A main function of the Will County Governmental League is to identify and analyze legislation as well as state and federal agency rules that impact Will County municipalities and the well-being of Will County residents and employers. Legislative decisions in Springfield and Washington have a major impact on the fiscal health and stability of our municipalities and townships. These often well intentioned decisions create unfunded mandates upon local governments that increase the financial burden on our taxpayer constituents and/or interfere with the ability to manage our communities efficiently. Protecting the collective interests of local governments creates the need to work cooperatively on legislative matters. The Will County Governmental League has a long history of fulfilling this need for our member communities through a proactive approach to state and federal legislation. By combining individual concerns into a unified voice, the League has a proven track record of being a statewide leader in advocating the positions of our communities in the legislative arena.
The Legislative Committee proposes policies and initiatives on state and federal legislation affecting municipal and county governments. Consisting of both elected and appointed local government officials, the WCGL Legislative Committee combines their collective talents to address the challenges and opportunities presented in our state and federal capitols.
The following criteria is used to determine a WCGL position on legislation or agency rule making:
Supplementing the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the Executive Director actively represents our communities in Springfield and Washington. This work is further supported through the use of contract legislative consultants who maintain a constant presence in the state capitol and Washington, D.C. League members have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process of the Illinois General Assembly through the Legislative Committee. Annual Legislative activities include a drive down trip to Springfield during the spring session, meetings with legislators, and a Legislative Breakfast leading up to the fall veto session. This Committee also serves as a forum for intergovernmental dialogue on major topics affecting municipal and county governments in Will County.
The Legislative Committee proposes policies and initiatives on state and federal legislation affecting municipal and county governments. Consisting of both elected and appointed local government officials, the WCGL Legislative Committee combines their collective talents to address the challenges and opportunities presented in our state and federal capitols.
The following criteria is used to determine a WCGL position on legislation or agency rule making:
- Oppose all unfunded mandates
- Oppose legislation that usurps existing municipal or county authority
- Oppose proposals that erode the municipal or county revenue base
- Oppose home rule restrictions and exemptions
- Support member bills if not opposed by other members
Supplementing the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the Executive Director actively represents our communities in Springfield and Washington. This work is further supported through the use of contract legislative consultants who maintain a constant presence in the state capitol and Washington, D.C. League members have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process of the Illinois General Assembly through the Legislative Committee. Annual Legislative activities include a drive down trip to Springfield during the spring session, meetings with legislators, and a Legislative Breakfast leading up to the fall veto session. This Committee also serves as a forum for intergovernmental dialogue on major topics affecting municipal and county governments in Will County.