Bill > HB5331

This bill appropriates a total of over $51 million from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Fund and the Metro Pier and Exposition Authority Trust Fund to support agricultural initiatives across the state. Specifically, $3.2 million is allocated to the Department of Agriculture for grants under the Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which aims to improve local food systems. An additional $25 million is designated for competitive grants to county and municipal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations, for programming that supports agriculture-related education, workforce development, farmers markets, local food programs, community gardens, and community events, with a portion specifically directed to Cook County and its surrounding collar counties. Furthermore, $22.8 million is allocated to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for grants to county and municipal governments to fund capital improvement projects that benefit the agricultural industry, such as improving agricultural transportation routes, farmers market facilities, agricultural showcase venues, and rural infrastructure for energy, water, and broadband, with a similar allocation for Cook County and its collar counties. This bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=5331&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104