SJ0042

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, Due to changes in technology, the global 
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marketplace and population demographics, rural residents and 
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communities in Illinois and throughout the country are facing 
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unprecedented challenges; rural life exhibits a far different 
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profile today than only a few decades ago; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Rural Partners is a forum that links individuals, 
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businesses, organizations, and communities with public and 
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private resources to maximize the quality of life and the 
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economic potential of rural Illinois; and

 
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    WHEREAS, In 1990, the Governor pledged the continuing 
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support of the State of Illinois in efforts to improve the 
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potential of rural Illinois communities; and

 
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    WHEREAS, In 1990, the President recognized the importance 
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of coordinating efforts to improve the economic, social, and 
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environmental conditions of rural America and created the 
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President's Council on Rural America, the precursor to the 
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National Rural Development Partnership, and the State Rural 
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Development Councils; and

 
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    WHEREAS, In 2002, Congress, through the Farm Security and 
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Rural Investment Act, authorized the National Rural 
 


 






SJ0042
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Development Partnership and its network of State Rural 
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Development Councils to assume responsibility for coordinating 
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actions among all levels of government and between public and 
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private sector entities serving rural America; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Rural Partners is recognized by the U.S. 
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Department of Agriculture as one of the 35 State Rural 
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Development Councils nationwide that met the requirements of 
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the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Rural Partners facilitates private and public 
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partnerships that promote collaboration, encourage informed 
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deliberations, and reduce or eliminate duplicative development 
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efforts that support the State's policymakers efforts to 
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encourage investment in Illinois' rural communities; 
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therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL 
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ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
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CONCURRING HEREIN, that we express support for the mission of 
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Rural Partners of Illinois and call for increased investment in 
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the work of the organization.