Agriculture is the number one economic driver in Illinois — and communities in Central and Southern Illinois are some of the top producers of corn, soybeans and horseradish in the world. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I’m laser focused on delivering results for our family farmers and rural communities. I’ve formed a bipartisan Agriculture Advisory Council with stakeholders across the 13th District to help me advocate for a strong, bipartisan farm bill that brings agriculture into the 21st century, supports our family farmers and feeds hungry folks across Illinois. I’ll keep pushing my colleagues to get it done.
Rebuilding Rural Communities
From aging infrastructure and a rapidly changing economy to limited access to health care and high-speed internet, our nation’s rural communities are facing an onslaught of generational challenges. In Congress, I’m fighting for investment and support to help our smallest cities and towns survive and thrive in our modern economy. I introduced the Rebuild Rural America Act to invest in economic development and allow the federal government to provide more comprehensive support to rural communities.
Driving Agriculture Research & Development
Central and Southern Illinois are home to some of our nation’s leading agricultural research institutions, but our nation’s investment in this research has fallen behind China and the European Union. I’m working to ensure that the United States can continue to lead the world in food production and food security. That’s why I introduced the America Grows Act to put our money where our mouth is and up our investments in the incredible work being done at places like the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the community colleges and agribusinesses throughout our region.
Supporting the Next Generation of Family Farmers
The average age of an American family farmer is approaching 60 years old, and the success of our rural communities will depend on our next generation entering agriculture. I’ve introduced two bipartisan bills to help bring more young people into the agriculture workforce by making farm and ranch workers eligible for public service student loan forgiveness and help young and beginning farmers gain access to land, markets and capital — the biggest barriers for new and underserved farmers.
Combating Food Deserts
When residents of Cahokia Heights lost access to their local grocery store, I knew we had to do more to ensure that every family has access to healthy, affordable food options — no matter where they live. I’m proud to be a cosponsor of the Food Deserts Act to support grocery stores in areas with limited food access. I’ve also signed on to support the Delivering for Rural Seniors Act and the Enhance Access to SNAP for College Students Act to address food insecurity for Americans of all ages.
