Will County Grant Dispute Highlights Immigration Services Funding Delays

A Will County Board member has expressed frustration over a delay in funding for an immigration services group. The county executive’s office stated that the necessary documentation to award the grant money is insufficient. Destinee Ortiz, a Democrat from Romeoville, noted that last November, the Will County Board voted 12-10 to allocate $200,000 of its cannabis tax revenue to Illinois Workers in Action for immigration services.

Ortiz joined 11 board Republicans to approve a budget with a 0% tax levy, which included funding for eight programs using cannabis revenue. Illinois Workers in Action, a nonprofit, serves the Will County area with locations in Chicago, Bolingbrook, and Aurora. Ortiz explained that the organization spoke before both Republican and Democratic caucuses, as noted in the caucuses’ minutes.

Ortiz, along with Republican Vince Logan from Joliet, presented funding recommendations to the full County Board. However, almost 10 months later, the county executive’s office has not released the grant funds. Ortiz questioned, “When the County Board approves a specific cannabis appropriation and the executive signs it into the county budget, what discretion does the executive’s office retain?”

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s office indicated the proposal lacked sufficient detail and couldn’t support a specific organization without clear documentation. Spokesperson Mike Theodore highlighted the need for receipts to ensure funds align with their intended purpose. The funding was approved amid a contentious budget session, using vague notes such as “IWA – legal defense for immigrants.”

Theodore mentioned concerns about the recognition of Illinois Workers in Action, noting no organization with the ‘IWA’ acronym was authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice for legal immigrant services. Additionally, concerns were raised over the proportion of funds directed toward salaries.

The cannabis funding process has been criticized for lacking transparency, as past boards applied more rigorous standards for such allocations. Giselle Rodriguez, Executive Director of Illinois Workers in Action, noted that the organization answered board members’ queries at both caucuses. Since January, they have aided approximately 31,000 individuals, primarily in Chicago suburbs.

Rodriguez explained the organization divides its efforts into labor justice, immigration, public health, and advocacy. They provide workplace harassment assistance, free legal consultations, “know your rights” training, and community preparation for interactions with immigration authorities. They also host food distribution events, mental health presentations, and English language classes.

“The need has grown significantly,” said Rodriguez. She emphasized the organization’s reliance on grants and willingness to adhere to the county’s process, expressing frustration over the delay.

Ortiz wants fiscal year 2026 allocations resolved promptly as discussions for the 2027 budget are underway. She stressed the importance of assisting Will County’s immigrant communities, particularly in regions with notable minority populations like Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Romeoville.

State Sen. Rachel Ventura has addressed the issue in a letter to the county executive, emphasizing the legal obligation to allocate approved funds. Jim Richmond, a Republican leader on the board, shared concerns over uncompleted objectives. He stated that the executive’s office should execute the board’s decisions.

The County Board established a committee to evaluate how cannabis revenue is allocated and dispersed. Richmond believes the committee could improve transparency and establish guidelines for funding distribution, especially since state rules regarding cannabis revenue are vague.

Additionally, last November, the board allocated funds for various causes, including children’s advocacy, housing stabilization, workforce services, election equipment, and other programs. Ortiz pointed out that funding for the clerk’s office equipment is also pending.