Memorandum
Date: July 28, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Susan Parker, County Administrative Officer
Stephen L. Carter, Jr., Assistant County Administrative Officer
Matthew Rothstein, Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer
Trevor Mockel, Administrative Analyst
Subject: 9:30 A.M. Consideration of Legislative Updates: (a) State Legislative Update from Nielsen Merksamer; (b) Federal Legislative Update from Paragon Government Relations
Executive Summary:
(a) As your Board is aware, Nielsen Merksamer Parrinello Gross & Leoni has served as the County of Lake's State-level Advocacy Firm since January 2024. With the State Legislature on the precipice of returning from their Summer Recess, and in what has been a consequential Legislative year, an update is timely, and will include updates on State Legislation of interest to the County, discussion of expectations for the remainder of this Legislative session, and Questions and Answers from your Board.
Geoff Neill will be present, via Zoom, to present this State Legislative Update. Staff look forward to your Board's robust discussion, and Mr. Neill will be very happy to respond to any questions you have.
(b) Additionally, your Board will recall, Paragon Government Relations has served as the County of Lake's Federal-level Advocacy Firm since January of 2025. With two Supervisors returning from the National Association of Counties' Conference, and ongoing concerns regarding proposed changes to regulations surrounding Federal Financial Assistance (frequently referred to as the proposed, "OMB Final Rule"), for example, a Federal update is likewise well timed.
Joe Krahn and Hasan Sarsour of Paragon Government Relations are expected to be present, via Zoom, to present a Federal Legislative Update, and respond to your Board's questions.
Your Board may consider providing Direction to Staff, as appropriate.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: _______...
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