This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes the General Assembly's schedule for the week and a link to ISACo tracked-bills, a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast that focuses on the challenges holding up a transit bill, announces the passing of former Illinois Governor George Ryan, highlights federal bipartisan rural broadband legislation introduced in Congress, reports on two measles cases in Cook County, celebrates World Trade Month, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, makes county officials and staff aware of available grant funding for outdoor fitness courts in counties, conveys information about the upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, highlights ISACo corporate partner Ascendant App's GovText and invites counties to join ISACo.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

General Assembly Schedule This Week

The House and Senate will be in session this week from May 6-9. 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.

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. 

New Episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast 

ISACo’s Counties Count! Podcast continues to explore key topics impacting Illinois counties. Episode 6 is titled "Tracks, Taxes, and Turf: Untangling the Politics of Transit Reform." The podcast discusses the challenges holding up transit legislation, including governance, structural reforms, funding sources and the need for consensus to advance major legislation. Click on the image below to listen. 

Former Governor George Ryan Passes Away

Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, a longtime Republican leader from Kankakee, has died at age 91 while in hospice care. Ryan held numerous political offices over his career, including House speaker, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, and governor from 1999 to 2003. Though known for his conservative positions—most notably opposing the Equal Rights Amendment as House speaker—he also made headlines as Governor by declaring a moratorium on the death penalty in 2000, a move that contributed to its eventual abolition in Illinois.

A sweeping corruption scandal later overshadowed Ryan’s legacy. In 2007, he was convicted on 18 counts of corruption tied to a bribery scheme uncovered during the FBI’s Operation Safe Roads. Ryan served over five years in federal prison and was released in 2013.

Bipartisan Rural Broadband Legislation Introduced in Congress

As reported by the National Association of Counties, (NACo) on April 30, 2025, U.S. Representatives Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) and Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Rural Broadband Assistance Act, aiming to enhance access to federal broadband programs by providing technical assistance to rural communities. The bill seeks to codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program, established in 2021, which offers grants and cooperative agreements to support broadband needs assessments, project planning, engineering, and design, as well as assistance with navigating complex grant applications and reporting requirements. 

Counties play a central role in broadband deployment, leading local planning efforts, coordinating with providers, managing project siting and permitting decisions, and serving as key applicants for state and federal grant programs. However, many rural communities face capacity gaps that make it difficult to dedicate resources to participate in federal broadband opportunities. The provisions put forward in the Rural Broadband Assistance Act provide practical, bipartisan solutions to help rural America bridge the digital divide. 

NACo and the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) support the Rural Broadband Assistance Act as a practical solution to bridge the digital divide and expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural areas. Speaking about the legislation, NACo Executive Director and CEO Matthew Chase stated, “Counties are on the front lines of expanding high-speed internet access in rural America. The Rural Broadband Assistance Act provides counties with critical tools and technical support to help close the digital divide in our nation’s rural communities.”

ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy stated the following: “Illinois county leaders understand that reliable broadband is essential for economic development, education, and public safety. The Rural Broadband Assistance Act will provide much-needed technical support to help our counties access federal resources, plan effectively, and expand high-speed internet in underserved areas. We applaud this bipartisan effort to ensure rural communities across Illinois are not left behind in the digital age.”

Two Measles Cases in Cook County

The Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health have identified two confirmed cases of measles. These are the first two cases in Cook County this year.

The press release is available via this link.

Illinois Celebrates World Trade Month

This May, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating World Trade Month. According to rankings by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Illinois continues to lead as the top exporting state in the Midwest and the fourth-largest exporting state in the U.S. In 2024, Illinois had another record-breaking year, with exports exceeding $81 billion, a 2.5 percent increase from 2023 and a 32% increase since 2019.  

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Trump AmeriCorps Cuts Include Grant Terminations for $12 Million in Illinois Programs (Chicago Suntimes)

More States are Moving to Scrap Sales Tax at the Grocery Store (STL-NPR)

With 1 Month Left in Session, Lawmakers Near Deal on Public Transit Reform (Capitol News Illinois)

Grant Funding Available for Outdoor Fitness Courts by National Fitness Campaign (NFC)

ISACo is excited to share an opportunity for county officials and staff to benefit their counties. County officials are invited to apply for an outdoor fitness court through ISACo's corporate sponsorship with National Fitness Campaign. 

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. 

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. 

Click on the photo below to watch a video about NFC!

 

Please contact Member Services and Communications Manager Tiffani Homer at thomer@isacoil.org if you have additional questions. 

NACo Annual Conference 

The NACo Annual Conference is the premier gathering of elected and appointed officials from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. 

This year, the conference will take place from July 11, 2025, to July 14, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.

County officials and staff will have the opportunity to participate in discussions of federal policies impacting counties, workshops lifting up county best practices, engaging general sessions, mobile tours across our host county and more.

This is a one-of-a-kind advocacy opportunity to strengthen our intergovernmental partnerships for years to come.

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.   

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  

Ascendant App, Inc.

Ascendant App's GovText AI uses SMS-based technology to empower government agencies with real-time, two-way communication, enhancing citizen engagement and streamlining operations. Our platform simplifies complex processes and improves service delivery by enabling seamless communication across departments. This integration helps governments deliver timely support and vital information, from emergency notifications to community outreach, building more connected communities. By driving digital transformation and prioritizing accessibility, GovText makes public services more efficient and citizen-focused, paving the way for communities to thrive in the digital age.

Become an ISACo Member!