Rep. Wait: Critical Agriculture Funding Released

Belvidere, IL… At a press conference today at the Boone County Extension Office, State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) said he is pleased the Governor has finally agreed to release critical state funds for the University of Illinois Extension Service and Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD).  Being one of the few legislators that is also a farmer, Representative Wait brought this issue to a joint House/Senate Agriculture Hearing where the devastating effect of cutting this program was heard.

“I am pleased the governor has reversed his decision and has agreed to finally release state funds that lawmakers allocated in the FY08 state budget to keep soil and water conservation districts and U. of I. Extension Service offices throughout Illinois open and operating,” said Wait. 

Back in March, Governor Blagojevich’s office announced that it was withholding 80% of the funding appropriated in the FY08 budget for Soil and Water Conservation Districts and in April announced that he would not release funding for the U of I Extension Service. 

Upon learning news of the Governor’s failure to release these needed dollars, Representative Wait and other Republican lawmakers immediately took action and sent letters warning that budget cuts would lead to a loss of jobs, vital services to area farmers and youth, and the protection of our rivers, streams and other water sources against contamination. 

Wait also participated in a Springfield press conference showing support for the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  When news hit home and the local Boone County Cooperative Extension Office announced the crippling effects the cuts would have on volunteer programs such as 4-H, Representative Wait took all possible measures to put pressure on the administration so local agricultural programs would not have to suffer.

The Governor’s Office of Management and Budget has now confirmed that they will release $12.8 million to the U of I Extension and the remaining $5.75 million owed to SWCD. 

“As a farmer, the 4-H Club is very near and dear to my heart.  I also know how valuable the SWCD and the Extension are to Illinois’ agriculture community,” said Wait.  “It brings me great joy to know that they and other programs supported by the U. of I. Extension will be able to continue their efforts now that this funding has been set free.”