Durbin Honored as Friend of the Farm Bureau

Press Release

Durbin Honored as Friend of the Farm Bureau

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, today met with leaders of the Illinois Farm Bureau who announced his selection as a Friend of the Farm Bureau for his support of farm issues during the 110th Congress. Durbin's nomination was approved by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation."Immediately after the flooding, I met with the Secretary of Agriculture to discuss disaster assistance to farmers affected by the recent flooding and storm damage across Illinois," said Durbin. "I will continue to work with the USDA and other federal agencies to ensure that Illinois residents and farmers have access to as many federal resources as possible."

"I am honored by this recognition by the Farm Bureau and am proud to represent Illinois farmers in Congress. I understand how important support for agriculture is in today's competitive global marketplace. I look forward to continuing my work at home and in Washington, DC on behalf of Illinois farmers," said Durbin.

The Friend of the Farm Bureau award is based on voting records on priority issues established by the AFBF Board of Directors, the number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, the member's leadership on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive the member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.In today's meeting with the Illinois Farm Bureau, Durbin discussed the affect that severe storms and flooding had on Illinois farm land. In a June 26th meeting with the Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Durbin and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation pressed for more federal assistance for Illinois counties that experienced major flooding and storm damage. Specifically, the members asked for special assistance to farmers as part of a coordinated effort between federal agencies, state agencies and local governments throughout the Midwest to help residents, families and businesses recover from the disaster.

"Immediately after the flooding, I met with the Secretary of Agriculture to discuss disaster assistance to farmers affected by the recent flooding and storm damage across Illinois," said Durbin. "I will continue to work with the USDA and other federal agencies to ensure that Illinois residents and farmers have access to as many federal resources as possible."

Durbin also noted that broadband is critical to community and economic development in rural areas, as it encourages investment, creates jobs, improves productivity, fosters innovation, and increases consumer benefits in every corner of our nation. His bill, The Connect the Nation Act, was included in the 2008 Farm Bill, which became law last June. Durbin's bill promotes the rapid deployment of high-quality, affordable broadband internet service, especially in rural areas. The legislation creates a matching grant program to be administered through the Department of Commerce to assist statewide or regional public-private partnerships increase broadband access, map resources and build demand.

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