Historical Marker Ahead
Every road trip, my wife sees her three favorite words: historical marker ahead. We stop, and we learn about a place in time. Something important happened here.
Imagine if Farm Bureau laid down a marker for every accomplishment over the years. Every school would have one because of the work of Ag in the Classroom. Every county courthouse because of our work on property rights and Allies in Agriculture. In Springfield, markers for farmland assessment, the Livestock Management Facilities Act, and so much more. For things we’ve helped to stop, like the progressive income tax and wetlands regulations. In D.C., markers for the Renewable Fuel Standard and trade agreements.
But you don’t drive a car by looking in the rearview mirror. There’s no doubt we are in a historic place and time. The new administration is just 44 days old, but it’s already clear: Farm Bureau will be critically important in fighting for your rights. For trade. For funding. For research. Markers will be laid down. Something important will happen here.
Our issues are many. Our agenda is bold. We will continue to work toward new trade agreements and enforce the ones already in place. There needs to be a place for domestic feedstocks in advanced biofuels. The provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act need to be extended. Illinois farmers and rural communities need to be the first priority when these decisions are made.
And of course, most importantly, we need a farm bill. We’re dealing with 2025 expenses with a 2018 economic backstop. We can’t let congress keep kicking the can down the road. We need an affordable, reliable, legal and readily available workforce. Programs need to be easier and more accessible, and wage rates need to be in line with the jobs being performed.
On the state level, we will continue our momentum with the Family Farm Preservation Act on estate tax reform, which has been refiled this year in both chambers. If you have a story to tell, our grassroots culture is our best asset. Please reach out to Mark Raney (mraney@ilfb.org). Nuisance wildlife has been a growing issue for far too long. If farmers are feeding Illinois wildlife, they should get paid for it.
How will we accomplish such an ambitious agenda? Our engaged, passionate, knowledgeable membership. Our Adopt-A-Legislator program and relationships with legislators are the envy of every other state. Our members speak with one voice, driven by policy, to find solutions.
Many hands make the load light. The relationships we build with a common voice and a common purpose give us great stories to tell, and great markers to lay.