District 45 is built on generations of farmers, landowners, and producers who have fed Illinois and fueled the nation. Agriculture is more than an industry here—it’s a way of life. But while the work continues, the policies coming out of Springfield make it harder every year to hold onto family land and keep farming in the family.

The Problem: Political Overreach, Unfair Policy

• Farmland assessments have skyrocketed, raising tax burdens on working farms

• Out-of-state and foreign land buyers drive up costs and threaten local ownership

• Government regulations are written by bureaucrats who’ve never walked a field

• Urban-focused lawmakers push land use policies that hurt rural economies

• Family farms are being squeezed out while connected insiders profit

And while farmers fight to survive, career politicians like Andrew Chesney are nowhere to be found.

Atkinson’s Plan: Keep Farmers in the Field, Not in Court

1. Protect Family Farms from Unfair Tax Increases

Josh will fight for assessment reform that protects generational landowners from being taxed off their property.

2. Ban Foreign Entities from Buying Illinois Farmland

He’ll support legislation that puts our land in the hands of Illinois families—not foreign governments or corporations.

3. Reform State Land Use Policies

Josh will work to stop one-size-fits-all mandates from Springfield that ignore rural needs and override local control.

4. Empower Local Agriculture Economies

Support small processors, meat lockers, and value-added ag products that keep money in our communities and strengthen food security.

5. Stand Up to Corporate Ag Interests

Atkinson won’t take money from factory farm lobbyists. He’ll stand with real farmers—not mega-operations looking to drain rural resources.

Standing with the Stewards of the Soil

“I’ve talked to farmers who are one bad season or tax cycle away from losing land that’s been in their family for generations.

That’s not right. We need to protect the people who feed us—not bury them in red tape and taxes.”

— Joshua T. Atkinson

Let’s Put Agriculture First Again

Agriculture is the backbone of Northwest Illinois. It deserves leadership that understands the land, respects the people who work it, and isn’t afraid to take on the political class keeping them down.

Let’s fire the well-manicured Andy—and fight for the future of Illinois agriculture with Joshua T. Atkinson. A man who’s not afraid of a little dirt.