103-0671) - Civ Pro-Process Servers
HB 4359 (P.A. 103-0672) - Fire Protection District-Funds
HB 4590 (P.A. 103-0678) - Animal Adoption-Fee Waiver
HB 4719 (P.A. 103-0681) - Secure Choice Program-Plans
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."
Recap of NACo's 2024 Annual Conference & Exposition
The 2024 NACo Annual Conference took place on July 12 - 15, 2024, in Hillsborough County, Florida. ISACo and the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) hosted another successful and well-attended Illinois Counties Dinner on Friday, July 12. Speakers for the event included ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy, ISACo President Matt Prochaska, Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle and UCCI President David Meyer. ISACo was also delighted to hear from all three worthy and capable candidates vying to become NACo 2nd Vice President.
During the Annual Business Meeting on July 15, the Honorable James Gore (Supervisor - Sonoma County, CA), succeeded the Honorable Mary Jo McGuire (Commissioner - Ramsey County, MN), as NACo President. ISACo wishes President Gore a successful year ahead and thank Immediate Past President McGuire for a successful term as NACo President.
The Honorable George Dunlap (Commissioner - Mecklenburg County, NC) was elected as NACo's 2nd Vice President and now lends his considerable talents and experience to the NACo leadership team. Additional information on Commissioner Dunlap is available via this link.
Other notable events that took place during the Annual Conference include the election of Cook County Commissioner and ISACo Board Member Stanley Moore as President of the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO). Additional information on Commissioner Moore's election is available via this link.
ISACo staff enjoyed the networking and professional growth opportunities offered during the Annual Conference in the form of meetings, workshops and other activities hosted by NACo.
Photos from the conference are available via this link.
Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in June
On July 18, 2024, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.0 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +10,400 in June, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The May revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, unchanged from the preliminary May unemployment rate. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +12,700 to +9,600 jobs. The June unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
The press release is available via this link.
First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Illinois of 2024
On July 17, 2024, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first human case of 2024 in Illinois of West Nile virus (WNV), the mosquito-borne illness. While commercial testing and clinical symptoms indicate a case of WNV, IDPH routinely sends the first positive case to CDC for confirmatory testing, which is pending. The individual is in their 60’s and lives in suburban Cook County. The onset of WNV symptoms was in mid-June.
The press release is available via this link.
New Rates Posted of Annual Prevailing Wage Survey
On July 16, 2024, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) posted updated prevailing wage rates, by construction trade, for each county. By requiring that local prevailing wages are paid on public works construction and infrastructure projects, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act helps ensure that Illinois’ tax dollars are re-invested back into Illinois’ workforce and spent in Illinois’ economy.
Under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, in the month of June, the Illinois Department of Labor investigates and determines the prevailing rate of wages for each county in the State. The prevailing wage is defined as “hourly cash wages plus annualized fringe benefits ... paid generally, in the locality in which the work is being performed, to employees engaged in work of a similar character on public works.”
The press release is available via this link.
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.
What We're Reading
Illinois Lawmakers React to Biden Dropping Out (WMBD)
City, State Politicians React after Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race (WGN)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Endorses VP Kamala Harris to Replace Biden (Chicago 5)
Two Deaths — Including One in Illinois — Linked to Listeria Food Poisoning from Meat Sliced at Deli Counters (Chicago Sun Times)
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.
Implementing County Web Accessibility Standards: Overview and Strategy Session
(Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued their final guidance to implement technical standards for counties to achieve web-based accessibility for county websites and mobile applications. Join NACo as they hear from the DOJ for an overview of the new guidance, ask questions regarding the guidance, and engage in a county panel to discuss implementation strategies, challenges, and opportunities for counties.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Powerful Partnerships: How Coal Communities and Utility Companies are Working Together
(Thursday, July 25, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Is your coal community facing a coal-fired power plant closure or transition? Join the BRECC National Network this July and learn how utility providers and local governments are working together to mitigate and respond to economic shocks. This BRECC National Network learning session will feature examples of county and utility partnerships that support energy transitions.
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
(Tuesday, August 6, 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.
Prevention to Treatment: Substance Use Disorder Solution Strategies
(Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
Three industry experts from across the public and private sectors will explore the landscape of substance use disorder solutions, with emphasis on prevention and treatment. From a prevention perspective, we'll delve into the shift in policy and focus, examining where prevention activities are currently taking place. From the treatment perspective, we'll explore how to adopt a clinical framework that supports sustained recovery, particularly through digital pathways. Our discussion will cover what's available, what's currently working, differences in approach, and potential strategies for various populations including the underserved population.
Click on this link to register for the webinar.
Transforming Justice Through Collaboration
(Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 1:30pm-2:30pm CST)
In this webinar, representatives from two counties will discuss how they leverage cross-system partnerships to address the root causes that lead to justice involvement. Hamilton County’s Juvenile Court will share its collaboration with behavioral health experts and the community to assess youth eligibility for diversion and community-based services, aiming to reduce youth entry into the juvenile justice system. Summit County’s Connect program will discuss the partnership between the Municipal Court of Akron and the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, designed to identify justice-involved individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health conditions and redirect them to receive personalized support plans.
This webinar is part of the County, Court, and Justice Leaders: A Framework for Cross-System Collaboration initiative and is hosted in partnership with Rulo Strategies and Praxis Consulting with funding from the State Justice Institute (SJI).
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.
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.