Orland Park trustees approve 2026 legislative priorities after debate over pensions and Safety Act
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Summary
Trustees approved a 'living' set of 2026 legislative priorities focused on infrastructure, financial stability, economic development and public safety. Debate centered on how to address tier‑2 pension changes, the Safety Act, and the scope for hired lobbyists; mayor and manager urged ongoing refinement.
The Committee of the Whole recommended the village board adopt the 2026 legislative priorities after an extended discussion about scope and tactics.
Trustee Lawrence moved approval of the document, which lists guiding principles — including opposition to unfunded mandates, support for infrastructure funding, financial stability, economic development and public safety priorities — and a set of specific initiatives the village’s lobbyists should pursue in Springfield. The mayor described the package as a "living document" and said trustees could refine it at subsequent meetings.
Trustee Healy sought broader items including repeal or revision of the state Safety Act and called for more transparency and trustee input. He debated tier‑2 pension options with other trustees; staff and the village manager noted the range of fiscal scenarios and estimated a $12–13 million hit to the village if tier‑2 benefits were aligned with tier‑1 for police. Trustees questioned whether consultants, employed part‑time, could pursue an extensive agenda and asked staff and lobbyists to prioritize issues that will result in tangible funding for local projects.
After discussion, trustees voted to recommend the initial priorities and directed staff and the legislative team to return in two weeks with further detail and to incorporate trustee feedback where appropriate.
