Anderson passes bill to aid farmers during harvest emergency
4/27/2017
Illinois farmers will be given additional latitude to harvest crops in an effective and efficient way during a declared harvest emergency, under legislation sponsored by State Sen. Neil Anderson (Andalusia), and passed by the Illinois Senate on April 27.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Illinois’ economy. We should be doing whatever we can to make sure that farmers have the ability to harvest crops efficiently when the conditions are right,” said Anderson.
Anderson’s Senate Bill 1576 would allow a special permit to be issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation during a declared harvest emergency that would allow a truck transporting agricultural commodities like corn, soybeans and wheat to carry additional weight during the harvest emergency. A harvest emergency can be declared by the Governor for a variety reasons including weather conditions, and economic factors.
“Any time we can pass legislation that supports our farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole, it’s a win for the people of Illinois,” said Anderson. “I hope my colleagues in the House will pass this legislation to support Illinois agriculture.”
Anderson’s legislation passed unanimously in the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 1576 will now head to the Illinois House of Representatives for consideration.