Counties Count!
The Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) shares the latest state and local news impacting counties, interviews with state and local elected officials, insights from our legislative staff, discussions about the important role of county government in Illinois and more.
Episodes
12 episodes
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and What It Means for Counties and Communities
In this episode, we break down the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and explore what it means for county governments and the people they serve. From funding shifts to regulatory changes, tune in to learn how this landmark legislation could...
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20:30
Transit at a Crossroads: Where Illinois Reform Stands Now
In this episode of the Counties Count! Podcast we break down the latest developments in Illinois transit reform following the General Assembly’s spring session. Despite significant debate and a late push in the Senate, a comp...
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15:57
Spring Session Wrap-Up: What Happened, What Didn't and What’s Next?
In this episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast, Executive Director Joe McCoy breaks down the key takeaways from the adjournment of the 2025 spring legislative session. From the passage of the state budget and other legislation along with hi...
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12:45
“Behind the Budget: What Might Reconciliation Bring for States, Counties and Taxpayers?
This episode explores the federal budget reconciliation process and its far-reaching implications for state and local governments. Learn how this fast-track legislative tool is being used to propose major changes to taxes, debt, Medicaid fundin...
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14:38
Outdoor Fitness Court Opportunity for Illinois Counties by NFC
This episode of the Counties Count! Podcast discusses free, accessible outdoor wellness opportunities for communities and schools across Illinois thanks to a continued partnership between National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Blue Cross and Blue ...
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10:50
Defending Justice: What Public Defense Reform Means for Illinois Counties
In this episode of Counties Count!, we dig into HB 3363—landmark legislation that could reshape how public defense works across Illinois. The podcast breaks down what the creation of a State Public Defender’s Office means for counties,...
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11:31
Tracks, Taxes, and Turf: Untangling the Politics of Transit Reform
This episode of ISACo's Counties Count! Podcast discusses the challenges holding up a transit bill, including governance, structural reforms, funding sources and a need for consensus to advance major legislation.
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13:07
Counties Count! Podcast: Bonds, Bucks and Bridges: The Power of Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds
In this episode of Counties Count!, ISACo Executive Director Joe McCoy breaks down the world of tax-exempt municipal bonds—one of the most powerful financial tools counties use to fund critical infrastructure like roads, water systems,...
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8:46
Episode 4- A Conversation with Representative Curtis Tarver
Episode 4- A Conversation with Representative Curtis Tarver (D-Chicago) 25th District is now available. This episode discusses Representative Tarver's background, his personal experience working in the state legislature and what he...
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17:56
Episode 3-A Conversation with Executive Director Joe McCoy
This Counties Count! Podcast discusses the Governor's combined State of the State and Budget Address, opportunities to shape state and federal policy affecting counties by participating on one of ISACo's seven policy committees and the February...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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12:02