The Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (Public Act 102-1143) was signed into law on March 13, with an effective date of January 1, 2024. Unfortunately, this Act could endanger the lives of Illinois residents. The provisions of the Act could limit critical emergency and first responder operations. As written, most or even an entire crew of police officers, fire fighters, emergency dispatchers, public works employees or other critical staff could take the same shift off with little to no notice, and the local government would be limited in denying those requests.

SSMMA, along with a coalition of other Councils of Governments and the Illinois Municipal League have called for amending the Paid Leave for All Workers Act to exempt additional public bodies in order to ensure compatibility with safe and efficient local government operations. We also support legislation filed by State Representative Suzanne Ness, House Bill 4190, that seeks to push out the date of implementation from January 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. This would allow time for local governments to work with General Assembly members to address known concerns.

SSMMA strongly urges mayors to contact their House and Senate members to advocate for passage of legislation which delays the implementation date to allow for a review of the Paid Leave Act regulations that are just getting drafted.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENSE! Please contact your State Representatives and Senators by TOMORROW to ensure they take action next before Veto Session reconvenes to let them know of your concerns with the Paid Leave Act for All Workers Act and to request that they pass legislation that delays the implementation date of Paid Workers Act until July 1, 2024. Thank you!

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) will host a USEPA/IL EPA Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop for municipal leaders and staff on Tuesday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at SSMMA’s Offices in East Hazel Crest.

Municipal representatives are encouraged to attend the workshop to hear about the significant resources available to address water infrastructure needs as provided by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. There will be a special emphasis on options for lead service line inventories and replacements. Cook County Bureau of Asset Management staff will also be on hand to share information about new ARPA resources available through their Build Up Cook program.

This workshop will build upon an earlier convening this past April which resulted in real projects committed to south suburban communities. Mayors, managers, public works directors, and engineers are encouraged to attend to learn more and to receive technical assistance with important local projects.

Contact Kristi DeLaurentiis at kdelaurentiis@ssmma.org or (708) 922-4670 for more information or to sign up.

The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) is requesting proposals from interested contractors to provide professional planning services. The deadline for submissions in response to this RFQ is 4:00pm CST on November 13, 2023.

The Request for Qualifications can be found here.

If you have any questions, please email Leslie Rauer, SSMMA Transportation Planner at Leslie.Rauer@ssmma.org.

The recorded information session and additional details can be found on SSMMA's website.

Join the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association on December 7 at 6pm at the Dream Palace Banquet Hall in Lynwood for our Annual Jingle and Mingle Holiday Dinner!

Mayor Jada D. Curry and the Village of Lynwood will host this year's event. Our current sponsors include Comcast, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Calumet City Plumbing, and AT&T. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Melissa Doud for more information.

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