Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion

JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026

Article Summary: Representatives from Point of Difference Strategies updated the JJC Board on efforts to secure state and federal funding for key capital projects, including a new campus in Grundy County. The presentation highlighted the increasing importance of federal lobbying to secure appropriations for the college.

Legislative Strategy Key Points:

• Expansion Projects: Lobbyists are actively pitching legislators on funding for a new campus in Morris (Grundy County) and a Public Safety Institute.

• State Budget Cuts: The Governor’s office has asked state agencies to hold back 4% of their budgets, which impacts JJC by approximately $200,000.

• Federal Wins: The firm highlighted the inclusion of workforce Pell grants in federal legislation, a major victory for community colleges offering short-term credentials.

JOLIET — Lobbyists representing Joliet Junior College updated the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, regarding strategies to secure government funding for the college’s expansion plans.

Kelly Roeder-Tinelli, JJC’s Special Assistant to the President for Legislation, introduced Maria Martinez and David Adeleye from the firm Point of Difference Strategies. The firm was hired last year to expand JJC’s advocacy footprint, specifically at the federal level.

Adeleye noted that the firm is working to position JJC to receive congressionally directed spending—formerly known as earmarks—for projects such as the Entrepreneurial Business Center and the planned expansion into Grundy County.

“We see the necessity that earmarks do have in our communities,” Adeleye said. He emphasized that with Senator Dick Durbin retiring, it is crucial for the college to establish relationships with his successor immediately to ensure continued support.

At the state level, Martinez warned of a “tight budget year” in Springfield. She explained that the Governor’s office is anticipating a $500 million gap due to federal healthcare funding changes and has recommended state agencies place 4% of their budgets into reserve. For JJC, this results in a withholding of roughly $200,000.

Despite the fiscal constraints, Martinez indicated that clean energy workforce programs remain a priority for the state, aligning well with JJC’s educational offerings.

Trustee Alicia Morales requested that the lobbyists provide more frequent written reports to the board to ensure trustees are fully aware of the firm’s activities and successes.

“It would be beneficial for us as the trustees to hear it,” Morales said.