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* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best In-House Lobbyist goes to a relative newbie: Frances Orenic at the IL AFL-CIO…
In her role, Frances immediately dove in the deep end of the pool and has been instrumental in navigating several complex pieces of legislation including the pay transparency and captive audience bills that will become law on January 1. She has a diverse set of affiliate members to represent and always handles it with grace and professionalism.
* The 2024 Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Contract Lobbyist is a tie between two commenter favorites: Liz Brown-Reeves…
I know she’s been nominated and won before but this is a real contest and we don’t award participation lol. Liz is the best person I’ve seen with a roll call. She handles her clients with a a deftness and clarity I respect. I think she’s spent 20 years proving she knows how to operate better than almost anyone else.
* And Litesa Wallace…
Litesa’s exceptional ability to build relationships and leverage strong connections across both chambers has been instrumental in advancing our goals and ensuring our priorities are effectively communicated to lawmakers. Her comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, coupled with her strategic insight and unwavering tenacity, consistently delivers outstanding results. Beyond her stellar performance, Litesa is a trusted partner who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and reliability. Her expertise and commitment make her an invaluable asset, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations!
* On to today’s categories…
Best Legislative Liaison
Remember to try and nominate in both categories and remember to explain your nominations or they won’t count. Thanks.
* I breathed a sigh of relief when we reached $30,000 yesterday to help buy Christmas presents for foster kids. Unlike last year, we haven’t had a wealthy person issue a matching donation challenge. But, we’re up to $33,320 as I write this.
Christmas is fast approaching. And our annual winter break is even closer than that. So, please, click here and do what you can to help Lutheran Social Services of Illinois buy presents for those kids. Thanks!
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 12:01 pm
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Do-Gooder is Niya Kelly. She is is unflinchingly respectful of the people she serves, her peers and legislators even when she is not offered the same grace in return. She has the stories of horrifying impact policy and budget decisions have on real people, but she also has the policy and budget chops to come to the table with real solutions that move the needle in the right direction for her people. Her long tenure in Springfield also puts in her a position to understand the inner-workings of agencies so she’s able to make policy change from the inside when legislation isn’t a viable path.
Wendy Butler is retiring this year and she gets my vote for best liaison. Wendy has served through changes in administrations and avoids being dragged into political fights. She advocates for her agency’s position — a task that is not easy, as those who understand the vast policy areas in CMS know. Procurement and personnel are not for the faint of heart. She’s taught many lawmakers and stakeholders (including me) how to actually get votes for their bills. She will hold you to your word and expect the same in return. She’s a resource to all other liaisons and the state is better for her years of service. Thank you Wendy!
Comment by Who else Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 12:21 pm
For best Do-Gooder Lobbyist I’m going to nominate Josh Evans with IARF. He and his team have gotten a lot done for individuals with developmental disabilities in the last 4 budget cycles, and he knows exactly which strings to pull to get it done. Most recently, he pushed hard for the Administration’s bill that phases out the sub-minimum wage for disabled workers. He took what is typically a partisan issue and made it a bipartisan roll call. Class Act all the way around.
Comment by Probably should retire soon Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 1:02 pm
I’ll second Wendy Butler for best in-house lobbyist. She’s ferociously intense, but fair and she’s had a great career. She’ll be fondly missed.
Comment by Probably should retire soon Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 1:05 pm
We have two categories, people.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 1:21 pm
Legislative Liaison- Aaron Ladzinski
He cares about the people of Illinois and is dedicated to hearing from district staffers in order to solve complex problems within the State of Illinois. If you have had the pleasure of working with Arron, then you understand his drive to get things done and ultimately help others succeed.
Comment by Submission Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 1:46 pm
Liaison: Richard Sgro @ Revenue. Always answers an inquiry, always makes the experts available, disagrees if need be without being disagreeable. Experienced, knowledgeable, institutional memory without ever saying “we don’t do it that way” or “we’ve never done that so we aren’t going to start now.” A person I would definitely pick up @ O’Hare!
Do gooder
In the same vein, Maurice Scholten at Taxpayers’ Federation uses his expertise from Senate Legal to help explain complex issues. Maurice is generous with his insight, rarely claims pride of authorship unless your version is flawed, then he helps fix it. TFI not a “NO” organization but a “why” and in the tax issue in question reasonable, and will it do what proponents claim, or not.
Also O’Hare pickup for Maurice.
Comment by NorthShoreSaluki Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:30 pm
Jacob Nelson and Dan Lewis at IDFPR. These guys always respond immediately, and they give honest answers. They anticipate the needs of lobbyists that impact their agency. They are part of a great team when it comes to the Professional Regulation division headed by Camile Lindsay.
Comment by Springpatch Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:37 pm
Wait I forgot Do Gooder Lobbyist. Mike Ziri of course!!!! Guy is a workhorse, not a showhorse!
Comment by Springpatch Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:38 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist: Khadine Bennett. The ACLU has a tough job - sometimes they are with you on a bill and other times they will oppose you, but no one is more intentional and devoted than Khadine.
Best Legislative Liaison: Allison Nickrent. No one has had more put on them since the pandemic than Public Health - Allison stepped right into the monster and never looked back. Allison’s rise to Legislative Director has been bright spot for the State and Capitol - always responsive to calls, requests, meetings, you name it, Allison gets it done.
Comment by ThinkItThrough Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:42 pm
Do-Gooder: The team at Access Living that passed Dignity in Pay is outstanding. Their work is an excellent example of how relentless advocacy that centers people with lived experience can make a real difference.
Legislative Liaison: Is this where we would list someone from local government? Because Sharlyn Grace from the Cook County Public Defender’s Office is brilliant and tireless. Her boss isn’t too shabby either.
Comment by Change Agent Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:55 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist - Marc Ayers. He works his butt off to make sure animals are protected in Illinois. And he often has an uphill battle. He also had a tough local county board race this year. Let’s make him a double winner.
Best Legislative Liaison - Dan Lewis and team at IDFPR. They’ve been taking it on the chin for a few years now and have shown great maturity in handling a massive crisis. Very deserving this year.
Comment by FIREDup! Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 2:58 pm
Do-Gooder: Jen Walling with IEC. She knows her stuff, wrangles a wildly broad coalition and manages to get real wins for all, and works well with other stakeholders in negotiations.
Liaison: Dittoing Wendy Miller Butler. I love @probably’s description of her as ferociously intense and think she would too. She manages an incredibly diverse portfolio of issues compared to other liaisons but is never stumped and doesn’t give up when she’s trying to help solve a problem. Plus, she’s got style.
Comment by NotMe Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:05 pm
Best Legislative Liaison: Aaron Ladzinski. Aaron works hard for the people of Illinois. He works with district staffer in efforts to solve any issues that arise. He is not afraid of challenges or issues. Aaron is extremely motivated to find a solution and this is clear in his work. He follows through with his work and does so in a timely manner. Aaron is one of the best liaisons because he is not afraid of challenges.
Comment by Aaron Ladzinski Nominator Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:09 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist: Josh Evans of IARF - Josh has spent the last 20+ years fiercely advocating on behalf of disability and mental health providers to ensure individuals in need get the care they deserve. He has ferociously pounded the halls of the Capitol year after year fighting for and securing unprecedented funding increases for disability services. As another person noted, Josh worked behind the scenes on the Dignity in Pay Act for a number of years bringing together differing opinions, promoting compromise, offering language changes, and helping to ensure the needed votes to get the bill passed. Josh does his job with pride, dignity, and passion, and cares about the people of this state.
Best Legislative Liaison: Heather Eagleton, HFS - Heather came into her role in the throes of the legislative session this past year and hit the ground running. She didn’t shy away from the heavy legislative load that is continuous at HFS, instead she tackled a number of issues head on. She is approachable, easy to work with, and smart as a whip.
Comment by Glorified Babysitter Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:10 pm
Liaison - Richard Sgro IDOR. Always answers every message, makes his team available for questions, disagrees without being disagreeable, has institutional knowledge but exercises it to say “we’ve never done that before so we won’t start now.” Definitely would pick him up @ O’Hare.
Do gooder:
Same vein, Maurice Scholten of Taxpayers’ Federation. Deep subject matter expertise, Senate staff experience for what is possible, explains issues without making lay person feel uninformed. Works not to say “No” but “why” and will it accomplish what the proponents or opponents say. A balls and strikes umpire of tax policy. Also eligible for O’Hare pickup due to the way he treats people.
Comment by NorthShoreSaluki Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:19 pm
Long time reader, first time poster.
Sorry for double post - see first post - second only for emphasis/enthusiasm.
Comment by NorthShoreSaluki Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:21 pm
Do-Gooder: John Amdor. The dude is the face and voice for active transportation issues. And look at the list of other clients: AARP, Elevate Energy, Justice Project, Prison Action Fund, John Howard Association, Shriver, United way. Not a session day goes by that you don’t see him working it at the Capitol.
Liaison: Wendy Butler. There are always many worthy and deserving nominees in this category, but I guarantee they have all called Wendy for advice over the years. Trusted, honest, no nonsense, works as hard as any Liaison. When people say she will be missed at the Capitol, they are not kidding.
Comment by Stratton Rat Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:23 pm
Best Do-Gooder: I honestly do know who to put. Don’t deal with many “do-gooders” but since I must, or this post will be deleted I will piggyback off of others and say Josh Evans. Best Liaison: Tyler Bohannon. He’s the one of the few who has the privilege and difficult task of representing a department all by himself and he does a great job. A true professional that cares.
Comment by Metro Boomin Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:24 pm
Best Liaison:
Wendy Butler over at CMS, who Aaron Ladzinski works under, she is the best at her job period. She is driven, focused, and always doing the right thing.
Dogooder:
Josh Evans, constantly working hard and fighting for his issues
Best Dogooder
Comment by Gohawks123 Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:31 pm
Best Do-Gooder Lobbyist: Allison Richard – Allison’s impactful work with the Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY) highlights her dedication to advocating for marginalized voices, ensuring those unheard are brought to the forefront of policymaking.
Best Legislative Liaison: Nikita Richards – Nikita’s leadership with the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) stands out; her ability to hit the ground running, driving progress and fostering equity in her first session in the role is phenomenal to watch.
Comment by AngylFyre Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:44 pm
Liaison- Allison Nickrent and the legislative team at IDPH. They have a tough job and do great work! All of them are a pleasure to work with.
Do-Gooder - I second Josh Evans at IARF. He has done a great job advocating on complex issues affecting the disability field and works great with legislators. The State of IL is a better place thanks to his advocacy.
Comment by Chartreuse Somerset Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:48 pm
Do-Gooder: Ramiro Hernandez. Always approachable, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be around.
Liaison: Allison Nickrent. There isn’t a single solitary thing at DPH that she doesn’t have her arms around at any given time. Extremely professional and even occasionally a bit humorous.
Comment by Watch Bill List Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:50 pm
John Amdor for the reasons Stratton Rat noted.
LL seems to go to larger agencies. I’ll nominate Bob Denneeen at IRB. He has deftly helped the Board navigate turbulent times in the racing industry.
Comment by Golden Beagle Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:51 pm
Liaison - Bob Denneen, Racing Board - Bob flies under the radar, kind of like the DePaul Blue Demons in the Big East, but he’s got a solid skillset and gets the work done. I anticipate both he and the Blue Demons will have a successful season this coming year.
Do-gooder - Stephani Becker, Shriver Center - Stephani recently left for HFS but deserves kudos for her work over the past several years, including the passage of health insurance rate review legislative. She’s a persistent advocate for consumers with the pragmatism needed to pass important legislation.
Comment by Rank DePaul Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:52 pm
Do Gooder - So much work; for not so much glory– personal fan of Khadine Bennett. She is a pro… not all the pros stay in the “do gooders” field but she has done it with grace and fortitude.
Liaison - There are really so many good ones! I am going to go with Dana Stroeger from State Board of Ed. Dana works very hard and is extremely responsive. He has a gentle way to him but always delivers the message.
Comment by Femininomenon Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 3:57 pm
Dogooder. John Amdor for his work on active transportation issues that always have obstacles in front of them. Takes a lot of patience and persistence.
Legislative Liaison. This award always seems to go to larger agency. I agree with Bob Denneen at IRB. These have been turbulent times in the racing industry and Bob has helped the Board navigate through them. Not a glamorous assignment but deserves recognition.
Comment by Golden Beagle Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 4:07 pm
==Ramiro Hernandez. Always approachable, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be around.==
Totally agree about Ramiro, but can the Chamber of Commerce really be considered a “do-gooder” organization?
Comment by charles in charge Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 4:34 pm
Do gooder: Debbie Broadfield should be recognized for the important work she does advocating for clients like nurses and the charitable clinics. She is kind, patient, and always level-headed. She’s truly a joy to work with.
Legislative liaison: Tyler Bohannon has single-handedly managed a wide portfolio of issues with very passionate stakeholders for the Department of Ag. He also is a constant presence in person in the Capitol, which not every liaison can say.
Comment by FirstComment Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 4:46 pm
Do Gooder - James Swansey with Restore Justice. He’s always around putting in the work for a section of our community that often gets overlooked. He brings in people who tell personal stories of how Justice Reform has affected them and why it’s a needed fight in Illinois. It’s not always a popular movement, but James works it with passion & pride, refusing to give up on their legislative priorities.
Legislative Liaison - Wendy Butler. Who else can work for a large, complex, and often disliked agency in such a manner that legislators honor you from the chamber floor? She will be missed.
Comment by SKI Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 5:04 pm
Do-Gooder Lobster: John Amdor is passionate about his issues but he is approachable and responsive to whoever he works with. He’s always congenial but never the loudest guy in the room; he doesnt need or want to be. It’d be more fun if they were all like John.
