Issue Position: Supporting our Farmers

Issue Position

Mike's family has farmed the land in and around Gifford, IL (pop. 975) for five generations. His father's parents were tenant farmers that ran a dairy farm and later raised cattle while also growing corn and soybeans. As the former Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee Chairman, Mike understands the needs of Illinois' farmers, and the value they bring to our state's economy.

Over 1.5 million people in Illinois are employed in agricultural related jobs -- that equates to 27% of jobs in the state. This includes processing, packing, production, milling, and farm machinery manufacturing.

Mike will work to ensure that this crucial segment of the job force remain employed, and remain in Illinois.

Every year is a risk for farmers, and as a friend and advocate of Illinois farmers and their families, Mike will work hard to ensure that they can invest properly to plan for an uncertain yield.

Helping farmers access guaranteed loans from the Treasurer's office ensures our state's #1 industry can thrive and continue creating jobs throughout all of Illinois.

The Treasurer's office currently operates two programs (the Annual and Long Term Agriculture Loans) provided through Linked Deposits, that provides credit and financing lifelines to our farmers.

Since 2008, these programs have invested over $1 billion throughout our state, and as Treasurer, Mike will be committed to maintaining and improving them.

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