This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes a new episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast that breaks down the ongoing federal government shutdown and what it means for Illinois counties, provides veto session dates and bills that received vetoes, explains Governor Pritzker's Executive Order to mitigate the impacts of H.R. 1, announces a significant state infrastructure funding plan, reports on federal dollars withheld for Chicago transit projects, makes counties aware of canceled funding for energy projects, includes information about the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDPH) fall respiratory virus vaccine recommendations for 2025, reports that families can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), highlights the $2 million awarded to Habitat for Humanity from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, shares information about IPRIME, links to upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Nationwide and invites counties to join ISACo.

New Episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast 

In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast, we break down the ongoing federal government shutdown and what it means for Illinois counties. From federal grants and reimbursements to essential services like health care, transportation, and nutrition programs, county governments are on the frontlines of managing the fallout. Join us as we explore the challenges and potential long-term effects. Click on the image to listen to the podcast. 

ISACo also published an article about the consequences of the federal government shutdown. The article is available via this link.

Veto Session Dates: October 2025

The veto session is scheduled for October 14-16 and October 28-30. The veto session is intended to allow the General Assembly to accept or reject vetoed legislation, although other issues are often considered as well.

• Senate Bill 246: Governor Pritzker vetoed a measure supported by State Treasurer Michael Frerichs that would have allowed the treasurer’s office to create an investment pool for Illinois nonprofits. The Governor expressed concerns about potential unintended consequences, including benefits to “extremist” or “fringe” groups.
• House Bill 2682: The Governor issued a technical veto because the measure’s language duplicated a provision already included in the state budget, aiming to prevent confusion.
• House Bill 2547: This bill would have required warehouses to provide workers with information on quotas and working conditions. While the Governor supported the bill’s goals, he vetoed it due to concerns that its broad language could lead to additional litigation and fail to achieve the intended protections.

Governor Pritzker Issues Executive Order Concerning Impacts of H.R. 1

Executive Order 2025-05, issued by Governor JB Pritzker on September 23, 2025, responds to the anticipated fiscal and economic fallout of H.R. 1, a sweeping federal law enacted in July 2025. The order highlights that the law, combined with other federal policies such as new tariffs, threatens Illinois’ economic stability by shifting the costs of programs like Medicaid and SNAP onto the State. It emphasizes the risk to Illinois farmers, healthcare systems, and working families, noting that federal tax breaks for the wealthy will reduce State revenue tied to the federal tax code.

The executive order underscores particular concern for rural and safety net hospitals that face increased uncompensated care, reduced Medicaid funding, and potential closures, especially in underserved areas. These healthcare disruptions, coupled with projected revenue losses in fiscal year 2026, are expected to strain Illinois’ budget and jeopardize essential services for vulnerable populations.

To prepare for these challenges, the order requires State Agencies to submit reports within 30 days outlining strategies to cut costs, reserve 4 percent of their fiscal year 2026 appropriations, and propose programmatic changes if budget shortfalls are expected. Agencies must also halt non-essential spending, restrict travel, and carefully prioritize hiring. These measures are aimed at reinforcing the State’s finances and creating reserves to weather the instability triggered by federal policy changes.

Finally, the order includes a savings clause clarifying that it does not override existing federal or State laws or agreements, and a severability clause ensuring the order remains enforceable even if parts are invalidated. It takes effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State.

Illinois Unveils Record $50.6 Billion Infrastructure Plan Spanning All 102 Counties

Illinois has unveiled a massive $50.6 billion, six-year infrastructure plan to modernize transportation across all 102 counties. The plan, announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), will invest heavily in roads, bridges, railways, airports, and waterways. Of the total, $32.5 billion will go toward road and bridge improvements — $25.7 billion for the state system and $6.8 billion for local projects — covering more than 7,000 miles of roads and 8.4 million square feet of bridges.

Governor Pritzker described the initiative as the most ambitious in state history, emphasizing that no region of Illinois has been left out. The program reflects the administration’s goal to enhance safety, connectivity, and economic vitality through long-term infrastructure investment.

