This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter shares the ISACo March County Quarterly, includes information on the countywide elected official recall legislation, provides advocacy materials for use by counties to support ISACo's Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act, celebrates the month of April being National County Government Month, shares how counties can participate in the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, includes information on the Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, provides a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Residential Sharps Program, includes the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Circular Letter regarding QBS, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, conveys information about the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, highlights ISACo corporate partner UnitedHealthcare and invites counties to join ISACo.

ISACo March County Quarterly

The March County Quarterly includes an Executive Directors Report, a Recap of a Public Health Webinar Featuring Sameer Vohra, includes ISACo's 2025 Legislative Agenda, provides information on The Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act, A recap of the 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, announces ISACo Board Member Monica Gordon as Circuit Clerk for Cook County.  

The ISACo March County Quarterly is available by clicking on the image below.

Countywide Elected Official Recall Legislation 

Legislation Being Amended

Senate Bill 1954 (Senator Turner, D-Springfield) establishes a statutory process for the recall of county officials elected by voters throughout the county. ISACo initially reported on this legislation in our March 31, News and Views e-newsletter.

The bill as introduced provides for a recall mechanism that can be initiated by county boards or voter petition. In either case, voters would have to successfully approve a referendum before a countywide elected official could be removed from office.

ISACo and the United Counties Council of Illinois (UCCI) delivered a letter to the sponsor, Senator Doris Turner, expressing our concerns with the legislation as introduced. 

On April 3, Senate Amendment 1 was approved by the Senate Executive Committee. The amendment makes the following changes to the original bill:

• Eliminates the voter-initiated petition provision and limits the initiation of the recall referendum solely to a county board resolution adopted before the general election of 2026.
• Specifies that the referendum must be held at the general election of 2026, establishing a fixed timeline for when counties can seek voter approval for the recall process.
• Explicitly excludes county treasurers (who are subject to removal under Section 3-10020) and regional superintendents of schools from the recall process.
• Maintains the 15% signature requirement but shortens the collection period to 50 days (was 150 days) after filing the affidavit of intent.
• Mandates that the State Board of Elections certify a valid petition within 50 days of filing and that a special election be held within 100 days of certification.
• Specifies that only one recall petition can be initiated against a countywide elected official during their current term, preventing multiple recall attempts within the same term.
• States that any recall petition or election pending at the time of the next general election for the same office is considered moot, thereby avoiding redundancy and potential conflicts with the regular electoral process.

A full analysis of the introduced bill and amendment are available via this link.

The bill as amended by Senate Amendment 1 is presently on Third Reading in the Senate.

It is expected that the bill may be further amended to restrict the application to Sangamon County. ISACo will continue to monitor the status of the legislation and provide updates as they occur. 

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. 

Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act Advocacy Materials

The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) is pleased to share that legislation developed by our Wind and Solar Task Force has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly as House Bill 3563 and Senate Bill 2416.

This legislation—the Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act—reflects a comprehensive effort to ensure counties have the authority and tools needed to protect residents, farmland, and local environments as renewable energy development expands across Illinois.

ISACo has created advocacy materials for counties to use in urging their legislators to support the bill. These resources highlight the legislation’s key provisions, including drainage review, decommissioning safeguards, zoning protections, and more.

ISACo is actively engaging with legislators and stakeholders with the goal of having some or all of the provisions included in a broader energy package expected later in the spring legislative session.

We encourage counties to join us in advocating for this important legislation. For questions or to access advocacy resources, please contact jmccoy@isacoil.org. 

The advocacy materials can be viewed by clicking this link.

April is National County Government Month!

April is National County Government Month and ISACo is proud to highlight the vital role of county government within the American system of governance. We've created a short video to showcase how counties serve Illinois residents every single day. The video can be viewed by clicking the image below. Please feel welcome to share it on social media.

Join us in celebrating the essential work of Illinois counties this month! Please feel welcome to share this video on your county website and/or social media feeds. 

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as the America250 Commission, is leading a nationwide effort to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This Commission was established by Congress to plan events, programs, and other initiatives that honor our nation’s history while inspiring civic engagement in the future. More information can be found at america250.org.

