"We oppose the proposed casino in the village of Matteson since its impact has not yet been carefully considered and studied. The current proposed site at the corner of US 30 and Harlem Avenue is 1500 feet from a school and only 400 feet from a residential neighborhood. While Will County has no direct say in where a Matteson casino would be built, our residents will be impacted. We urge the village of Matteson to consider their neighbors in Will County and the quality of life for our region as a whole when deciding the location of this casino."

JOLIET-The Will County Board today reminded home owners who sustained damage during the storms of late June that they may be eligible for low interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The action follows Gov. JB Pritzker’s request of a disaster declaration from the SBA. Businesses and Not-for-Profits, including churches are also eligible for the assistance.
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“Many people in Will County suffered catastrophic loss during the heavy rains and storms of this past June and now they have an opportunity to get help in the form of low interest loans,” said Denise Winfrey, Speaker of the Will County Board. “I truly hope they avail themselves of this one time opportunity.”

JOLIET – The Will County Board has created an ad-hoc census committee which will help ensure that all Will County residents are counted during the federally mandated census which occurs every ten years. The committee will work closely with other community groups and the Will County Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
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“We need to have an accurate count of the number of residents in Will County so that we can receive the appropriate resources for our constituents,” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “This committee will help facilitate an accurate count by coordinating efforts between local leaders and the County Executive’s GIS department.”

JOLIET - Members of the Will County Board today lauded Will County Executive Larry Walsh Sr. for many decades of public service. Walsh announced that he will not seek re-election at a press conference following Thursday’s Will County Board Meeting.
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“I’ve been proud to serve with Larry for these many years. He has been a shining example of a public servant,” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “Not only has he dedicated so much of his time to serving the people of Will County, but he has always listened to his constituents and put their needs above anything else. Larry has always stood by his constituents.”

​JOLIET--  Will County Board members returned from the National Association of Counties (NACo) conference held in Clark County, Nevada with several new board members participating for the first time.
 
“There are some issues that are bigger than one county and it’s important for our elected officials to interface with each other and learn from each other,” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “NACo conferences are always good learning experiences and that’s especially true for our newest board members.”

​JOLIET--  Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet) was appointed this month to serve as an at-large board member for the National Association of Counties (NACo). Her nomination and appointment occurred at the national conference which was held in Clark County, Nevada. Winfrey also serves on several committees and has long been active in NACo.
 
“I’m thrilled and humbled to have been appointed to this spot,” said Winfrey. “Will County is a national leader in a host of areas ranging from economic development to environmental sustainability. Our county is one that other governments look to as an example and I’m excited to continue working with my peers across the United States to help all of us be the best public servants that we can be.”

JOLIET—Will County is in line to get funding for several major projects after Governor Pritzker signed Illinois’ Capital Bill in Joliet on Friday. Those projects include I-80 bridge replacements and widening and improvements to I-55.
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“We’re glad to have a capital bill from Springfield that addresses some of our most pressing regional needs,” said Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “Funding for I-80 improvements to repair bridges and widen the interstate through Joliet is critical to our region as the largest inland port in the nation.”

Joint Statement from Will County Board Members Amanda Koch (D-Frankfort) and Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort)

"Lincoln Way North High School, though shuttered, remains an important asset to our community. As Will County Board Members representing the district where the high school is located, we urge everyone to act cautiously. We support the decision of Summit Hill School District 161 to move forward with a feasibility study to help determine the best path forward. School District 161 has historically been the exclusive feeder for  the Lincoln Way North High School and we expect that it will be needed again in the near future."

JOLIET— When Will County Board Member Laurie Summers (D-Crete) learned that families with children in need of specialized counseling had to drive nearly an hour from her district in Eastern Will County to Joliet, she saw an opportunity to work with the Children’s Advocacy Center and the village of Steger to increase access to those services.
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 “It’s important for our county to provide equitable health care services to all of our residents, especially children who have experienced trauma,” said Summers, who also chairs the Will County Board Public Health and Safety Committee. “Regular counseling is crucial for these children to be able to move beyond their trauma and develop into healthy adults.”

JOLIET—The Will County Board today called on the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker to pass a robust capital plan that funds desperately needed improvements to I-80, I-55 and other roads and bridges in Will County which is home to the largest inland port in the United States.
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“We’ve seen employment in the freight industry grow by 140 percent in Will County since 2005,” said Will County Speaker Denise Winfrey (D-Joliet). “We need a capital bill that will address the rapidly growing logistics industry and the overburdened infrastructure in Will County. At stake is the largest inland port in the United States. We cannot jeopardize this major economic engine.”