209 Center Rd, Frankfort, IL 60423, United States
Daniel Butler Working for District 3
Efforts to stop Unchecked Foreign Nationals from flooding into Will County
I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on my recent efforts regarding immigration-related issues within our country. Earlier, I proposed a resolution to designate Will County as a non-sanctuary county; however, this proposal encountered considerable opposition from Democratic members, and the absence of several Republican colleagues on that day prevented its passage.
In response to these challenges, I have developed a new resolution that aims to address our concerns in a manner that promotes bipartisanship. Titled "A Resolution to Regulate Unauthorized or Unsafe Bus Operations Within Will County, Illinois," this initiative seeks to address the difficulties associated with unscheduled bus drop-offs of foreign nationals. Our goal is to ensure that individuals arriving in our county are provided with adequate resources and support.
I remain optimistic that this revised approach will facilitate constructive dialogue and lead to actionable solutions that benefit our community.
"Protecting Our Heritage: Will County Faces Farmland Crisis as Solar Farms Expand; 'Good Food for Al
I would like to highlight a pressing issue facing Will County. Projections indicate that by 2040, our county will experience the most significant loss of farmland in the United States, second only to Maricopa County. Given that Will County is home to some of the finest agricultural soil in the world, this trend is concerning.
The rise of solar farms acquiring or leasing thousands of acres of farmland has detrimental implications for our local agriculture sector. As a result, farmers are losing vital resources necessary for cultivating specialty crops, including fresh produce for local markets.
In response to this challenge, I traveled to Washington, D.C. in 2023 to propose our "Good Food for All" resolution. This initiative aims to secure funding for new beginnings and underserved individuals, facilitating the development of local food chain infrastructure.
Furthermore, following an extension by the U.S. Congress to amend the Federal Farm Bill, I attended a conference in Tampa in 2024 to reiterate our “Good Food for All” resolution. I am pleased to share that it was once again accepted by NACo, one of the largest lobbying groups in the country. As a result, this resolution will be proposed to Congress, with the hope that the Federal Farm Bill will be amended to support local food infrastructure, particularly in areas of Will County that are currently classified as food deserts.
"Preserving Our Heritage: Lawmaker Advocates for Renovation of Historic Old County Courthouse Amid C
During my first nine months in office, I dedicated my efforts to preserving the historic Old County Courthouse. Despite reports indicating the building was structurally sound, there were voices advocating for its demolition due to its Brutalist architectural style, which some deemed unappealing. This architectural choice, characterized by its durability and functionality, ironically embodies the steadfast values we aspire to uphold in our government.
The courthouse spans 140,000 square feet and possesses a replacement value of 200million.Instarkcontrast,ourcountycurrentlyrents65,000squarefeetofofficespaceatanannualcostof1.2 million. Our comprehensive plan for the renovation of the Old County Courthouse projected costs of approximately $75 million, utilizing tax credits that could cover up to 45% of construction expenses. These tax credits could have been sold to developers and investors committed to revitalizing Joliet, thereby creating jobs and rejuvenating our city, the heart of Will County.
Regrettably, rather than pursue a vision that would restore Joliet to its former splendor, the County Executive and the Mayor of Joliet appear to be orchestrating backroom deals for a new county-city government campus. This project is projected to cost taxpayers an estimated $300 million, raising serious concerns about the management and decision-making within the Will County Executive's Office.
As your representative, I believe it is essential for us to advocate for smart, cost-effective solutions that benefit our community and preserve our historical assets.
"Addressing the 'Forever Chemicals': Lawmaker Advocates for PFAS Awareness in Will County to Protect
In February of 2023, I had the opportunity to learn more about Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), which pose a significant health risk to Americans, particularly concerning our drinking water. These so-called “forever chemicals” have infiltrated our water supply and groundwater, contributing to serious health conditions, including cancer. PFAS are also found in many processed food packaging materials, further complicating the issue.
Upon returning to Will County, I discovered that many community members were not aware of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure. As a member of the Health and Public Safety Committee, I felt a strong obligation to address this gap in awareness. I engaged with the Will County Health Department and actively advocated for the addition of a public health warning regarding PFAS on their website.
I am pleased to report that this information is now available to the public, helping to ensure that our community is informed and protected. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to activate local resources and safeguard the health of our residents. Together, we can continue to advocate for transparency and health awareness in Will County.
"Access Will County Committee Chair Advocates for Collaborative Solutions to Enhance Transportation
As the Chair of the Access Will County Committee, I have dedicated myself to addressing the transportation needs of our most vulnerable citizens, particularly seniors and individuals who are physically and mentally impaired. Ensuring that these community members have access to necessary public transportation while also being mindful of the financial burden on taxpayers is a significant challenge that I take seriously.
Currently, we have a transportation system in place that has been tailored to meet the diverse needs of our townships, in partnership with Pace. This system is effective for many areas, accommodating the varying demands of our community; urban townships generally require more public transportation, while some rural townships have minimal needs. While several townships have benefited greatly from this program, it is also true that some have little interest due to lower demand, and a few may incur higher costs without commensurate usage.
One of the most successful regional transportation programs has demonstrated the value of collaboration. By forming a partnership among five townships with similar needs, they effectively negotiated favorable terms with Pace, resulting in a cost-effective solution that serves their residents well. I propose that we encourage other townships experiencing similar challenges to join forces in negotiations, thereby providing a consolidated approach to transportation that enhances service delivery while minimizing costs.
An ongoing concern, however, is ensuring timely transportation for stakeholders returning from medical appointments. We must prioritize reducing the wait times for these essential trips to ensure our citizens receive the care they need without undue delay.
As we move forward, I am committed to enhancing our current transportation system, as it reflects our best path forward. My goal is to safeguard against missteps such as merging with an already struggling RTA system, which could potentially squander taxpayer dollars in a misguided attempt to address our transportation needs.
Landfill
Coming soon