Back in 2012, one of the major employers in Montrose, Colorado, a sawmill, was in receivership and on the brink of collapse. At the time, local media reported that the cost of logging timber had become prohibitively expensive, and the log yard was nearly empty.
Gov. Bruce Rauner and his Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker were minutes away from crossing paths Wednesday in Normal as they asked a tent full of farmers for their support.
As President Donald Trump continues to wage a multi-front trade war with some of the U.S.’ biggest economic partners, farmers have borne some of the heaviest financial burden.
Rep. John Shimkus’ 15th Congressional District includes steelworkers near Granite City, whose jobs were restored shortly after President Trump imposed tariffs, and soybean farmers whose prices took a hit after China retaliated with their own tariffs. Shimkus said his top priority throughout the Farm Bill negotiations will be the agricultural safety net that will offer protections to farmers concerned about a looming trade war.
Trump's trade fights have put some members of Congress in a tough spot: Do you stand with steelworkers whose mills might benefit from new tariffs? Or soybean farmers whose exports are at risk?
