Will County's Federal Legislative Agenda Committee discussed proposals to support restoration of Medicaid coverage for seniors and immigrants and to urge protection of core human services such as SNAP and Head Start during its Sept. 11 meeting.

The health department had submitted language asking federal reinstitution of coverage the county previously had; the committee noted the health department's proposal would be considered when the health department's full submission was discussed and therefore the committee removed the duplicate sponsor text from the general list.

On a separate item advocating protection of core human services from federal cuts, the committee voted to remove the single word "disproportionately" from the proposed paragraph after several members called the term political. After a hand count, the chair recorded that the majority approved the edit and the item will be forwarded in the amended form. Supporters emphasized that programs such as SNAP, Pell grants, Head Start and after-school care "safeguard working families, seniors, and children," while skeptics warned that asking for more federal funds ultimately derives from taxpayers.

Members also discussed administrative concerns, such as evidence of program misuse and the need for better targeting of benefits. A member asked for county data on how many residents receive assistance before making further recommendations.

Ending: The committee approved the edited language protecting core human services and removed a duplicate Medicaid restoration entry so the health department's own submission will be considered when that department's proposals are taken up; no new county funding commitments were made.