B.
Legislative Agenda FY2025- discussion only (not attached)
Chairman Gumz handed out a sheet listing Legislative agenda items and potential
goals for FY2025. She asked the Committee to review them for discussion. A
resolution will then be presented at next month's Legislative meeting for a potential
vote. Chairman Gumz stated that the Kane County Legislative Agenda is guided by a
set of values that align with our mission statement. She reviewed the Legislative
mission statement. She asked the Committee if they had any amendments to the
language. Committee Member Bates asked to add the word "sustainability" to the
mission statement. The Committee agreed to this change. Gumz stated that the
Legislative Committee works with all county offices to identify, review, and affirm
support or opposition of legislation both at the State and Federal level. She pointed out
that the legislative committee works throughout the county. It is important that the
agenda is in writing and approved by the County Board. Committee Member Linder
suggested to include "departments and elected offices" to this item. Chairman Gumz
indicated that Board Members who have relationships with legislators all need to be
maintained, and identified in a written form on a Legislative Committee webpage. She
reviewed the goals of the Kane County Legislative Committee and hopes to get
consensus of the goals. She asked the Committee if anyone wanted to make any
changes or additions to the legislative goals. She noted that the goals need to be put in
writing in case there are requests from committees or from the Chairman. This will
provide a standard by which the legislative committee will follow. The Committee came
to an agreement on these terms. Chairman Gumz reviewed the goal of supporting
legislation that maintains local government control. She pointed out the issue of
inability to do certain things, as a result of legislation that has changed in Springfield.
She believes that Kane County needs to maintain autonomy at the county level.
Committee Member Stathmann agreed with the suggestion, but was concerned about
how to phrase the statement for better clarity. Chairman Gumz stated that the intent is
to communicate to residents the legislative actions taking place in Springfield and
Washington. Discussion ensued. Chairman Gumz reviewed the goal opposing
unfunded mandates imposed by state or federal government. She believes that if there
is any legislation that imposes unfunded mandates, Kane County should oppose them.
She reviewed the goal that states the Kane County Legislative Committee receives
potential bills for the legislative agenda from county departments and elected officials'
offices. The Legislative Committee reviews these potential legislative items with the
elected county officials and the county's lobbyists to identify priorities. These items are
then approved by the County Board annually. Chairman Gumz reviewed the goal that
states the Kane County Legislative Committee recognizes that the legislative
landscape is very fluid. As such, the following process shall be used to amend the
legislative agenda. She noted that bills will pop up randomly, therefore the Committee
needs a standard by which the Committee addresses those. Chairman Gumz
presented the question of how can a member of the Board seek a position on a specific
piece of legislation. She suggested a member can attend the legislative committee and
ask the committee to take a position on a bill. Another suggestion she made was to
meet with the standing committee for which the bill pertains to and makes a request on
behalf of the committee. They ask the Legislative Committee to take a position on the
bill. She addressed the witness slip submission guidelines on specific bills. She stated
that a County Board member, County Board Chair, or the county's lobbyists may