The Illinois America250 Commission is leading statewide efforts to ensure communities throughout Illinois are actively involved in celebrating the state’s contributions to the nation’s history. Through historical programs, community gatherings and civic projects, the Illinois America250 Commission encourages local governments, schools, libraries and community organizations to participate in the celebration of the 250th anniversary. More information about statewide programs, including a toolkit to assist with promoting programs and events, can be found at IL250.org.

The Illinois Municipal League developed a model resolution and graciously permitted ISACo to customize it and share it for consideration by county boards. The resolution is available via this link and can be adopted to affirm your county's commitment to this historic event.

To assist in planning, the Illinois America250 webpage (available via this link) provides information on how your county can become an Illinois America250 community. Individuals with questions or who wish to confirm their county's participation may contact the Illinois America250 Commission by email at IL250@ilhumanities.org.

The Illinois State Association of Counties looks forward to honoring our nation’s history and invites all Counties to participate in this historic celebration.

Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
 
The Illinois Office of Broadband has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (available via this link) for a second round of Illinois Digital Equity Capacity (IDEC) grants. IDEC grants support initiatives to expand skills, technology and capacity in communities across Illinois that are most impacted by digital inequities. Awards of up to $900,000 will be distributed across a three-year term, with a total of more than $13 million available statewide. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. More information can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) website (available via this link).

Residential Sharps Collection Program
 
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (available via this link) for the Residential Sharps Collection Program. This funding will allow more units of local governments to establish programs in their communities to collect sharps, including needles, syringes and lancets, from private citizens. Grants of up to $35,000 will be awarded with a total of $1 million available statewide. Applications will be accepted until funding is expended or until Monday, June 30, 2025. More information can be found on IEPA’s webpage (available via this link).

IDOT Circular Letter Regarding QBS

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Bureau of Local Roads and Streets released Circular Letter 2025-05 (available via this link) on March 17, 2025, which discusses the 2025 adjustment to the state Qualifications-Based Selection Threshold.

What We're Reading

It’s Not Just Chicago. Downstate Public Transit Agencies Face Funding Challenges (Capitol News Illinois)

U.S. Infrastructure Gets a C, its Highest Grade Ever, in ASCE Report Card (American City and County)

Illinois Public Health Director on Administration Plan to Cancel Over $400M in Pandemic-Era Grants (WGN)

Morning Report — Trump Digs in on Tariffs (The Hill)

Despite Two Decades of Education and Enforcement, Drivers Still Failing Scott’s Law (Capitol News Illinois)

2025 NACo Annual Conference

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference will be held in Philadelphia City and County, Pennsylvania, from July 11-14. As the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs, the conference features discussions on federal policies affecting counties, workshops highlighting best practices, dynamic general sessions, and immersive mobile tours showcasing the host county. Additionally, NACo members can shape the association’s future by participating in the Annual Business Meeting on the final day.

Click on this link to register for the conference.

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.   

The Current State of Student Debt and Forgiveness

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

Did you know that over 9 million public service workers, including full-time county employees, are eligible for student debt forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program? Yet, fewer than 2% have received relief, and only 15% have submitted the required forms to access this benefit

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

Please join NACo as they speak with student debt forgiveness expert Tony Raffa, who will clear up much of the confusion over:

• Executive orders and what they mean for employees
• Changes in the Department of Education and its impact
• Current student debt relief programs and who is eligible
• Common issues with applying for and receiving student debt forgiveness
• A new tool is available to help your employees calculate their potential student debt relief and cut through the red tape when applying
• Show how the tool helps employees save an average of $2,244 a year, freeing up space for them to hit their financial goals

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.  

Supported Mothers, Thriving Children: Connecting Maternal Health and Child Wellbeing

(Thursday, April 24, 2025, 12:30pm-1:30pm CST)

Counties can significantly improve children's health and wellbeing by supporting maternal mental health through a variety of key strategies. In this webinar, speakers will explore examples of local policies and programs that bolster county efforts to holistically address child wellbeing through focusing on maternal mental health and substance use. Participants will gain insights into local options for addressing maternal mental health needs and substance misuse, learn about the challenges and triumphs experienced by county programs, and discover new opportunities to strengthen their local children’s health services.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

NACo Membership Series: First 100 Days, Week 13

(Thursday, April 24, 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.   

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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