House advances bill to help disabled farmers

[MARCH 12, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- A bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, to help disabled farmers maintain or regain their ability to farm passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Thursday.

"Each year more than 200 Illinois farm workers are injured on the job and sustain permanent physical disabilities," Mitchell said. "And according to the latest U.S. Census data, approximately 5,000 Illinois farmers have permanent disabilities caused by accidents, health-related ailments and age. These disabilities can have a devastating effect on the individual's ability to earn an income."

Logan County State's Attorney Tim Huyett had an opportunity to meet with state Rep. Bill Mitchell on Thursday. Mr. Huyett was in Springfield lobbying against weakening the death penalty.

House Bill 1575 creates the AgrAbility Act. It would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension, to contract with a nonprofit disability service provider to establish and administer the Illinois AgrAbility Program.

Among the services to be provided by the Illinois AgrAbility program are:

• A toll-free information and referral line.
• The establishment of networks with local agricultural and rehabilitation professionals.
• The coordination of community resources.
• The establishment of networks with local agricultural and health care professionals to identify those needing assistance and the best method of providing that assistance.
• Help regarding equipment modifications and job restructuring.

"Farm operators and workers are typically high-skilled individuals, and the loss of these individuals to a disability also has a negative impact on our Illinois farm economy," Mitchell said. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been very successful with their AgrAbility Project in helping individuals to continue farming after their disability. My bill simply extends those efforts further here in Illinois and will result in even more farmers getting the help they need and deserve."

Easter Seals of Central Illinois supports the bill, which now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

[News release from Rep. Bill Mitchell]