News

Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that the state has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, leveraging the state’s leading production of raw agricultural materials to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products. This pivotal funding from EDA marks a significant milestone in advancing Illinois' leadership in the precision fermentation and biomanufacturing industry – propelling economic growth, business development opportunities and the creation of good-paying jobs.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure of children who live within those areas. 148 new zip codes, representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to almost 1,200. "There is no safe level of lead in the blood," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "To better serve our children and build brighter futures for all of our residents, IDPH is acting to ensure that more children have access to the testing and interventions necessary to decrease the potential serious physical and developmental health concerns linked to lead exposure."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants between July 1 through Sept. 13. OSLAD is a matching program that provides an advance payment (for development projects only) of 50% of the grant award amount shortly after the grant agreement is executed. The local agency must demonstrate and possess the ability to finance the remaining cost of an approved project prior to receipt of remaining grant funds. The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has honored Cook County with 54 achievement awards recognizing innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. “These awards acknowledge the initiatives we have undertaken to ensure that our residents receive vital services and have the opportunity to thrive in our community,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This record number of awards recognizes our dedicated County employees who launch these critical programs and uplifts Cook County as a national leader.”

Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development. The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool programs, child care centers and the licensing of day care centers. Speaking at a bill signing ceremony at a preschool in Chicago, Pritzker said the streamlined agency should make it easier for new parents to access critical services for their children. “It's hard enough juggling all the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of parents,” he said. “And on top of that, they shouldn't have to navigate a complex bureaucracy to get the care that they and their children deserve.”

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded an additional $649,482 in grant funds to seven (7) units of local government that applied for funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The EECBG Program supports municipalities and counties with the development or revision of existing strategic energy or climate action plans. Such plans will help prepare local governments for future project funding opportunities either offered by the State or Federal government.

While most new laws in the state of Illinois take effect on Jan. 1, there are a number of measures that will begin to impact the lives of thousands of state residents when the calendar flips to July. Whether it’s increases to the state’s gas tax, or upticks in the minimum wage in Illinois’ largest city and county, there are plenty of changes looming next week across the state. Here are some of the big ones to keep an eye on.

With heavy hearts ISACo grieves the passing of ISACo Vice President and Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer. Commissioner Deer passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Commissioner Deer was a champion for county government and, more importantly, a devoted family man, friend and mentor.

With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across the state of Illinois in the coming days, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is warning Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) are teaming up to offer two nights of free camping at select state parks for anyone who purchases a 2024 Illinois State Fair admission book online between June 26 and July 3.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 4.9 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,700 in May, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The April revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary April unemployment rate. The April monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +7,300 to +1,900 jobs. The May unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announces nearly $700,000 in Veterans’ Cash Grant Program awards to Illinois organizations that provide vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois. Awardees will receive funding to address veteran homelessness, post-traumatic stress treatment, workforce development, education, transportation training, and community development programs. The recipients are:

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with the start of summer, mosquito season is underway in Illinois and with that comes the risk of West Nile virus (WNV), which has been reported in 13 counties around the state so far. The reminder comes as public health officials around the country are highlighting the importance of taking action to "Fight the Bite" during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, June 16-22.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, the State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) announces the first of a series of public hearings it will host to discuss reparatory actions for Black Americans in Illinois who are descendants of American Chattel Slavery. This initial hearing will take place in Chicago on Saturday July 13th at Kennedy-King College and will feature expert speakers who will present the intergenerational impact of enslavement, racial terror, political disenfranchisement, and ongoing racial discrimination. Subsequent hearings will occur throughout Illinois.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced another record-breaking year with export sales over $78.7 billion in 2023. According to rankings by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Illinois continues to lead the Midwest as the top exporting state and fifth in the nation.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, has released a new master plan for the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield aimed at maintaining the core functions of the Fairgrounds while increasing its year-round events, attendance, and revenue generation.

Illinois parents struggling to make ends meet could be getting some help as the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget includes a new child tax credit. “The Illinois child tax credit is based off of what the federal government did during the pandemic to institute their own child tax credit to kind of give families that little extra boost,” said state Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. The credit is open to families with kids ages 12 and younger who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It’s a federal and state credit for low- and middle-income earners. Families who qualify will add an additional 20% to their state EITC refund next year. That number jumps to 40% in subsequent years. Erion Malasi with Economic Security for Illinois, an organization supporting the credit, said it could mean an extra $150-$600 for some Illinois families.

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Acting Director Mary Killough is reminding Illinoisans of when and how to report suspected cases of abuse. "Elder abuse is a devastating and often hidden reality that affects thousands of older Illinoisans," said IDoA Acting Director Mary Killough. "But none of us are powerless in the fight against abuse. The first step toward prevention is to educate ourselves and others about what elder abuse is, where it happens, and how to recognize and report it."

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the state's leading financier of affordable housing developments and homebuyer down payment assistance, joins its partners in the housing community to celebrate National Homeownership Month. For the past 40 years, IHDA has been committed to providing safe and reliable financial options and educational resources to help individuals and families achieve the American Dream of homeownership and economic growth in Illinois.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Insurance (IDOI) are announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Grant Program Plan Year 2025. This $6.5 million initiative will create a statewide Illinois Navigator program as Illinois transitions to a state-based marketplace for health insurance. Get Covered Illinois, the official Illinois Marketplace, will oversee and train Illinois Navigators.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded $5 million in grant funding to 151 recipients through the Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program. B2B Chambers provides additional support for local chambers of commerce that experienced negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. A list of B2B Local Chambers grantees can be found here.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Department of Insurance (IDOI) are announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity? for the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Grant Program Plan Year 2025. This $6.5 million initiative will create a statewide Illinois Navigator program as Illinois transitions to a state-based marketplace for health insurance. Get Covered Illinois, the official Illinois Marketplace, will oversee and train Illinois Navigators.

See below for the full schedule.

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities. NACo is pleased to announce the winners for the 2024 Achievement Awards. Explore the Best in Category winners, as well as the full list of winners below. Illinois counties can be filtered on the left side of the page under "Filter by State".

The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor JB Pritzker that all person or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of: