Marion County’s legislative manager presented the county’s proposed federal priorities for 2025 to the board on Feb. 18, and commissioners endorsed the list as the county prepares advocacy for national associations and congressional delegation meetings.

Matt Bridal, the county’s legislative manager, outlined three priorities: advocate for a federal change to the Medicaid inmate exclusion — specifically requesting that the in-custody definition be expanded to include people awaiting disposition of their trials; press to preserve the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds as temporary 2017 tax cuts sunset; and request continued US DOT funding for major road projects that support county needs.

Commissioner Bryant moved to place the inmate-Medicaid item as the county’s top federal priority, saying the current interpretation costs Marion County “millions of dollars every year.” Commissioners expressed support for taking the package to national associations and their legislative delegation. The board did not vote on any ordinance; the list will be used for advocacy at the National Association of Counties and with the county’s state and federal delegation.