This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter provides an update regarding the General Assembly's schedule, makes counties aware of changes to Use Tax allocations, highlights the Illinois Department of Revenue's (IDOR) upcoming annual local government workshop, shares Wind and Solar Facility Resident Protection Act advocacy materials, announces upcoming Special Program Assistance Conferences dates for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), recognizes April as National County Government Month, encourages counties to participate in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States, announces a new corporate partnership with National Fitness Campaign (NFC), 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 Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP and invites counties to join ISACo.
General Assembly Out This Week
Friday, April 11, was the 3rd Reading deadline for moving legislation out of the chamber of origin in both the House and Senate. Neither the House nor Senate are in session this week. The House returns on April 22, and the Senate returns on April 29.
The next deadline of significance is May 9. House bills in the Senate and Senate bills in the House must be approved by committees by that date to remain viable for passage out of both chambers.
A complete list of ISACo-tracked bills is available via this link. ISACo staff continues to keep this resource for counties updated and current following the introduction of numerous amendments. ISACo-tracked bills are searchable by number, category, keyword, 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.
Beginning January 1, 2025, Public Act 103-0983 mandated that all retail sales originating from outside of Illinois and made to Illinois customers by retailers with physical presence nexus with Illinois are now subject to destination-based Retailers’ Occupation Tax (ROT) rather than Use Tax (UT).
It is important to note that each unit of local government will be affected differently by this change in the law. Previously, Use Tax was collected statewide and allocated to local governments based on population, regardless of the shopping habits of residents. Now, ROT (sales tax) collections and allocations are determined by the jurisdiction where the item is shipped or delivered or at which possession is taken by the purchaser. As a result, local governments may experience fluctuations in allocations.
Information on the first allocation affected by this law change was received this month. The table below illustrates the impact on Use Tax, along with the corresponding increases in ROT (sales tax).
Statewide Totals
| |
APRIL 2024 |
APRIL 2025 |
| MT |
$184,413,134.58 |
$209,702,900.15 |
| CT |
$6,443,917.24 |
$8,983,942.17 |
| CST |
$23,039,087.71 |
$26,123,718.46 |
| HMR |
$107,890,988.49 |
$123,048,602.08 |
| NHMR |
$16,588,251.98 |
$19,888,407,.62 |
| USE |
$24,978,107.02 |
$4,993,221.16 |
MT: Municipal Sales Tax
CT: County Sales Tax
CST: Countywide Sales Tax
HMR: Municipal Home Rule Sales Tax
NHMR: Municipal Non-Home Rule Sales Tax
USE: Local Use Tax
IDOR Annual Local Government Workshop
IDOR Local Tax Allocation Division (LTAD) will hold its annual Local Government Workshop virtually on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The workshop will focus on LTAD’s basic functions and the requirements for local government officials, as well as any legislative changes that will impact local governments and the resources available to local government officials. To register, interested individuals should email REV.LocalTax@illinois.gov with their name, title, email address and phone number. More information can be found on IDOR’s website (available via this link).
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 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.
IDOT Special Program Assistance Conferences
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Special Programs Unit will hold informational conferences in each IDOT district this spring to present the Economic Development Program, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program and the Safe Routes to School Program. These three grant programs help fund community transportation projects. IDOT staff will be available for two days in each IDOT District area to offer general information about the programs and answer questions. More information about the conferences, including registration information and a list of conference dates and locations, is available via 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.
New Corporate Sponsorship Announcement with National Fitness Campaign (NFC)
ISACo is pleased to announce its latest corporate sponsorship with National Fitness Campaign.
In 2025, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois have announced $750,000 in new grant funding to communities and schools in the state of Illinois. This funding will be allocated to support counties across the state to join the growing National Fitness Campaign, building healthy infrastructure for smart communities and schools of the future. The campaign has expanded significantly the past few years, with plans to welcome its 750th Healthy Community in America in 2025, fostering a healthier, more active country.
If you are not familiar with the Campaign, the program is designed to bring world-class healthy infrastructure to public spaces, along with consulting, funding and community programming support.
Information about National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is available via this link.
Grant application information is available via this link.
What We're Reading
Pritzker signs Illinois trade agreement with the United Kingdom (MyStateLine.com)
US Measles Cases Surpass 700 with Outbreaks in Six States. Here’s What to Know (Associated Press)
From Legacy Systems to Cloud Mastery: The Path Forward for Local Government ERP (American City and County)
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.
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.
Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime
(Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)
The Nationwide Retirement Institute is here to provide county staff and retirees clarity regarding key retirement topics. As we start to think about our retirement, questions come up -- which is why Nationwide has created a range of helpful presentations to provide some answers.
One of the most important decisions you'll make regarding your retirement income is when to file for Social Security benefits. Get informed about your options; doing so could mean a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.
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
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP is the largest law firm in the nation dedicated exclusively to collecting governmental debt. Last year we managed more than $10 billion in delinquencies on behalf of more than 2,400 governmental entities. Our collection programs are custom tailored using the latest technology and guided by the highest legal and ethical standards.
In addition to standard collection services, our unique data analysis technology gives us the ability to identify potential receivables such as erroneous homestead exemptions.
Linebarger’s Chicago office provides comprehensive collection services to cities across Illinois including Chicago, Waukegan, Joliet and Springfield, as well as the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Click here to learn more about Linebarger Attorneys at Law.
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 Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at (217) 679-3368 or thomer@isacoil.org. ISACo member counties are listed here. Thank you for your consideration.