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Illinois farmers hear priorities of November election candidates

Biofuels, inheritance taxes, energy policy and the state budget were top priorities addressed by candidates during the 2022 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable Candidate Forum.

Senator Tammy Duckworth opened her comments with support for biofuel incentives.

“I do support a long-term extension of the blenders credit (biodiesel tax credit). I think it is critical ad it can’t just be a renewal for 2 or 5 years. It has to be a long-term extension and I absolutely support it.”

Republican candidate for US Senator Kathy Salvi focused on taxes. IL Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert asked her, “The question here is really simple. Are you for eliminating the death tax all together, yes or no?” And Salvi confidently responded “yes”.

Illinois Senator Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for Governor is concerned about power blackouts he says are caused by a rapid shift to renewable energy.

“You have seen your electric bill double over the last few months. This energy bill (the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) that was just signed leads to a lot of those problems because it wasn’t well thought out.”

And Governor JB Pritzker highlighted his efforts to ensure a balanced state budget.

“We are being responsible about paying down debt in the state. We have a long way to go, but we are making progress.”

Farmers, Illinois ag leaders and media had the opportunity to ask each candidate questions at the forum hosted at the Schuler Farm in Lexington Wednesday.

Q&A Sessions moderated by Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert: