Will County Board Members Visit White House

HOMER GLEN, IL – A Will County Board delegation recently returned from Washington D.C. where they met with White House administration officials about securing resources for local projects including public health and infrastructure, according to a release. The conference was exclusively for Illinois’ elected officials.

“We strengthened our relationships with the federal administration and our congressional members to make sure that Will County is part of the conversation about where federal resources will be allocated,” said Will County Board Speaker and Frankfort Republican Jim Moustis.

The board said U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Anthony Bedell met with the Will County delegation to discuss bringing federal dollars to invest in infrastructure on I-80 and other arterial roads affected by the largest inland port in North America. They also spoke about the need to alleviate truck congestion and improve safety on the roads for Will County residents. As a result of the meeting, Bedell plans to visit Will County to tour the area and talk about infrastructure investment on I-80.

“The federal government is focused on the entire country so we have to take every opportunity that we have to deliver our message to the right people,” said County Board Member and New Lenox Republican Ray Tuminello.

The board said members also met with Vice President Mike Pence who talked about the ways that the administration is working to include local voices in their decision making. Pence also spoke about the importance of eliminating burdensome regulations to help businesses in Will County and stimulate the economy.

“We met with White House officials on topics ranging from education and homeland security to agriculture and transportation,” said County Board Member and Homer Glen Republican Mike Fricilone. “We made a strong case for why it is important for the federal government to invest in Will County.”

Lastly, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson met with the Will County delegation to discuss rental reform policies as well as working with the Department of Labor on workforce initiatives.

“It’s important for Will County to be part of these conversations,” said Will County Board Member and Romeoville Democrat Don Moran. “If we don’t fight to have our voices heard we’ll be overlooked and the residents of Will County need to be included in decisions made at the federal level.

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