August 14, 2023
Lake Board Members Spearhead Advocacy Efforts Nationally for Vital Policy Resolutions
Lake County Board Members took center stage at the National Association of Counties (NACo) annual meeting, advocating passionately for a set of policy resolutions aimed at securing support for counties nationwide. The resolutions spanned critical areas including disaster relief, broadband affordability, railway safety enhancement, and law enforcement deflection initiatives.
During the NACo annual meeting, which gathered county officials from across the nation, Lake Board Members emerged as driving forces behind discussions that could shape the future of counties' capabilities to address pressing challenges. Ten Lake County Board Members and County staff in attendance actively engaged with counterparts from different regions, fostering productive dialogue and garnering support for the proposed policy resolutions.
The resolutions, presented by Lake County Board Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham and Board Member Jennifer Clark, underscore the pressing needs of counties across the United States:
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National Railway Safety
Urging Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in collaboration with local and other relevant stakeholders, to take immediate action to address train delays. These delays result in idling freight trains that create harmful environmental impacts on local communities and block at-grade crossings, adversely impacting public safety and harming economic development.
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Law Enforcement Deflection Initiatives
Communities across the country are facing a behavioral health crisis related to substance abuse and mental health. To provide resources needed to combat the devastating impacts of the crisis, law enforcement agencies are implementing deflection programs. Lake County urges Congress to increase financial support for measures that maximize the ability of counties to develop and support programs that deflect non-violent individuals experiencing behavioral health crises into treatment driven by an integrated and accessible continuum of care.
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Increasing Access to Broadband ACP Program
Urging the FCC to require internet service providers to offer the $100 connected device discount to eligible households as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
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Disaster Relief Equity Across State Lines
Currently, there is no consideration in fairly granting federal resources to counties during a localized disaster event in which one county receives a level of assistance, and the neighboring county across state borders that was impacted equally, does not. Lake County, which borders Wisconsin, is advocating for a federal study be completed that looks for ways to provide equal federal support throughout the entire disaster area, instead of focusing just on the county and/or state.
All proposed resolutions garnered the endorsement of the NACo Executive Board, thereby meriting inclusion within NACo's definitive 2023-2024 American County Platform and Resolutions.
"With NACo's endorsement we now look forward to the federal government considering these resolutions that would make a huge impact for people in our county and everyone across the nation," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "I thank Vice-Chair Ross-Cunningham, Member Clark, the Board Members and staff that attended this year's conference to give Lake County the national voice it deserves."
Beyond these noteworthy accomplishments, county staff and Board Members actively engaged in a comprehensive array of sessions over the course of the four-day conference. These sessions addressed a spectrum of important topics such as public safety, emergency management, environmental sustainability, and the provision of affordable housing. Valuable insights into optimal practices and possible funding opportunities were collected and relayed to the teams within Lake County government for thorough evaluation and consideration.
 Pictured: Left - Vice-Chair Mary Ross-Cunningham presenting at the annual NACo Conference. Right - County Board Member Jennifer Clark presenting at the annual conference.
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