USDA Begins 49th Enrollment Period for the Conservation Reserve Program

(SPRINGFIELD,ILLINOIS) December1, 2015 —Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, Dec. 1, 2015, and ends on Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP,... Read More.

United States Attorney Collects $19,428,426.20 in Civil and Criminal Actions for Southern Illinois Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2015Stephen R. Wigginton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that his office collected $19,428,426.20 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year... Read More.

WASHINGTON – As the House debated energy legislation this week, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) reminded his fellow representatives of the human toll of the Obama Administration’s War on Coal. “The human toll is lost jobs, lost benefits, and bankruptcies which... Read More.

SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Commission) is accepting nominations for the seventh annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.  These awards recognize individual volunteers and highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in Illinois.  The Commission will also recognize... Read More.

WASHINGTON – In the flurry of legislative business before the year’s end, the House passed two bills this week to reauthorize transportation infrastructure funding and restore local control of primary and secondary education. Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) supported both bipartisan measures.“Repaving miles of... Read More.

SPRINGFIELD – Children across America are getting another chance to use their creativity to honor the nation’s 16th president as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum holds its second Lincoln Art Contest.The deadline for submissions is Dec. 18. Winning entries will go on... Read More.