Funding for the plan will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, with about half — $15.8 billion — expected from federal programs. The remainder will be drawn from state revenue streams, including the Road Fund, which is fueled primarily by motor fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees. These sources were expanded under the 2019 “Rebuild Illinois” capital plan, which increased the state’s gas tax and tied future increases to inflation, ensuring stable funding for infrastructure.

Since its launch, Rebuild Illinois has financed more than 21,000 miles of road improvements, 815 bridge projects, and 1,181 safety enhancements. The state’s Motor Fuel Tax now stands at 48.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 55.8 cents for diesel, while vehicle registration fees have risen to $151 for most passenger cars — measures that continue to sustain the Road Fund.

In addition to roads and bridges, Illinois’ plan devotes $18.1 billion to “multimodal” transportation projects that include public transit, aviation, rail, and marine infrastructure. Major investments include $388 million to restore passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities, $175 million for a new Chicago Transit Authority control center, and millions more for regional airports across the state. Through these investments, Illinois aims to strengthen its role as a national transportation hub and prepare for future economic growth.

Trump Administration Freezes $2.1 Billion for Chicago Transit Projects Amid Shutdown

The Trump administration has paused $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited extension of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line and modernization of the Red and Purple lines. White House budget director Russ Vought announced the move Friday, claiming the administration was reviewing whether funds were “flowing via race-based contracting.” 

The funding halt threatens to derail critical upgrades to Chicago’s transit system, particularly the Red Line extension on the city’s South Side, which would add four new train stations and improve access for underserved communities. The broader Red and Purple modernization project, designed to eliminate a major rail bottleneck and upgrade stations, is also in jeopardy.

The pause mirrors similar actions in New York, where $18 billion for infrastructure was frozen as part of a review of “unconstitutional practices.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer blasted the move, calling it “stupid and counterproductive,” warning that obstructing these projects will cost jobs and stall regional economic growth.

Trump Administration's Energy Cuts Hit Illinois Hard Amid Shutdown

The Chicago Tribune reports that President Donald Trump announced plans to cancel nearly $8 billion in energy project funding, with Illinois set to lose roughly $583 million. The cuts target dozens of projects in the state, affecting major institutions like Exelon, the University of Illinois, and the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) in Des Plaines. Congressional Democrats released the full list of affected awards after the Energy Department and White House budget office withheld details.

The Office of Management and Budget, led by Director Russell Vought, justified the cancellations on social media as eliminating “Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda.” Democrats, including Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, decried the decision as politically motivated. Duckworth noted that Illinois alone is losing 33 awards, originally valued at over $673 million, although about $90 million had already been spent.

The terminated projects included research on carbon capture, transportation electrification, solar energy, and grid modernization. GTI faced the heaviest blow, losing more than $400 million for carbon capture and methane studies. Other cuts included $100 million for Exelon and $50 million for ComEd, as well as awards for Northwestern University, Cook County, and the American Lung Association. Even a Caterpillar project in Peoria County, represented by a Republican lawmaker, was eliminated.

The Department of Energy defended the cancellations, saying the projects failed to advance the nation’s energy needs or provide sufficient returns for taxpayers. Recipients were told they could appeal, but officials offered no additional details. Duckworth and other Illinois leaders countered that the move undermines economic growth, energy innovation, and trust in the federal government’s commitments.

Critics argue the administration’s cuts contradict its stated support for domestic energy production. “This is cutting off domestic energy production,” said Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham. The funding fight, paired with Trump’s broader dismissal of climate change and environmental initiatives, underscores the deep political divides shaping federal investment in energy and research.

New Fall Respiratory Virus Vaccine Recommendations for 2025

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today released new fall respiratory virus vaccine guidance and issued a statewide standing order to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, for routine, non-seasonal vaccines, IDPH recommends that healthcare providers continue to follow the CDC immunization schedules for children and adults issued as of August 7, 2025, which are based on years of science, research, data, and best practices. These measures are being taken in accordance with the executive order issued by Governor Pritzker earlier this month.

