Kane County keeps lobbyists

Pleased with the work the firm has done despite a "difficult" Illinois legislative session, the Kane County Board's legislative committee Wednesday recommended renewing its contract with lobbyists Raucci & Sullivan Strategies LLC.

The committee approved a resolution to continue working with the Chicago-based firm through the end of 2008. The county board is expected to vote next month on the $41,666 contract.

"It has been a very difficult, frustrating and disappointing session," committee chairman Bill Wyatt said, "but we have been able to do positive things for the people of Kane County. I'm very appreciative."

Raucci & Sullivan initially was hired to represent the county's health-care needs but the agency's work over the past year has extended to other issues, such as seeking more representation for Kane County on the boards of Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority and obtaining funds for the Child Advocacy Center.

On the health care front, the firm successfully lobbied state lawmakers to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich's amendatory veto of a pilot project to give uninsured Kane County residents greater access to specialty health care. The law, which became effective upon its approval Oct. 11, allocated $300,000 in state funds to the program.

The Child Advocacy Center funding stems from legislation approved in August that allows counties to add a fee to the court costs of defendants found guilty in most criminal court cases.

The firm, which tracked hundreds of bills in Springfield this year, presented its year-end report to the committee.