Members of the Illinois General Assembly announced on Wednesday the Family Farm Preservation Act, a bipartisan effort to protect farm families and their land by updating the Illinois Estate Tax code. The measure is being spearheaded by Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, and Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington.

Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) President Brian Duncan commented on the legislation, which aims to ensure families may continue passing down their farms to the next generation. More about the Family Farm Preservation Act is available here.

IFB President Brian Duncan says passing on the family farm is not just about continuing the business, it’s about preserving family heritage and a way of life.  He continued by stressing that the current Illinois estate tax often forces families to break up the farm every time the business passes on to the next generation and the death of a loved one shouldn’t be a death sentence for the family farm.

In addition to Kohler and Chung, five other General Assembly members helped announce introduction of the bill, underscoring the bipartisanship effort: Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, Sen. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, Rep. Norine Hammond, R-Macomb, and Rep. Jason Bunting, R-Emington.