IFB Sets Legislative Priorities for 2013

When it comes to farm issues, it seems like there's "always something new," right? That's why Illinois Farm Bureau sets legislative priorities each year.  Based on the policy set by IFB members at the annual meeting in December, these priorities give the organization focus and a greater ability to succeed.   

Here are Illinois Farm Bureau's state and national legislative priorities for 2013.

National Legislative Priority Issues for 2013

• Conclude the farm bill debate and implement long-term farm policy that provides for strong crop insurance, revenue protection and incentive-based conservation programs for Illinois farmers.
• Build demand for renewable fuels and defend their place in the domestic energy portfolio.
• Promote trade and transportation policies that open markets, upgrade existing waterway infrastructure and support reliable, efficient and competitive movement of inputs and agricultural products.
• Block unscientific water quality, air quality and animal care initiatives that create red tape and unnecessarily drive up grain and livestock production costs.
• Pass immigration laws that provide farmers a legal and stable workforce.
• Fight for tax reform and other fiscal policies that support growth and stability in the agricultural sector and the U.S. economy.

State Legislative Priority Issues for 2013

• Seek passage of a state budget that provides maintenance levels of funding for core agricultural programs within the current tax structure. Due to the current economic downturn combined with the current state budget deficit, a no-growth program budget must be adhered to under the current revenue stream.
• Support legislation maintaining the integrity of the farmland assessment law and its ability to value farmland in an appropriate way for agriculture.
• Support legislation to establish regulations for hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling operations that provide appropriate safeguards for the protection of land and water resources.
• Seek legislation requiring that any decision to permanently post a road at a reduced weight limit or to permanently close a road requires the unanimous approval of the road commissioner, county engineer and a majority of the elected members of the board associated with the road district.
• Seek legislation to establish statewide standards for commercial wind energy conversion systems that provide adequate protection of private property rights and allow for reasonable development of commercial wind energy conversion system projects.
• Oppose legislation eliminating the overtime exemption for agricultural employers or implementing an inflationary increase in the minimum wage.

To reach these goals, Illinois Farm Bureau needs your help. Consider joining FB ACT, an ACTION TEAM, a SWAT TEAM, or a committee at your own county Farm Bureau.