This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes the General Assembly schedule for this week, highlights a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast, encourages county officials to take action to preserve Tax Exempt Municipal Bonds, reports on the retirement of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, shares information about a leadership change at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA and OHS), conveys that the unemployment rate is down in 11 of 12 Illinois metro areas, reports on the first measles case in Illinois, reminds county officials that the Statement of Economic Interest form deadline is May 1, shares ISACo resource pages, 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 IPBC and invites counties to join ISACo.

General Assembly Schedule This Week

The House and Senate will be in session this week from April 29-May 1. The next significant deadline is May 9, which is the date by which House bills must be approved by Senate Committees and Senate bills must be approved by House Committees. The House Calendar is available here. The Senate Calendar is available here.

New Episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast 

ISACo’s Counties Count! Podcast continues to explore key topics impacting Illinois counties in Episode 5, titled "Bonds, Bucks and Bridges: The Power of Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds." This episode highlights the critical role tax-exempt municipal bonds play in financing essential public projects, such as infrastructure improvements, public safety facilities, and community development initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into how these bonds support county governments by providing affordable funding options that drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents. This topic is timely, as Congress is entertaining the possibility of eliminating this critical finance tool. Click on the image access the podcast and continue reading to learn how counties can take action to protect the tax exemption for municipal bonds. 

Take Action to Preserve Tax Exempt Municipal Bonds!

The House and Senate are currently drafting legislation to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. While the bill text is still being drafted and has not yet been released, we know there are proposals under consideration that would offset the cost of extending these tax provisions by eliminating the long-standing municipal bond tax exemption.

Counties rely on tax-exempt municipal bonds to underpin 90 percent of American infrastructure investments, raising capital for critical infrastructure projects like schools, airports and utilities while keeping costs low for our taxpayers. Eliminating the tax exemption would raise the cost of infrastructure by $823 billion over the next decade. This 2.1% increase in borrowing costs translates to a $6,554 tax increase for over 125 million American households.

County leaders have a unique opportunity to protect the tax exemption and our ability to finance critical infrastructure in our communities. ISACo requests that you contact your member of Congress to urge them to take the municipal bond tax exemption off the table.

ISACo has prepared a model letter (available in Word via this link) that can be customized and mailed to your member(s) of Congress. The content can also be placed in an email. 

Senator Durbin Announces He Will Not Seek Sixth Term

Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois' senior U.S. senator and the second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced he will retire at the end of his term in January 2027, concluding a 44-year congressional career.

In a press conference at his Springfield home, Durbin reflected on his decision, stating, "I've done this my way," emphasizing personal and family considerations in his choice. At 80, he acknowledged that while he feels capable now, committing to another term in office would be imprudent. 

Throughout his tenure, Durbin has been a prominent advocate for immigration reform, notably sponsoring the DREAM Act, and has played a significant role in public health policy, including efforts to ban smoking on airplanes. He has decided not to endorse any candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary for his seat, believing it's up to voters to choose their next representative. However, he remains open to the possibility of endorsing in under specific circumstances.

Governor Pritzker Appoints New IEMA/OHS Director

Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Theodore “Ted” D. Berger, Cook County’s executive director of emergency management and regional security, to lead the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA and OHS). Berger, who previously served in leadership roles with several state agencies and the City of Chicago, will replace Alicia Tate-Nadeau, who led IEMA since 2019 and played a crucial role in major crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and asylum-seeker response. Berger’s extensive background in emergency management and public safety, along with his experience coordinating disaster responses at the county, state, and federal levels, positions him as a highly qualified candidate for the role. His appointment is effective May 15, pending Senate confirmation.

Unemployment Down in 11 of 12 Metro Areas in Illinois

The unemployment rate decreased in eleven metro areas and increased in one over-the-year for the year ending March 2025, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over- the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in six metropolitan areas and decreased in six.

The press release is available via this link.

First Measles Case of 2025 in Illinois Reported

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois. The case, involving an adult in far southern Illinois, was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23. This is the only case IDPH is aware of, and this is not currently considered an outbreak. IDPH will update the public should there be any notable developments. The risk of community transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low.

The press release is available via this link. 

Statement of Economic Interests

County officials are reminded that their Statement of Economic Interests must be submitted to the appropriate county clerk’s office no later than May 1, 2025, as required under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Officials required to file include elected and certain appointed officials, as well as employees with specified decision-making or supervisory responsibilities. To assist counties in understanding the filing requirements and disclosures, ISACo has developed a helpful resource that is available via this link.

ISACo Resource Pages

The following ISACo resource pages have been updated recently with additional information and, in the case of the Wind and Solar Law page, advocacy materials.

Transit Reform

Wind and Solar Facility Law

What We're Reading

Sen. Dick Durbin: Why I Chose to Retire (Chicago Tribune)

States Are Trying to Get Rural Health Workers to Stick Around (Governing)

A Loss for Illinois Farmers and Food Banks (Illinois Times) 

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 Future of Work, a NACo EDGE Webinar

(Thursday, May 1, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

Join NACo's Workforce Network for an engaging webinar on The Future of Work. With constant change in our counties, states, and national government as well as economic and workforce issues, the future of work is changing. Hear from County Administrators and HR experts on creative and innovative solutions on how they are recruiting and retaining employees. What are some secrets and best practices for attracting and retaining Generation Y and Z employees as they enter the workforce?

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

Federal Reforms to Medicaid Financing: What Counties Should Know (Part 1)

(Thursday, May 6, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

This two-part webinar series will examine the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting county-administered behavioral health and primary care services. It will also explore how proposed and ongoing federal financing reforms could impact counties—fiscally, operationally and in their ability to serve residents.
The series will highlight key areas for county engagement and advocacy, offering insights on how local leaders can help shape Medicaid’s future.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

Federal Reforms to Medicaid Financing: What Counties Should Know (Part 2)

(Monday, May 12, 2025, 2:00pm-3:00pm CST)

This two-part webinar series will examine the vital role Medicaid plays in supporting county-administered behavioral health and primary care services. It will also explore how proposed and ongoing federal financing reforms could impact counties—fiscally, operationally and in their ability to serve residents.
The series will highlight key areas for county engagement and advocacy, offering insights on how local leaders can help shape Medicaid’s future.

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

From Languishing to Flourishing: Strategies for County Professionals to Reclaim Joy and Wellbeing

(Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Are you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or simply going through the motions? You're not alone. Many people, including U.S. county professionals, are experiencing a state of languishing, a sense of stagnation that impacts wellbeing, productivity and engagement. Join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the National Association of Counties (NACo) for a webinar that will help you shift from languishing to flourishing. You’ll learn practical strategies to restore motivation, create moments of flow, and build resilience in your personal and professional life. Register today and take the first step toward renewed energy and purpose!

Click on this link to register for the webinar. 

Ask a Public Health Expert: The Resurgence of Measles

(Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm CST)

Join NACo on Thursday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET for a webinar on the resurgence of measles and what county leaders need to know. As outbreaks emerge across the U.S., this session will cover the history of measles, the importance of vaccination, current trends and how counties can respond effectively. The hour-long webinar will feature a 30-minute expert presentation followed by 20 minutes of audience Q&A. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from public health experts and get your questions answered. 

If you wish to submit questions in advance, you may do so by filling out this form.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT  

IPBC is a partnership of Illinois local government entities who are committed to the philosophy of risk pooling and working together to provide cost-effective health and related benefits to their employees and their families.

Click here to learn more about IPBC.

 

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