State Rep. Kate Cloonen is sponsoring new legislation to reinstate funding for agricultural education programs throughout Illinois.

"Agriculture is one of the largest industries in our area and the economic backbone of so many of the towns and villages throughout the region," said Cloonen. "Supporting our state's number one industry requires that we educate a new generation in the latest practices and technologies in the industry."

Cloonen is co-sponsoring House Bill 6424 to reinstate funding for agriculture education at the full $1.8 million amount, despite Governor Rauner's proposal to eliminate this funding. Kankakee County, like much of Illinois, depends on agriculture as a vital part of the local economy. A recent study by Decision Innovation Solutions showed that nearly one-fifth of the county's economic production is from farming.

"We must continue to fund programs that invest in our future and support core parts of our economy," Cloonen added. "Eliminating funding for agriculture education is a huge mistake for a state that relies so heavily on the agriculture economy. We cannot dig our way out by harming our most productive industries throughout the state."

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