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Lobbyists: Congress' approach to appropriations may delay county earmarks; Kane County tracking three secured projects
Summary
The county’s federal lobbyist told the executive committee Congress may pass a continuing resolution after the August recess, which could pause appropriations; Kane County is tracking three earmarks for the state's attorney’s office and forensic lab that could be delayed if Congress uses a CR.
KANE COUNTY — Kane County’s federal lobbying team briefed the executive committee on Sept. 3 about the federal appropriations calendar, possible continuing resolutions and specific county‑level earmarks the county is tracking.
Congress and appropriations: Greg, representing the county’s federal lobbying team, said both the U.S. House and Senate returned to Washington after the August recess with the federal budget front of mind. He told the committee the House had advanced some appropriations work but that a continuing resolution (CR) was a likely outcome to buy more time: "The big, elephant in the room is finishing the budget by September 30... The talk of the town is likely a continuing resolution."
Local earmarks and risk: Greg said the county is tracking three earmarks it secured through members of Illinois’ delegation. "For Kane County, we are tracking closely 3 different earmarks that we secured through the members. There's money for the state's attorney's office, money for the forensic lab," he said, noting Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, Representative Foster and Senator Dick Durbin as sponsors. Greg cautioned that if appropriations are not finalized by Sept. 30 and a CR is used, those committee report items could be paused until a full final spending bill is enacted.
Grant‑making authority: Greg also noted a recent executive order on grant making that could shift more discretionary authority to political appointees in federal agencies and that the county’s lobby team was monitoring potential impacts on grant review and awards.
Next steps: The county will track floor action, potential omnibus or “Cromnibus” approaches, and clerked report language affecting the county’s earmarks. The lobby team will notify county leadership if appropriations outcomes threaten the three local projects.
