This week's Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) News and Views E-Newsletter includes ISACo's Bills Approved by Both Chambers Report, State employment rates for July, a new funding opportunity for energy efficiency projects at public buildings, information about disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties, links to articles ISACo staff is reading to stay informed, conveys information about upcoming National Association of Counties (NACo) webinar opportunities, highlights ISACo corporate partner Nationwide and invites counties to join ISACo.
Governor Bill Actions
The following bills were signed into law by the Governor. Several of the bills do not yet have public act numbers. Public act numbers will be added as they become available. ISACo's position on each bill is included.
HB 2955 (P.A. 104-0838) - EPA-PFAS Wastewater (Support)
SB 3111 (P.A. 104-0844) - Counties Cd-County Library (No Position)
SB 3321 (P.A. 104-0848) - Loc Gov-Credit Card Agreements (Support)
SB 3465 (P.A. 104-0850) - Construction-Sanitary Reqs (No Position)
Bills Approved by Both Chambers Report
At the conclusion of each spring session, ISACo publishes a report summarizing the bills approved by the General Assembly that affect or are of interest to counties. ISACo updates the report with public act numbers for bills signed into law by the Governor. The report is available by clicking on the image below.
ISACo's 2026 Post-Session Information webpage hosts resources associated with the 2026 legislative session.
State Employment Rates for July
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in July, down -0.2 percentage point from June, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised June unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.
The press release is available via this link.
New Funding Opportunity for Energy Efficiency Projects at Public Buildings
On August 18, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director James Jennings announced $766,600 in funding through the Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Program for projects that include energy efficiency upgrades identified in an energy efficiency assessment or audit conducted within the last five years.
The press release is available via this link.
Tax Relief for 15 Weather-Affected Illinois Counties
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected by widespread damage from torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and several tornadoes. Illinois currently leads the nation with approximately 204 tornadoes this year as verified by the National Weather Service.
The press release is available via this link.
What We're Reading
Cities Are Betting AI Can Speed Up Housing Permits (Governing)
Report: Care at Wisconsin Hospitals More Expensive than in Illinois (WisconsinPublicRadio)
This Minnesota County Has No Lawyers — And No One to Run for County Attorney (Governing)
Data Centers are Spreading. So are Moratoriums. (Governing)
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST
Ready to turn your communications modernization plans into funded reality? This webinar provides a practical roadmap for aligning technology initiatives with available grant funding in justice reform, rural health, mental health, and public safety.
We will share firsthand experience navigating the funding landscape and successfully securing support for technology investments and break down specific funding sources and demonstrates how to position Zoom solutions within grant applications.
You'll learn:
- Which federal and state grant programs support communications technology in courts, health, and public safety
- How to frame technology investments as programmatic solutions that meet funder priorities
- Specific language and strategies for strengthening your grant applications
- Real examples of successful funding approaches from peer counties
We'll map out Zoom's use case within funding programs:
- Justice reform grants → Court communication and case management solutions
- Rural health funding → Telehealth and patient engagement platforms
- Mental health initiatives → Crisis response and care coordination tools
- Public safety programs → Emergency communications and community contact centers
This session gives you actionable strategies to connect your technology needs with available resources.
Register for the webinar here.
Building on the first webinar in NACo's Fall Data Center Series, this session uses that foundation in data center development and economic considerations to examine how data centers and other factors are reshaping electricity costs nationwide.
Participants will start with an overview of NACo's new resources on what shapes electricity bills, including cost components and pressures over time, then hear a panel discussion on how utility type and market structure determine how costs from new large electricity loads get allocated. The session wraps up with a discussion on how county officials can engage in these conversations locally and at the state regulatory level.
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.