ISACo

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries throughout the state. Each December, Frerichs’ office focuses on returning money through the ICash program to nonprofit groups that help people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to help food pantries that saw resources stretched and demand spike when the federal government shutdown stopped food assistance to many Illinois families in November.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reaffirmed the recommendation for a universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth to prevent hepatitis B, a serious viral infection that can lead to acute or chronic liver disease.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies. The VFA grant program reimburses 50% of the recipients’ project costs up to $10,000. Grant recipients must make the initial financial outlay for the projects before being reimbursed.

Members of NACo’s Great Lakes Regional Forum convened on December 10 to plan for the 2026 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., discussing how counties across the region can strengthen their collective voice on issues such as water resource management, data centers, economic development, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The meeting emphasized aligning county perspectives with broader regional priorities and encouraged members to develop policy ideas and session topics that will highlight the Great Lakes’ significance in national county advocacy. Click on the title for more information.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 - March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating.