Pushing to pass the Family Farm Preservation Act
Background: IFB’s campaign to reform the Illinois estate tax via the Family Farm Preservation Act (FFPA) has entered a new phase as we’re pushing for passage of the bill this fall.
The challenge: With the Illinois General Assembly’s Veto Session currently scheduled for six days in November, we must double-down on the momentum we built around the FFPA this spring and continue to educate lawmakers on why changes to the estate tax are needed.
The opportunity: You can contribute to this effort by sharing how the current law puts your family in a difficult and unfair position. County Farm Bureaus, especially those participating in the Adopt-a-Legislator program, can set up a time to meet with your legislator and share the need for change. Upcoming farm visits with elected officials during harvest are also a valuable chance for dialogue on the FFPA.
IFB in action: The latest episode of the Taking Stalk with IFB podcast features a conversation with Kevin Semlow, IFB executive director of governmental affairs and commodities, about the FFPA. And Kevin penned an op-ed in FarmWeek explaining the process behind passing the FFPA.
We also used the Illinois and Du Quoin state fairs to get out our message and call for passage of the FFPA. IFB staff engaged with state legislators and handed out stickers with a QR code linking to information about the estate tax’s burden on family farms.
County Farm Bureaus have also received toolkits to help spotlight the FFPA and we are ramping up our educational efforts with legislators around the bill. Please remain engaged — we may call on members to share their stories with the estate tax as we continue to push for passage of the FFPA.
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