Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding

Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025

Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include protecting Medicaid, expanding the public health workforce, and securing funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center. The committee debated specific language, particularly concerning services for immigrants, before approving proposals from several county departments.

2026 Federal Legislative Agenda Key Points:

• The committee is developing its official list of priorities to guide its federal lobbying efforts for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Approved items from the Health Department include supporting the 340B drug pricing program and reinstituting Medicaid coverage for seniors and new immigrants.

• Language was adopted urging Congress to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and reject cuts to workforce development funding.

• The committee unanimously backed a proposal to support HR 909, the “VOCA Fix” Act, to ensure continued funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

JOLIET, IL – Will County’s legislative priorities for 2026 began to take shape on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as a key committee debated and approved a slate of federal agenda items focused on health and human services, workforce development, and public safety.

The Legislative Committee reviewed proposals submitted by several county departments, engaging in detailed discussions before adopting the language that will guide its lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C.

A proposal from the Will County Health Department generated the most debate. The agenda item supports continuing federal programs such as the 340B drug pricing program, which provides reduced-cost pharmaceuticals. However, language supporting the reinstatement of Medicaid coverage for “seniors and new immigrants” drew scrutiny.

Board member Julie Berkowicz questioned the inclusion of “immigrants,” asking about the legal status of individuals being served. Health department officials explained that as a Federally Qualified Health Center, they are prohibited by their federal funding source from inquiring about a patient’s immigration status.

Board member Judy Ogalla successfully amended a proposal related to Sunny Hill Nursing Home, striking the word “vulnerable” to instead refer to “our residents” and removing a phrase about preventing costs to taxpayers, which she argued was redundant.

After extensive discussion, the committee voted to adopt the Health Department’s proposals.

The committee also tackled workforce funding. Committee Chair Destinee Ortiz proposed specific language in response to a report from the county’s Workforce Services department, which warned of potential federal cuts. The adopted language states, “Will County urges Congress to reauthorize the WIOA, protect adult education and related programs, and reject proposed reductions in the Department of Labor workforce development funding.” The measure passed on a 4-3 vote.

A proposal from the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) received unanimous support. The committee voted to include language backing HR 909, the “VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victim’s Fund Act of 2024.” The agenda item states that the federal funding is “central to the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s ability to protect children and provide evidence-based services to child victims.”

The committee postponed discussion on proposals from the Land Use department until a representative could be present to answer questions. The finalized federal agenda will eventually be voted on by the full County Board.