June 24, 2019

ISACo News and Views

This Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) weekly News and Views newsletter includes a link to an ISACo Policy Brief about legislation to modernize sales tax collections that would generate additional revenue for local governments, provides a link to ISACo's comprehensive report containing legislation of interest to counties approved by the General Assembly, reports on a congressional hearing concerning the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, informs about a Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision relevant to the taking of property by state and local governments, offers information about how to join a National Association of Counties (NACo) policy steering committee, introduces a new ISACo corporate partner, provides a link to register for NACo's 84th Annual Conference and invites counties to join ISACo. ISACo's comprehensive Bills of Interest to Counties Approved by the General Assembly report is available via this link . Previously published News and Views newsletters are available via this link. Please visit our website (www.isacoil.org) for additional resources and information.

"Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Law" Policy Brief ISACo has prepared a policy brief explaining a legislative provision approved by the General Assembly intended to modernize sales tax collections. The policy, known as the "Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Law," would compel remote sellers to collect and remit Retail Occupation Tax (ROT) dollars on purchases made by Illinois residents. This change to online sales tax collections would significantly increase state and local revenues. The policy brief is available via this link .  The provisions of the sales tax modernization policy were included within two separate bills. Governor Pritzker has thus far signed one of the bills into law.

ISACo's Legislation Approved by the General Assembly Report In case you missed it, ISACo has prepared a comprehensive report on legislation approved by the General Assembly during the spring that either affects or is of interest to counties. The report is intended to make county officials and staff aware of pertinent bills that may be enacted into law. Our Bills of Interest to Counties Approved by the General Assembly - 2019 report is available via this link . The link will be available at the top of each "News and Views" e-newsletter and the report will be posted on ISACo's website for easy access. The report will be updated to reflect actions taken by the Governor on the legislation contained therein. The General Assembly has 30 days to transmit approved bills to the Governor and the Governor has 60 days to either sign a bill into law or issue a veto or amendatory veto. A bill automatically becomes law if the Governor fails to take any action.

Congressional Subcommittee to Discuss SALT Deduction On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures is scheduled to hold a hearing ( story linked here ) about how the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap is affecting local governments and other stakeholders. The SALT deduction allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes paid from their federally taxable income, protecting individuals and families from double taxation and preserving the decision-making authority of states and local governments. The deduction was capped at $10,000 as part of the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017." By capping SALT deductions, Congress shifted the intergovernmental balance of taxation and limited state and local control of tax systems. Eliminating the $10,000 cap on SALT deductions would improve counties’ ability to deliver essential public services, such as emergency response, public health services and infrastructure development. NACo will represent county interests by providing testimony at the hearing.

SCOTUS Decision Affects Federal Court Challenges to State and Local Government Takings On June 21, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a 5-4 ruling likely to result in additional federal court challenges to state and local government takings. The central issue in Knick v. Township of Scott ( available via this link ) concerned whether the Court should overrule its prior decision in Williamson County Planning Commission v. Hamilton Bank (1985). The Williamson decision prevented a property owner from filing a takings claim in federal court until a state court denied the property owner's claim for just compensation under state law. The law therefore established a "catch-22" where the property owner was precluded from going to federal court unless they first filed their claim in state court. If the property owner were to lose his or her case in state court and was denied just compensation, their claim would be barred in federal court. As a result of the decision, property owners who do not prevail in state courts will be permitted to press their claim in federal court.

ISACo Welcomes New Corporate Partner ISACo is pleased to announce that 2IM Group, LLC will be partnering with us through our Corporate Partner Program. More information about the services provided by 2IM Group, LLC is  available via this link . Click on this link  to learn more about the benefits and opportunities available through ISACo's Corporate Partner Program.

Join a NACo Policy Steering Committee Are you interested in shaping federal policy toward counties by participating on a National Association of Counties (NACo) Policy Steering Committee? Illinois county officials and staff wishing to serve on a NACo Policy Steering Committee can apply through ISACo. Additional information about Policy Steering Committees, as well as other NACo committees, is available via this link . Please contact ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy at jmccoy@isacoil.org if you have interest in serving on a NACo Policy Steering Committee.

Time to Register for NACo's Annual Conference! NACo's 84th Annual Conference is right around the corner! This year's conference is being hosted in Clark County, Nevada from July 12-15. The Annual Conference and Exposition is the largest meeting of county elected and appointed officials from across the country. Participants from counties of all sizes come together to shape NACo's federal policy agenda, share proven practices and strengthen knowledge networks to help improve residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government. You can register to attend the conference via this link . ISACo hopes to see you there!

The Key to ISACo's Success is YOU! Is your county a member of ISACo? If not, why not? ISACo is a statewide association whose mission is to empower county officials to provide excellent service to their residents. ISACo member counties are comprised of forward-thinking public servants who recognize that the challenges confronting county governments require new and innovative ideas, collaborative solutions and collective advocacy at the state and federal levels of government. Members of the association will benefit from education and training opportunities, peer-to-peer networking, shared resources and robust representation before policymakers at various levels of government. ISACo creates and connects county officials to these opportunities and successfully equips them to make counties ideal places to live, work and play. If your county is interested in discussing membership in ISACo, please contact Executive Director Joe McCoy at (217) 679-3368 or jmccoy@isacoil.org. Thank you for your consideration.

News and Views is a service provided by ISACo for county officials and staff. Please feel welcome to share with interested parties. You can contact ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy at jmccoy@isacoil.org or (217) 679-3368 if we can be of service. Thank you for your support of ISACo.