• Submitted by: manso
• United States
• Politics and Government
• 08 / 21 / 2010

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OTTAWA — U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, was in Ottawa on Thursday to tout her support of a bill on Cuban trade that she said could bring up to $1.2 billion and 8,000 jobs to Illinois.

House Bill 4645 would open agriculture trade with currently embargoed Cuba and allow visitors, including tourists and farm representatives, to visit that country. The bill passed the ag committee by a 25-20 vote and will now head to the full House for a vote, followed by the Senate.

Cuba’s leading import, soybeans, is also a leading export for Illinois, she said.

“We’re a great fit,” she said. “They (Cubans) need what we produce.

“McLean and LaSalle counties have some of the richest farmland for soybeans.”

The traditional opponents to lifting provisions of the embargo, Cuban emigrants, are becoming less powerful as their descendants modify their views, she said.

Halvorson was flanked by members of state and local farm organizations.

“You (farmers) are a very valuable part of our economy,” Halvorson said. “We must assure that you be allowed to practice your craft without burdensome regulation,” such as the embargo.

Tim Lenz, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, pointed out a third of America’s consumption of soybeans comes from Illinois.

In November, Halvorson faces Republican challenger Adam Kinzinger of Manteno for the 11th Congressional District seat that covers parts of eight counties, including McLean.

By Greg Stanmar | [email protected] pantagraph.com g…

Source: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/government-and-politics/elections/a...