Illinois House Republicans joined farmers and industry stakeholders at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting held December 6-9. The multi-day conference brought together agricultural leaders from across the state to discuss current challenges, explore new opportunities, and outline policies that will strengthen Illinois’ agricultural future.

Throughout the event, lawmakers met with Farm Bureau members, participated in policy discussions, and emphasized their shared commitment to advocating for Illinois’ farm families. Topics ranged from land use and environmental stewardship to regulatory reform and support for the next generation of farmers. 

Illinois farmers are no strangers to hard work, long days, and generational commitment. But when it comes to passing on the family farm, they’re facing a tax burden that threatens everything they’ve built. Despite bipartisan calls for reform, Democrats in Springfield have failed to act.

Illinois is one of just 16 states that still levy an estate tax, and its exemption threshold, currently set at $4 million, hasn’t been adjusted for inflation since 2013. That might sound like a lot, but for farmers whose value is tied up in land and equipment, it’s alarmingly easy to cross that line. The result? Families are forced to sell off acreage or assets just to pay the tax bill.

On March 5, Illinois House Democrats launched into yet another round of floor speeches castigating President Trump and the federal government.

It was the latest episode in an ongoing saga of statehouse Democrats grandstanding on federal issues to avoid talking about Illinois’ challenges with corruption, crime or the state’s budget deficit.

On Wednesday, three Illinois House Republicans, who also work as family farmers, held a Capitol news conference to highlight legislation they are sponsoring to support Illinois' agriculture industry. Specifically, State Representatives Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), Jason R. Bunting (R-Emington), and Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) have sponsored legislation they say will help save family farms in Illinois.

Every year, National Agriculture Day reminds us of the crucial role agriculture plays in our daily lives. From the food on our plates to the clothes we wear, agriculture is the foundation of modern society. This year, as we celebrate National Ag Day on March 18, let’s take a closer look at the significance of agriculture, with a special focus on Illinois, a leader in agricultural production.

The definitive guide to the biographies of Illinois’ chief executives, The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent, describes the state’s 38th Governor, Jim Edgar, as “the right governor at the right time.”

Edgar, who served two terms between 1991 and 1999, held the office between the flashy, big-spending days of his predecessor and the scandal-tarred administrations of his two successors. Edgar was, according to the book’s authors, Robert P. Howard, Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long, “comparatively dull, yet popular throughout his two terms.”

Welcome to the "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislators a little better.

 ________________________________________________________

Here are three things you didn't know about Illinois State Representative Jason Bunting: 

Popcorn holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially here in Illinois. National Popcorn Day is celebrated on January 19th, and it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the significance of this beloved snack and its deep roots in our state.

From January through the end of May, legislators spend much of their time in Springfield representing their districts during the legislative session. Throughout the remainder of the year, your state representatives make it a point to get out into all corners of their districts listening and learning so they can best represent your interests. This may mean hosting townhalls and coffees, attending events and touring local businesses and organizations.

In the first half of the year, lawmakers spend a lot of time in Springfield during the legislative session and not as much as they would like in their districts. So, it is important when they are home in their districts to make the most of every minute available to connect with people in their communities.

SPRINGFIELD…Today, the Illinois Farm Bureau unveiled new legislation aimed at improving the Illinois Estate Tax. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (Savanna) has spearheaded efforts throughout her tenure to address this problematic “death” tax, one that has disproportionately hurt family farms but also small businesses and manufacturing in Illinois. McCombie and members of her leadership team stand in support of the recently unveiled bipartisan proposal.

From the Civil War until the 1920s, more meat was processed in Chicago than in any other place in the world. Chicago’s infamous Union Stockyards opened to the public in 1865. The Stockyards were the creation of nine railroads consolidating operations, with seven stock yards opening on Christmas Day that year. 

Illinois House Republican Reps. Jennifer Sanalitro

(R-Bloomingdale) and Jason R. Bunting (R-Emington) recently delivered for kids in their districts by hosting School Supply Drives. Donations of various school supply items were dropped off at their district offices and were distributed to area schools for children in need of assistance.

“I hosted this Back to School Supply Drive to help the students and families in our district that might need a little extra help this back to school season,” Rep. Sanalitro stated. “Getting ready to go back to school can be one of the more stressful times for a family. Having to buy new clothes, shoes, and other supplies can become expensive very quickly, especially since inflation has dramatically increased costs.”