This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter highlights key legislation approved by committees last week, includes a recap and photos from last week's ISACo and United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) County Lobby Day event, reports on a meeting between ISACo and the Chair of the House Counties and Townships Committee, provides information about Climate and Equitable Jobs Act grants, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, links to upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner AT&T and invites counties to join ISACo.

Committee Deadline Week

Friday, March 21, was the deadline for moving House and Senate bills out of committees in their chamber of origin. ISACo is highlighting the following bills approved by committees last week. The House and Senate have set April 11 as the deadline to pass bills out of their chamber of origin. The House returns this week while the Senate is in recess until April 1.

House Bills

HB 1301 - Rural Hospital Task Force (Support)

HB 1352 - Multi-County Veterans Assistance Commissions (Under Review)

HB 1831 - Counties Code-Nuisance (Support)

HB 2393 - Forest Preserve-Revenue (Support)

HB 2458 - Local Government-Administrative Adjudications (Oppose)

HB 2686 - Revenue-Local Distributions (Support)

HB 2784 - County Garbage Hauler Contracts (ISACo Initiative)

HB 3363 - State Public Defender Act (Under Review)

HB 3493 - Local Regulation-State Facilities (Oppose)

HB 3654 - Open Lands-Grants to Government (No Position)

HB 3662 - Jail Release-Opioid Antagonist (No Position)

HB 3725 - Local Government Billing Act (Under Review)

HB 1429 - Homeless Bill of Rights (Oppose)

HB 2675 - Vehicle Code-Bike Trail Signage (Under Review)

HB 3249 - Right to Sit at Work (No Position)

Senate Bills

SB 71 - IEMA-School Safety (Oppose)

SB 224 - EPA-Water Main Installation (No Position)

SB 1380 - County Code and Municipal Code-Utility Poles (Support)

SB 2311 - Flood Control-Flood Plan (Support)

SB 2466 - Open Lands-Grants to Governments (Support)

A complete list of ISACo-tracked bills is available via this link. These bills are searchable by number, category, key word, or whether they would create a mandate or reduce revenues. ISACo has taken positions on many of these bills in accordance with our County Platform. 

ISACo and UCCI Host Successful Illinois County Lobby Day

ISACo and UCCI hosted the second annual Illinois County Lobby Day on March 19, 2025, in Springfield.

County officials attended the event to discuss key policy issues and advocate on behalf of their constituents.

The day began with a Legislative Briefing at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Attendees at the Briefing heard presentations from Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Republican Leader John Curran and Senate President Don Harmon. 

The priority issues document provided to Briefing attendees is available via this link.

Following the Briefing, attendees visited the Illinois Statehouse to advocate in support of issues beneficial to counties and their residents.

A reception was held for county officials and state legislators that evening and provided additional opportunities to network and build important relationships among county officials from all regions of the state.

ISACo and UCCI thank all of those who were able to attend the event.

Photos from the event are available for viewing by clicking the image below.

ISACo Board Members and Staff Meet with Representative Aaron Ortiz

ISACo Board Members Corinne Pierog and Alma Anaya, Kane County’s Deputy Director of Transportation, Tom Rickert and our dedicated ISACo staff met with Representative Ortiz on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, to discuss and address pressing issues for counties such as wind and solar development, VAC funding and leasing authority challenges.

Click on the image below to access ISACo's 2025 Legislative Agenda addressing these key issues. 

More than $50 Million in Grants Awarded Through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 88 awards totaling $57 million through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program ($7.7 million), Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ($10.3 million) and Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program ($39 million) - initiatives under the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). These programs will catalyze energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will help clean energy businesses grow and utilize Illinois' clean energy workforce.

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Commission to Find if Auto Insurance Discriminates on Credit Score and Race (WAND) 

Trump Signs Order to Shift Disaster Preparations from FEMA to States, Local Governments (Reuters)

Upcoming NACo Webinars

NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunity. ISACo is a proud partner with NACo and encourages counties to participate in NACo membership and activities.  

Saving Millions: How Counties Are Cutting Employee Health Plan Rx Costs with the NACo Public Promise

(Monday, March 24, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Join NACo for an educational webinar on how NACo’s Public Promise Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Coalition is helping counties save millions on employee health plan prescription drug costs. Learn more about how Mecklenburg County, N.C. is projected to save $7-8 million by joining the NACo PBM coalition. This offering, through NACo’s Public Promise Insurance, in partnership with CVS Caremark, provides counties with powerful cost-savings and multi-year pricing guarantees to combat rising Rx costs.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

Bridging the Generational Divide in the County Workforce, a NACo EDGE Webinar

(Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Leading multiple generations in the county workforce can be quite challenging. Even the most experienced leaders in local government are realizing anew the importance of situational awareness and individualized consideration and applying strategies that bridge generational divides to provide value across all generations.

Join your peers in this webinar in which Dr. Tim Rahschulte will explain the challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce and provide practical strategies for bridging the divide and creating increased collaboration among your team. Dr. Tim will outline the characteristics and values of each generation represented in our workforce today, share common stereotypes associated with each generation and detail how they can impact workforce dynamics. Importantly, strategies will be shared for building a culture of inclusion and understanding, techniques for promoting open communication, creating opportunities for cross-generational collaboration and leveraging the strengths of each generation for the benefit of each person in your workforce and each customer they serve in your community. As part of this conversation, we will explore together ways to address conflicts that arise due to generational differences and how to foster a workplace culture that values individual contribution and collaboration.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 9

(Thursday, March 27, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Q1 AI Focus Group: New Administration Policies on AI and Regional AI Forum Overview

(Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 1:00pm-2:pm CST)

How is your journey progressing with AI? Do you have questions about the new administration's direction? Do you want to know more about the Regional AI Forums?

Interact with NACo staff and several county leaders to learn more and share what you are hearing in your area. If time allows, we will also revisit the NACo AI Compass to highlight several areas where the industry is evolving.​​​​

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Chart Your Course: Digital Learning Resources for the County Workforce #2

(Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 1:00pm-2:pm CST)

Advance your digital learning strategy! Join NACo as they continue in their "Chart Your Course" digital learning program. Discover how multiple counties are successfully implementing Microsoft's online learning platform to enhance staff development and set requirements for access to GenAI tools, like Copilot. Gain actionable insights and best practices.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 10

(Thursday, April 3, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

The Current State of Student Debt and Forgiveness

(Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

A webinar for HR and county leadership looking for ways to engage county employees.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 11

(Thursday, April 10, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

AI & The Workplace Transformation: How to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Well Being in the Public Sector

(Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Join Grace White, Deputy Chief of System of Care Network at MHMR of Tarrant County, TX and Chris Yakscoe, Director & GM of AI at Netsmart, for a deep dive into the transformative power of automation and AI in the workplace. This session will explore how these technologies simplify daily tasks, reduce administrative burdens and improve staff well-being by fostering a healthier work environment. Learn from real-life examples of AI-driven tools that enhance recruitment, engagement and patient care while also supporting operational excellence. Key takeaways will include strategies for successful AI and automation initiatives to boost staff retention, reduce burnout and optimize workflows, with a look into future innovations in workforce management and patient care. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team and elevate your agency’s potential!

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 12

(Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2:30pm-3:30pm CST)

Join NACo for week nine of a membership series providing timely updates and analysis on key developments during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These calls will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties, including federal funding, regulations and intergovernmental partnerships. Join us to stay informed on how these changes may shape county priorities and operations.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.   

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