What We're Working On» Bona Heinsohn

Earlier this summer, USEPA issued its proposed rule to rescind the 2015 Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule.  This is the first of a two-part approach Administrator Pruitt plans to take to rescind and then replace the WOTUS rule.  Both parts of the plan will undergo notice and comment, and therefore, Farm Bureau and interested members will have opportunities at both times to file public comments. 

Under an ordinance approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Cook County employers will be required to pay the following hourly rates...

On Monday, July 10 and Tuesday, July 25 Cook County Farm Bureau® is hosting a Cook County farm-business/food processor tour for Cook County government officials and staff. 

Senate Agriculture Committee member Senator Bill Cunningham visited local farms this spring to discuss spring planting and the issues impacting Illinois farmers. Pictured left to right is Board member Janet McCabe and Senator Bill Cunningham.

Cook County Farm Bureau® will host a policy discussion on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7 p.m.  This discussion will take place via conference call and all farmer members are invited to join in. 

Join renowned speakers and the Cook County Farm Bureau® for a candid discussion about state and local issues.  Topics include current legislative issues and Farm Bureau’s 2017 legislative priorities.

Cook County Farm Bureau® will host a policy discussion on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 7 p.m.  This discussion will take place via conference call and all farmer members are invited to join in. 

Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability will discuss the economic status of the state on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cook County Farm Bureau office (6438 Joliet Road, Countryside).

Cook County Farm Bureau Staff Exchange participants toured OSI Group, Chicago during day one of the program. OSI is McDonald first and longest tenured beef supplier.

Legislators from throughout Cook County joined Cook County Farm Bureau for an exclusive discussion on food safety and sanitation at this year's Agriculture Roundtable. Panel experts include: Sander Robinson, Illinois Department of Public Health; Jeff Heinsohn, Walnut Grove Farms; Tamara Nelsen, Illinois Farm Bureau; Mark Denzler, Illinois Manufacturers' Association; and Bob Reinhard, Tyson Foods, Inc.

On Monday, March 21 beginning at 11:30 am Cook County Farm Bureau® is hosting a legislative agricultural roundtable focused on food safety and sanitation. 

Farm Bureau sent the following letter to Cook County Commissioners regarding a proposed paintball gun ordinance...

Farm Bureau sent the following letter to Cook County Commissioners supporting the gradual repeal of the Cook County sales tax increase, approved in July..

Earlier this year, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) laid out a funding stream for its Go To 2040 plan.  To fund the priorities set forth in the plan, CMAP has proposed a quarter-cent sales tax on purchases made in the Chicago metropolitan area, which is defined as the counties in the Regional Transportation Authority service area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will).  CMAP estimates that the quarter-cent sales tax would raise $300 million. 

Eighty-seven percent of farmers responding to the recent Viewpoint Survey overwhelmingly support requiring school districts to post the district’s fiscal calendar, findings from any financial reports/audits, and a searchable expenditure and revenue database on their website.