In addition to meetings in Washington, D.C., IL Corn farmer leaders also advocated for membership at the state Capitol.

On March 29, IL Corn celebrated Agricultural Legislative Day with a visit to Springfield. Staff and seven board members connected with youth, industry leaders, and policy makers during a morning reception and press conference.

“Spending back-to-back weeks advocating for our farmers in Washington D.C. and Springfield created momentum for Illinois agriculture,” said Matt Rush, the president of IL Corn Growers Association. “It was encouraging to see many young, passionate adults at our state Capitol on Agricultural Legislative Day. It makes me excited for our industry’s next generation of leaders.”

Governor J.B Pritzker and Secretary of Agriculture Jerry Costello spoke about agriculture’s impact on Illinois. They were joined by members of the House and Senate Agricultural

Committees, and representatives from Illinois FFA, 4-H, the Illinois State Fair, Illinois Farm Bureau, and other groups.

Following the event, IL Corn farmers met with elected officials, encouraging them to support our members through legislation. Farmers specifically asked State legislators to support SB 1869, which extends and creates sales tax incentives for ethanol blended fuels.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Patrick Joyce (D-40) hopes to create greater demand for higher ethanol blends in Illinois’s fuel marketplace. Senate Bill 1869 is scheduled for a Subject Matter hearing in Senate Revenue Committee.

“Ag legislative day at the State Capitol is an awesome experience,” said IL Corn Public Policy Manager Russ Orrill. “It not only allows our farmers to speak on the current challenges facing Illinois’ agricultural community, but it also provides a valuable opportunity for lawmakers to witness firsthand the positive impacts that agriculture has on our state’s economy and way of life.”

Over the next two months, Illinois’s 103rd Assembly will have their final legislative push before the General Assembly adjourns May 19.

This article is part of the April 2023 Political Action Committee newsletter, click here for the full PDF.