Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

With major exports of corn, soybean and wheat along with a supporting industry of manufacturing, research and trade, agriculture is the backbone of the Illinois economy. As a Senator, Mark Kirk will fight for Illinois farmers and expand opportunities for our state's agriculture industry. By upgrading our river, road and rail systems, promoting ethanol and biodiesel, expanding exports to growing markets and keeping taxes low, we can raise incomes and create new jobs for Illinois.

Upgrading our Rivers, Rails and Roads

Many farmers depend on the system of locks and dams along Illinois' rivers to bring products to market. However, this system was built long ago for smaller and older ships. As Senator, Mark Kirk will work to upgrade and expand our river infrastructure to bring our lock-and-dam system into the 21st century. In addition, investments in rail and improvements to our interstate highway system will restore our state's position as the nation's economic crossroads.

Expanding American Energy -- Creating Jobs and Lowering Costs

Mark Kirk strongly supports expanding American energy to create jobs and lower costs. Mark is a strong supporter of ethanol and biodiesel to expand economic opportunities for Illinois farmers -- especially our corn and soybean producers. To lower energy costs, Mark supports nuclear energy, Yucca Mountain, offshore energy exploration and the trans-Canada pipeline. He also supports streamlining approvals for new refineries and transmission facilities. As a Senator, Mark will support a permanent production tax credit for renewable energy in hydro, win, solar and biomass.

Expanding Exports to Growing Markets

Illinois jobs depend on our ability to export goods to foreign markets. Mark Kirk is a leader in Congress in helping small and medium-sized businesses -- especially farmers and support industries -- export their products to foreign markets like China. As a Senator, Mark will fight to expand the Foreign Commercial Service, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Development Agency -- key agencies that help Illinois farmers and businesses establish and expand exports to growing markets.

Keeping Taxes Low for All Americans

Mark Kirk continues to fight proposals to increase taxes on family farmers and small business owners -- the surest way to turn a recession into a depression. He voted to permanently repeal the death tax, double the child tax credit, end the Alternative Minimum Tax and eliminate the marriage penalty. As Senator, Mark Kirk will continue fighting for lower taxes on small business owners and family farmers to spur investment and job growth.

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