BY KAY HIPMAN
With an eye toward fiscal matters, the Illinois Farm Bureau Board set state legislative priorities for an expedited legislative session. Gov. J.B. Pritzker will deliver a combined budget and State-of-the-State address Wednesday (Feb. 2).
IFB’s fiscal-related priorities include:
- Maintaining Illinois’ current tax policies that provide economic stability for the agricultural industry. These include an agricultural sales tax exemption for seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals and equipment.
- Maintaining adequate state funding for key Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) programs, including inspectors of meat, poultry and eggs, environmental programs, grain warehouse oversight and veterinarian programs. The organization will advocate for a viable, independent IDOA.
- Seeking $750,000 in additional IDOA appropriations to better prepare for prevention of animal infectious diseases.
To support sectors within the ag industry, IFB will work to maintain a balanced siting process for livestock farms under the Livestock Management Facilities Act, which protects the environment and farmers’ ability to raise livestock.
IFB is also working for the passage of SB 3107, sponsored by Sen. Rachelle Aud Crowe, D-Glen Carbon. The bill would limit the liability of agritourism businesses for inherent risks and protect farmers’ private property rights during installation, maintenance and upgrading of current utilities. IFB is also seeking passage of HB 4917, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport. That bill would implement new policy calling for a comprehensive agricultural drainage plan for farmland where agricultural drainage will be impacted by renewable energy project or other utilities.
To support renewable fuels, IFB will support ways to increase the use of E-15 and B-20 in the general marketplace and support the creation of Illinois Industrial Biotech Partnership Act.
This story was provided by FarmWeekNow.com.