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Peoria County delegation reports Washington trip; staff addresses federal lobbying turnover
Summary
County officials who traveled to Washington reported meetings with federal lawmakers and said their federal lobbying firm experienced turnover; the firm reassigned the county to a new partner, Jessica Monahan, and board members asked for a report on lobbying results and return on investment.
County members Scott, Coates and Duncan reported on a Washington, D.C., trip where they met with congressional offices and national associations. Scott said the delegation spent part of a day at the National Association of Counties and met one-on-one with Rep. Sorenson and Rep. LaHood, and participated in a group meeting with Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. The group discussed federal priorities including the fiscal year federal budget and continuing resolutions, an Agriculture Lab project, and community-funded project requests the county had submitted.
Scott said the meetings with the senators were part of larger sessions (he estimated roughly 120 attendees) where senators took questions from the group. Member Duncan called the trip “a rewarding experience” and said she was glad to represent the county.
The delegation also raised the county’s federal lobbying relationship. Scott and Sarah briefed the board on changes at the county’s federal contractor: former Rep. Davis, who had been the principal assigned to the account, left the firm to lead the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s government affairs division. The firm reassigned the county to a new partner, Jessica Monahan, who Scott said has prior experience at the National Association of Counties and counts other county governments among her clients. Scott said Monahan will be supported by two additional staff members assigned to the account.
Scott and Sarah said the county maintains regular communications with both state and federal lobbyists. Sarah noted that Anderson Legislative Consulting Services is the county’s state lobbyist contractor and that the county typically receives end-of-session reports and a late-fall briefing for state priorities; federal lobbyists brief the county when the county is preparing a federal legislative program and while in Washington during the NACO legislative conference. Sarah said recurring calls and weekly federal update publications from the firm are part of ongoing engagement.
Some board members questioned whether turnover had reduced the firm’s effectiveness. Paul asked how often the board hears from lobbyists and whether turnover had caused lost ground; Scott said he was concerned when he learned of departures but that the current team had not “missed a beat” and had relationships with members of Congress on both sides. Board member Danny asked for a list of direct funding outcomes attributable to the firm; Scott said staff would prepare that list.
No formal action was taken. The discussion focused on trip takeaways, continuity of lobbying services, and a request for a future summary of lobbying outcomes and direct impacts for the county.
