This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views e-newsletter includes our 2021 Spring Legislative Advocacy Toolkit and urges county officials to contact their state legislators about these key issues, includes a link to a page on ISACo's website dedicated as a clearinghouse for information about the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, conveys that April is National County Government Month, provides an update about the 2021 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, announces upcoming NACo webinars, spotlights ISACo corporate partner Wight & Company and invites counties to join ISACo.
ISACo 2021 Spring Legislative Advocacy Toolkit
There are only two months of scheduled session days remaining before the General Assembly adjourns until the fall Veto Session. While dozens of important issues remain on ISACo's radar, we need your help on a handful of issues of importance to counties. These issues have been included in our 2021 Spring Legislative Advocacy Toolkit. Please review the toolkit and contact your state legislators about these key issues.
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Information
ISACo has created a page on our website dedicated to providing updated information about the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program that will provide approximately $2.5 billion across Illinois' counties. Essential information and guidance about how the funds can be spent as well as the responsibilities that rest upon local governments will be available on this page.
National County Government Month
April is National County Government Month. Visit ISACo's Facebook and Twitter feeds for interesting information and facts about Illinois counties.
2021 NACo Annual Conference - Save the Dates!
The NACo Board of Directors has determined that the 2021 NACo Annual Conference will be held as a hybrid event to accommodate those who want to attend in person as well as those desiring to attend virtually. The conference will be held from July 9-12 in Prince George's County, Maryland. ISACo will share information about registration when it becomes available.
Last Chance to Register for Next NACo High Performance Leadership Academy Class
Wednesday, April 14, 2021, is the last day to register for the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy that begins on April 26.
The online 12-week program helps existing leaders get better and emerging leaders get ready to enhance the business of counties. As described by a county HR Director and graduate from the Academy: “This isn't your run-of-the-mill leadership class. The insights from global leaders as well as weekly break-out groups were invaluable.” A graduate who is a Lead Nurse Practitioner said: “This program has provided me with the essential skills to becoming a successful leader.” And, a County Commissioner who recently graduated said: “The program provides practical ways of dealing with issues from a leadership perspective. It has allowed me to evaluate my leadership skills, as well as provide for me, valuable leadership tools that I didn't have in my toolbox.”
Great leadership is needed now more than ever, and this program has proven relevant and practical for the leaders. It is convenient and non-disruptive to busy schedules. The 12 weeks of content are expertly facilitated online by PhD staff, and it take about 4-5 hours per week to fully engage in the program.
More information is available via this link.
Upcoming NACo Webinars
NACo has announced the following upcoming webinar opportunities:
Building Bridges to Advance Equity
(Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 11am-12:30pm CST)
This event is hosted by the American Public Health Association for National Public Health Week
Interested public health professionals, local organizers, advocates and community members interested in public health can learn about and share approaches for addressing racial equity in community health initiatives. On April 6, 2021, from 11:00am-12:30pm CST, there will be a two-part panel and peer exchange discussion led by local project leaders of the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge. This session is part of APHA’s National Public Health Week, which will feature various sessions on racial equity. Following a lively panel discussion, participants will join the conversation in smaller interactive discussion groups to share ideas, challenges, and resources.
Click on this link to register for this event.
Reducing Child Poverty Through the Child Tax Credit
(Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 2pm-3pm CST)
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes an historic temporary investment in the Child Tax Credit, expanding both its size and its eligibility guidelines in 2021. As a result, an estimated 27 million children will qualify for new levels of direct income support which could cut child poverty in half this year. Join this NACo Webinar for an overview of key outreach and tax assistance strategies to ensure vulnerable families in your county can access these new benefits.
Click on this link to register for this event.
Educating for American Democracy with iCivics
(Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 1pm-2pm CST)
Join iCivics for a discussion on how county leaders can support civic education on a local level and empower, educate and engage. iCivics provides equitable and non-partisan civic education through curricular resources, games, learning materials, digital literacy tools and more. Founded in 2009 by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics has grown into the nation’s premier non-profit civic education power and has launched the Educating for American Democracy National Forum.
Click on this link to register for this event.
Corporate Sponsor Spotlight
This week's corporate partner spotlight highlights ISACo's partnership with Wight & Company.
For more than 80 years, Wight & Company has helped clients create exceptional, enduring buildings and spaces that enrich people's lives. Wight also specializes in providing professional services for transportation and infrastructure projects for counties, municipalities, state agencies and private landowners.
More information about the services by Wight & Company is available via this link.
Click on this link to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available through ISACo's Corporate Partner Program.