Issue Position: Promoting Illinois Agriculture

Issue Position

Dillard's Vision to Promote Illinois Agriculture

Agriculture is vital to Illinois' economy and plays a major role in my "Destination Illinois" job creation program. I am the only candidate who has endorsed the "Vision for Illinois Agriculture and Smart Agenda" developed by leading experts like the Illinois Farm Bureau, University of Illinois' College of Agriculture, and prominent Illinois' agri-businesses like John Deere and Growmark.

At the Farm Progress Show, I called for an increased investment in the C-FAR agricultural research program at ISU, U of I, and other great universities after funding was slashed by Governor Quinn. It is a travesty that Illinois now ranks near the bottom in ag research. My Illinois Innovates program will create a cutting-edge Research & Development tax credit to help partner the private and public sectors at our world class universities.

I strongly supported the state's first capital infrastructure program because we need to invest in transportation like roads, rail, waterways, airports, and schools. You cannot have a strong economy without investing in infrastructure to move people and products around the world. As Governor, I will fight to open and expand markets around the globe while pressuring the US Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. My Project Green Tape will eliminate costly rules and regulations that make it difficult to get EPA permits and create logistical barriers for farmers trying to haul their crops to elevators.

Most important, I will balance Illinois' budget and eliminate the mountain of debt. Former Governor Jim Edgar has endorsed my candidacy, along with many agriculture leaders, because they believe I am the most qualified candidate to balance the budget and create jobs.

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