The Peoria County Finance Audit and Legislative Affairs Committee convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss recent legislative activities and updates from a recent trip to Washington, D.C. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to engage with federal legislators and assess the effectiveness of their lobbying strategies.

Committee member Scott provided an overview of the delegation's trip to Washington, which included meetings with Congressmen LaHood and Sorensen, as well as a group session with Senators Durbin and Duckworth. The delegation focused on key legislative priorities, including discussions about the federal budget and community-funded projects. Scott noted that the meetings were productive, allowing the delegation to present their priorities and receive direct feedback from the legislators.

Member Duncan expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with federal representatives, emphasizing the value of hearing their positions firsthand. The committee also discussed the frequency of updates from their state and federal lobbyists, with Scott explaining that they typically receive reports during the fall and summer sessions. He reassured members that despite recent turnover in their lobbying team, the new members have maintained strong relationships with key congressional figures.

Concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of the lobbying efforts, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the federal budget process. Member Phelan questioned whether the county had lost ground due to the turnover in lobbyists, while Scott defended the current team's performance, citing successful lobbying for community project funding despite the overall budget constraints.

The committee acknowledged the complexities of the federal appropriations process, noting that many projects had not been approved due to the lack of a federal budget. Scott highlighted that the lobbying efforts had not been in vain, as they had successfully secured funding for specific projects, including the startup costs for a new opportunity court.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of ongoing communication with federal representatives and the need for strategic lobbying efforts in a challenging budget environment. The committee remains committed to advocating for Peoria County's interests at the federal level, despite the hurdles presented by the current legislative landscape.