FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dennisa Darr
Program and Development Coordinator, IALF
T: 309-837-7711

Ag Leaders Take a Close Look at State Government

SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Interacting with top level state government officials and legislators allowed the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Class of 2008 a privileged insight into current state government issues and structure at their recent State Government seminar.

IALP class members participated in an aggressive agenda with the first day concentrating on government structure with Representative Richard Brauer on providing an inside perspective of government issues. Dr. Kent Redfield of the Illinois Legislative Studies Center at University of Illinois - Springfield followed with an academic view of outside perspective on state government.

Sessions on the bill-making process, budget overview and the role of lobbyists completed the first day's agenda. The class also heard from Leadership within the State Government with a presentation from Senator John Sullivan, Representative Jim Sacia, and Senator Dave Luechtefeld. The class then reconvened at the home of alum Jim Frank (Class of 1984) and his wife Gail Frank’s home for a reception.

The seminar shifted its focus the second day to examining select Illinois agencies and offices such as the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Citizens Coalition, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Illinois Farm Bureau. The class discussed the upcoming Constitutional Convention, with Jeff Mays of Illinois Business Roundtable and John Bambenek of the Illinois Citizens Coalition.

The IALP State Government seminar concluded with a discussion on the components of a successful campaign with Representative Bill Mitchell while taking questions and comments from class members.

For more information about the IALP contact the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation by calling (309) 837-7711 or visiting www.agleadership.org.