Will County Board member Destinee Ortiz voices frustration over delayed funding for an immigration services group. County executive’s office states insufficient documentation prevents disbursement. Ortiz, a Democrat from Romeoville, highlights a previous County Board vote. Last November, the board approved $200,000 for Illinois Workers in Action using cannabis tax revenue.
The board voted 12-10 in favor of this funding. Ortiz joined Republicans to endorse the budget, approving a 0% tax levy and allocating funds from cannabis taxes to eight programs. Illinois Workers in Action, a nonprofit, operates in Chicago, Bolingbrook, and Aurora, serving Will County. Ortiz notes the group’s organizers spoke to both Republican and Democratic caucuses before the allocation was approved.
Ortiz, with Republican Vince Logan, reviewed funding proposals and presented their recommendations to the full board. Despite board approval, nearly 10 months later, the grant remains undistributed. Ortiz questioned the discretion of the executive’s office in implementing approved allocations. The executive’s office, led by Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, cites vague documentation as the barrier to disbursement, awaiting more detailed guidance.
“Funds must align with specific purposes and require receipts to ensure compliance with original intentions,” said Mike Theodore, executive office spokesperson.
Theodore describes the approved cannabis funding as lacking clarity, mentioning ambiguous directions involving “IWA – legal defense for immigrants.” Theodore expresses concern about high salary allocations within the proposal and notes the absence of a known organization with the IWA acronym authorized for immigration services by the DOJ.
Illinois Workers in Action organized in 2021 with programs targeting labor justice, immigration, public health, and advocacy. Executive Director Giselle Rodriguez asserts that the need for these services is growing, emphasizing their community impact. Rodriguez states the organization is ready to comply with county processes for funding.
Ortiz aims to resolve fiscal year 2026 allocations amid ongoing fiscal year 2027 budget talks. Organizations previously receiving funds must demonstrate the funds’ community impact. Ortiz highlights assisting immigrants as vital, particularly in diverse areas like Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Romeoville.
State Sen. Rachel Ventura wrote to County Executive Bertino-Tarrant, expressing concerns over the unreleased funds. Republican leader Jim Richmond emphasizes the executive office’s duty to carry out board actions. An ad hoc committee now reviews cannabis revenue allocation parameters.
The state lacks specific rules for cannabis revenue allocation. Historically, Will County directs these funds to public health and safety. The Joliet Unity Movement criticized last November’s board vote on cannabis funds, arguing the funds should address disparities from past drug policies.
Future cannabis fund allocations for immigration could be pivotal. Besides immigration, the board allocated funds to various programs, including education, housing, and election equipment. Like Illinois Workers in Action, other programs also await allocated funds, reflecting broader distribution challenges.