Illinois Farm Bureau is calling recent changes to the state’s Farmland Assessment Law a significant victory for farmers after the measures were included in Illinois’ $55.9 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
The legislation, awaiting action by Governor JB Pritzker, would extend the current property tax treatment for vegetative filter strips through December 31, 2031, revise the formula used to calculate farmland values, and make technical updates designed to create a more consistent and predictable assessment process for landowners and taxing bodies.
Illinois Farm Bureau Director of State Legislation Chris Davis said the organization was disappointed that the Family Farm Preservation Act, aimed at estate tax reform, was not included in the final budget package despite extensive advocacy efforts. Farm Bureau leaders say they plan to continue pursuing the issue in future legislative sessions.
The organization also successfully opposed the proposed Wetlands Protection Act and legislation that would have expanded access to private property rights-of-way for broadband providers receiving state or federal grants.
The budget includes no cuts to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Fall Covers for Spring Savings cover crop program, or agricultural education funding. Soil and Water Conservation District funding remains level at $4.5 million, although conservation advocates had sought an increase to $10 million.
Additional agriculture-related funding includes a modest increase for 4-H Extension programs and additional support for county fair rehabilitation projects.
The spending plan, approved by the Illinois General Assembly on June 1, now heads to Governor Pritzker for consideration. The budget totals slightly less than the nearly $56 billion proposal introduced earlier this year and includes between $800 million and $900 million in new revenues.
Lawmakers also approved legislation limiting student cell phone use during class and measures aimed at protecting minors from addictive social media algorithms.
Republican lawmakers criticized the budget’s overall size, arguing it does not provide enough relief for families facing rising costs. Supporters contend the plan balances affordability measures with investments in state programs.
Among those affordability measures are a six-month delay in the annual motor fuel tax increase, which will now take effect in January, and a temporary suspension of sales taxes on school supplies, clothing, and computers from August 7 through August 16.
The budget also includes $143 million for the Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors program, which provides healthcare coverage for qualifying undocumented residents age 65 and older.