Across Illinois, legislators from all backgrounds are stepping up to support agriculture. Whether they come from farm families or urban communities, these champions are advancing legislation, building partnerships, and listening to the voices of those who feed and fuel Illinois. Here are six lawmakers making their mark:

Rep. Charlie Meier (R–109th District)

A lifelong farmer on his family’s Centennial Farm, Rep. Charlie Meier brings deep agricultural experience to the Statehouse. He grows soybeans, corn, wheat and alfalfa, and is an active FFA alumnus and 4-H leader.

Meier sponsored HB 2196, which helps poultry producers by increasing the threshold for regulatory exemption from 5,000 to 7,500 birds. He’s also pushing to eliminate the estate tax on family farms and strongly advocates for reliable, affordable energy, which he sees as essential to agriculture and ag processing growth.

“As a farmer, I know when things get tough you roll up your sleeves and get to work to find a solution. Springfield could use a few more problem-solving farmers.”

Sen. Laura Fine (D–9th District)

Sen. Laura Fine has served the 9th District in the northern suburbs for over a decade. While much of her legislative work centers on healthcare and consumer safety, she’s made important contributions to agriculture policy through her work on carbon capture and sequestration.

She helped pass legislation that ensures fair compensation and strong safety protections for farmers whose land may be impacted by carbon storage infrastructure. Fine also supported legislation this year that will protect the Mahomet Aquifer, a vital resource for people across central Illinois.

“Farmers are truly the backbone of Illinois—feeding our families and fueling our industries. The partnership with the farm community has shaped my time as a legislator by educating me on important issues that impact our state.”

Rep. Brandun Schweizer (R–104th District)

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former code enforcement officer, Rep. Brandun Schweizer represents the 104th District in east-central Illinois. Sworn in for his first full term in January 2025, he brings deep roots in public service—and a strong commitment to agriculture.

Schweizer is a co-sponsor of SB 1723, which protects the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration activity and establishes a state commission to study long-term protections. He also co-sponsored HB 2677, which would raise the estate tax exemption for farms to $6 million, and supported HR 29, declaring Farm Safety Week.

Looking ahead, he is crafting legislation to prorate farm vehicle plate costs, addressing concerns that farmers are being overcharged for partial-year registration.

“With a district that is rich in agriculture, it is incredibly important to continue to put forth legislation that helps the farming community… I am committed to continue to work on legislation that works for our farmers, not against.”

Sen. Laura Murphy (D–28th District)

Representing the 28th District since 2015 and serving as Assistant Majority Leader, Sen. Laura Murphy uses her position to support working families—including those in agriculture. A long-time partner of the Mercer County Farm Bureau, she helps promote farm-focused legislation and supports initiatives like sweet corn donations to local food pantries.

Murphy has backed the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act and remains a regular at local farmers markets, showcasing her commitment to Illinois-grown products and producers.

She is also a strong supporter of biofuels and has championed efforts to expand their use across the state. Murphy works closely with organizations such as the Illinois Soybean Association and the B20 Club to promote the environmental, economic and public health benefits of biodiesel. Her advocacy helps ensure Illinois remains a national leader in sustainable fuel solutions that benefit both rural communities and urban fleets.

“In a state as large and diverse as Illinois, there are so many unique voices I have had the honor of hearing from. Each one has shaped my perspective in its own way, giving me the opportunity to grow and learn to better serve my district and the people of Illinois.”

Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel (D–76th District)

A seventh-generation Illinoisan with nearly 200 years of family farm history, Rep. Murri Briel brings an authentic rural perspective to Springfield. Representing the 76th District, she’s sponsored major ag-related bills like Soil Health Week (HB 54) and Agricultural Transportation (SB 849).

She has also introduced bills supporting right to repair for farm equipment (HB 1909) and tax credits for cover crops (HB 3474)—proposals designed to empower Illinois farmers with the tools they need to succeed.

“I love representing my neighbors in Springfield, but it’s great to be back home in the district!”

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D–41st District)

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr represents the 41st District, which includes Naperville, Bolingbrook and Warrenville. She has served since 2021 and is currently in her third term in the General Assembly.

She sponsored HB 5757 during the 103rd General Assembly, which proposed increased funding for the Cover Crop Insurance Rebate Initiative—a $3.1 million appropriation to support incentives for at least 500,000 acres of eligible land. While the bill did not pass, the initiative maintained its place in the budget through SB 251, which appropriated $960,000 from the General Revenue Fund for the program.

Each year, Rep. Yang Rohr also hosts a community event where she invites Illinois farm organizations to participate. The goal is to provide farmers with a space to highlight the ways they support the community and educate residents about the critical role agriculture plays in the state.

“It is an honor to serve as your state representative elevating your voice in the Illinois House. The voice of our constituents is key to the work of our office. Everything we do is a reflection of the concerns and issues that have been brought to our office. In addition to passing legislation, I have worked on furthering affordable healthcare, supporting education, ensuring women’s rights and focusing on change that leads to a well-run state government.”