Leg Liasion: Wendy Butler. I’ve seen Wendy take barrages of questions many times, gracefully and thoroughly addressing each one. Its clear that she puts the work in. Wendy is enjoyable to chat with in the midst of the 1000 chain saws she juggles. Congrats to her on her retirement.
Comment by 'lectric guitar Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 5:10 pm
Legislative Liaison: You can’t call her a rookie anymore because she came in like a storm and quickly proved why she was selected for the inaugural role for the Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI). Nikita Richards serves as the internal/external communications and legislative officer for CEI. I don’t know how she does it but watching her give the position the attention it deserves, negotiating legislation in the best interest of CEI, BEP and VBP vendors and while juggling it all is impressive. Her extensive career in government, communication and DEI has served her well in the role, gaining her the respect of legislators and stakeholders. She’s fighting hard to increase equity and inclusion throughout the State’s procurement landscape. Can’t wait to see what she does in her second year.
Do-Gooder Lobbyist:
Dan is the man!!!! Dan Johnson of Progressive Public Affairs is amazing. He takes great pride in advocating for causes that strive to improve the outcomes of some of the most harmed in our society. Dan is transparent, strategic, a good human being, knowledgeable and just an all-around trustworthy person.
Comment by The Fixer Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 6:03 pm
Legislative Liaison, easy, Aaron Ladzinski. Aaron is a fine young man with an enthusiasm to do good work. His willingness to selflessly help others will take him far.
Do-Gooder, probably, Ashley Maybanks. Ashley has such a positive energy that simply brings any room to life, which is very important and can’t be found just anywhere.
Comment by Young Green Thumb Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 6:23 pm
Leg Liason: Samantha White, ISBE, no question. She works so hard behind the scene and is never afraid to take on any task. Samantha is a team player and always brings positive energy to get the job done.
Do-Gooder: I second Marc Ayers, who is an amazing person and consistently putting the needs of other first!
Comment by Electric Avenue Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 7:23 pm
Liason: Samantha White, from ISBE. Samantha is constantly working behind the scenes to achieve the team’s goals and is a pleasure to work with. She has great relationships with stakeholders and is never afraid to tackle a task head on.
Do-Gooder: I second Marc Ayers and everything said!
Comment by Electric Avenue Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 8:23 pm
DoGooder- I’d second Marc Ayers. Guy is a staple at the capital during session helping animals. I can’t count how many times he’s helped legislators in their districts with animal complaints or hoarding situations. It’s gotta be a tough gig.
Liaison- Tyler Bohannon at IDOA. He’s always approachable and aware of dozens of bills moving through the ILGA at any one time. It’s a big agency with hundreds of bills to track and he does it well.
Comment by CubbyDuPage Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 8:48 pm
There have been a few nominations for our team at IDFPR that I’d like to acknowledge (thank you!) and echo. The work of legislative liaisons is often onerous and overlooked. I couldn’t be more grateful for and proud of the hard work our team has put in this year and I’m sure we’ll be just as successful in the coming year. I’d therefore like to nominate Helena Buckner, Carl Gutierrez, Jacob Nelson, Tia Davis, and Marc Reiter (I’m sure that’s against the rules, so all apologies, Rich).
Comment by Dan Lewis Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 9:11 pm
Liaisons: I have to nominate the team of Patrick Hostert and Dani Mendez at HFS. These two are some of the most responsive and cool-headed liaisons in the building. Unlike many liaisons, they have a strong command of their complex subject matter, but are upfront about when they don’t have all the info and they get back to the stakeholder or member lickety split and with a demeanor that is somehow both relaxed and serious simultaneously. HFS and Medicaid is an absolute beast, and encompasses hot button issues like HBIA/HBIS. I am so grateful for this team.
Do gooder lobbyist: At the top of the list is Elaine Nekritz. She is a woman of her word, and ever so calm cool and collected. She is a top notch lobbyist for the “good guys” and takes on tough and often unglamorous issues like prison reform, many enviro issues and transit. She puts in all kinds of work in an understated way and has some big wins to show for it. We have Elaine and crew to thank for a pathway to zero emissions and a lower IDOC population. Her 15 years of experience in the GA - and all the wisdom that provides - shines through everyday. I’m grateful for her service.
Comment by The Young Gov Tuesday, Dec 17, 24 @ 10:06 pm
For legislative liaison, my vote goes for the dark horse Bob Denneen in the seemingly two person race between Bob and Wendy Butler. When you consider Bob is a great guy who has to navigate the crazy and quickly rising waters of the Illinois horse racing world, he should get the nod, by a nose.
For do-gooder, provided that it’s not meant as a pejorative, I will vote for Wendy Butler. Just because you are a legislative liaison, doesn’t mean you can’t be a good person, and Wendy proves it.
Comment by Irish Whisperer Wednesday, Dec 18, 24 @ 12:02 am