Thanks to Illinois State Rep. Jason Bunting for being a part of 2024 Soil Health Week The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day Thursday March 7, 2024 at the Illinois State Capitol. The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts thanks Rep. Bunting sponsoring legislation to post signage on state roads to promote Soil & Water Conservation Districts, for supporting the implementation of SB1701 and the work of our 97 Soil & Water Conservation Districts which are primed to work with producers and landowners to implement the needed conservation practices to ensure that our water runs clean and our soil remains healthy.
State Rep. Jason Bunting (center) talks with Rep. Charlie Meier, Jerry Costello (director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture), and Dr. Michael Woods (AISWCD) during Soil Health Week’s The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day Thursday March 7, 2024 at the State Capitol.
The key is “showing our friends and our neighbors that conservation districts work tirelessly to protect our land for the next generation.”
Illinois State Rep. Jason Bunting spoke at The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day Thursday March 7, 2024 at the State Capitol:
It was a true honor to carry Sen. (David) Koehler’s Senate Bill 2325 in the House because many of you know my mom and dad, Lee and Marie Bunting.
My siblings and I watched our mom and dad advocate for Soil & Water Conservation Districts for the last four decades. The bill that passed both the Senate and the House unanimously last year amends the Soil & Water Conservation Districts Acts. It provides that Soil & Water Conservation Districts may request that the Illinois Department of Transportation install a sign related to the district on a new or an existing pole in the right of way at the cost of the district.
Farmers are amazing at growing a crop to feed fuel and clothe the world while continuing to conserve our most precious resources — the land and the water. What they are not the best at, unfortunately, is tooting their own horn.
I truly believe this bill will help with the public perception. It is key to promoting the quality conservation work we as farmers and our associates do on a day to day basis. Showing our friends and our neighbors that conservation districts work tirelessly to protect our land for the next generation. That is our number one goal. Just like Rep. Meier said just recently, you do have advocates in the House of Representatives. You’ve got six farmer members that will fight for you day in and day out.
Continue to work hard at your craft. Continue to promote what you do, and do not ever be afraid to toot your own horn. All the best, and thank you.
State Rep. Jason Bunting (sponsor SWCD Sign Legislation) speaks during Soil Health Week – The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day Thursday March 7 at the State Capitol.