The press release is available via this link. 

Eligible Families Can Apply for LIHEAP Utility Bill Assistance

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs for natural gas, propane and electricity. Applications opened Wednesday, October 1, and will remain open through August 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

The press release is available via this link. 

Illinois Housing Development Authority Awards $2 Million to Habitat for Humanity

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) allocated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFHIL) to administer a new round of the Community Impact Fund, a program that helps working families, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, buy a home. The program is expected to create 100 new homeowners across Illinois.

The press release is available via this link. 

What We're Reading

Here’s What’s in Illinois’ $50.6B Six-Year Infrastructure Plan (Capitol News Illinois)

Illinois’ Public Education System Shows Graduation Gains, but Gaps Persist (Governing)

Gas Turbine Shortage Is Forcing Companies Back to Coal (Bloomberg)

Learn more about IPRIME

Founded in 2019, the Illinois Public Reserves Investment Management Trust™ (IPRIME™) referred to as “the Fund” is an investment pool for Municipal Treasurers acting on behalf of counties, townships, cities, towns, villages, libraries, park districts, water supply districts, fire protection districts, sanitary districts, housing authorities and other subdivisions of the State of Illinois.

The IPRIME Investment Shares Series is rated AAAm by Standard & Poor’s.

The Investment Shares Series is comprised of money market instruments having a maximum remaining maturity of one year (except U.S. government obligations that may have remaining maturities of up to two years).

The primary objectives of the Investment Shares Series are to offer the highest possible investment yield, protect principal, preserve liquidity and maintain Standard & Poor’s highest local government investment pool rating of AAAm. In addition, the Fund offers access to PMA Financial Network, LLC’s Fixed Income and Deposit Programs. With the experience and expertise of PMA, the Investment Shares Series grants investors access to a powerful investment management team that functions with a high standard of vision, synergy, and quality.

Click on the photo below to learn more about IPRIME!

 

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

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.    

Securing Coverage: How Counties Can Navigate Cyber Insurance Hurdles

(Monday, October 6, 2025, 2:30pm-3:30pm CST)

​​​​​​​Safeguarding counties from cyber attacks in today's complex digital environment is a formidable challenge, especially when faced with tight budgets, limited resources, and the competing demands of diverse stakeholders. Cyber insurance offers a crucial safety net, but many counties find themselves grappling with the affordability and management of such coverage.

Join NACo for an exciting discussion with experienced county leaders as we uncover the hurdles governments face in securing cyber insurance. You will explore the evolving cyber threat landscape and reveal how a comprehensive cyber insurance assessment can offer practical solutions to bolster defenses and streamline coverage acquisition.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Rise of the Machine: Risk and Governance in the Age of Algorithms

(Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

​​​​​​​As artificial intelligence transforms every sector, local government officials face challenges and opportunities. This essential training provides a foundation for navigating AI’s impact on election infrastructure and other critical government services, focusing on potential risks, safeguards, and practical strategies to mitigate these risks. Working together, local officials and their partners possess the means to reduce risk and secure their systems against threats. .

Click on this link to register for the webinar.

Powering the Future: EV Charging Solutions for Public Agencies through NACo PPP

(Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm CST)

​​​​​​​Discover how to plug into the future efficiently and affordably. Join us for an informative webinar introducing NACo Public Promise Procurement's newest national contract for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment and Services. Awarded to Lilypad EV by Lead Public Agency Broome County, New York, this contract offers streamlined access to cutting-edge EV infrastructure for counties and public agencies nationwide.

Click on this link to register for the webinar.  

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT  

Over the past 85 years, focusing on customers and valuing people have helped Nationwide become one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world.

Even though Nationwide has dozens of affiliated companies, people are its biggest resource – and its greatest asset in providing excellent customer service to its customers. That’s why its Supply Management Services group makes sure agents and associates get the best quality products and services, at the best possible cost. It’s also why Nationwide has an Office of Customer Advocacy.

Click here to learn more about Nationwide.

Become an ISACo Member! 

Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not?