Bertino-Tarrant Attends White House ‘Communities in Action’ Series

Visit includes meetings with Sen. Durbin and Congressmen Jackson and Davis.

County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, right, and State Rep. Natalie Manley visited Washington, D.C., to meet with members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation and attend a White House “Communities in Action” event. –Photo submitted.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined elected and community leaders from throughout Illinois at the White House to discuss the positive local impacts of federal investments from the Biden-Harris Administration.

“Will County has received historic levels of federal funding under this administration,” said County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. “I appreciated the opportunity to join other Illinois officials to share stories of how this funding has delivered results to working families, small businesses, and community organizations. These investments are making a real impact in our communities, especially by expanding access to healthcare, improving mental health services, empowering economic development, and rebuilding our infrastructure.”

The visit was part of the White House’s “Communities in Action” event series, a half-day forum to spotlight how federal programs are delivering for local communities. County Executive Bertino-Tarrant and State Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) shared how the millions of dollars allocated to Will County under the Biden Administration, including the $134 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, have directly benefited residents.

“The event was a great opportunity to increase collaboration between all levels of government,” said Rep. Manley. “By bringing together federal, state, and local leaders, we were able to learn from each other and achieve positive outcomes for our communities.”

The event featured several key members of the Biden-Harris administration, who shared updates on federal projects in Illinois, including Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory, Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez, and Senior Advisor to the President Gene Sperling.

Bertino-Tarrant and Rep. Manley also visited Sen. Richard Durbin, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, and Congressman Danny Davis to hear updates on legislation that supports Will County’s priorities. Discussions with the congressional delegation also focused on infrastructure, economic development, affordable housing, and green energy opportunities in Will County.

“I appreciate the dedicated efforts of our congressional delegation to ensure Will County has a strong voice in our nation’s capital,” added Bertino-Tarrant. “This is key to ensure that federal investments can make the most impact to our residents.”