Get to Know Your Policy: Go Local – with Government

One of today’s hottest trends is “going local.” From buying vegetables to visiting the doctor, Americans are rediscovering products and services in their own backyards, and going local is nothing new for Illinois Farm Bureau members. For decades, IFB’s farming members have been creating policies that focus on local governments. IFB members then use those policies as roadmaps to build county, city, and township agencies that best serve agriculture and the community. See for yourself. Check out part of policy #114, Local Government:



We support the principle of strong local government and the assignment of responsibility for government services to that unit of general government which is closest to the people and can economically provide the service.



We will support legislation:

1. Providing uniform requirements, including the printed full name of the voter, for signers of all public petitions.

2. Requiring sizable bond issues of local governments to be offered at public sale.

3. Permitting consolidation of additional county functions between counties.



From setting policies to implementing them, farmers in our area have been building better communities through better governments. You can be part of it, too. Call your county Farm Bureau and ask to get involved in the policy process or to join the local affairs committee. Visit www.ilfb.org to read the entire policy.