SPRINGFIELD, IL –On Monday, July 23, State Rep. Lisa Dugan (D-Bradley) was named Legislator of the Year by the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) during the organization’s annual meeting in Springfield.
“I believe in programs that benefit Illinois and our natural resources and I think it’s important that those programs have the needed resources to continue the work that they do,” Dugan said. “I am honored to be recognized and will continue to seek opportunities to promote and preserve our natural resources.”
The AISWCD annually recognizes a member of the Illinois General Assembly for their work to promote legislative action that benefits soil and water conservation and protection of the state’s natural resources. Dugan is a longtime advocate, and most recently successfully sponsored legislation to establish a special fund supported by a tonnage fee on fertilizer that will help provide funding for nutrient research and education programs to ensure soil fertility, and address fertilizer use issues.
“Representative Dugan has firmly established herself as a champion of soil and water conservation during her years of service in the House,” said Lonnie Wilson, Association Vice-President and Legislative Chair.
“Rep. Dugan is always available to listen and learn what Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide to the citizens of Illinois,” said Kankakee County SWCD Chairman Jeffrey O’Connor. “She fought hard every year to ensure that SWCDs were included in the State budget and without her support, SWCD funding might have been eliminated.”
“We have the opportunity to work with many members of the General Assembly over the years, said James Todd, President, AISWCD. “Most are helpful and do their best to respond to our requests and needs but through her sponsorship of numerous pieces of helpful legislation, Representative Dugan has clearly demonstrated great concern for Illinois’ land and water resources and for soil and water conservation districts that care for those resources.”
