Will senator back food labeling?

In May, Senator Dick Durbin voted against a proposed farm bill amendment, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermont independent, which would have upheld states’ rights to pass GMO labeling laws. As a citizen of Illinois, I believe I should also have the right to know if my food contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And I’m not alone. A recent New York Times poll showed 93 percent of Americans, including Illinois residents, support GMO labeling.

Earlier this year, SB 1666, a bill to label GMOs in Illinois, was introduced in the State Senate. And hundreds turned out to support this bill at three public hearings this summer.

If SB 1666 passes, Will Sen. Durbin side with his constituents and support their right to enact state GMO labeling legislation? Or will Sen. Durbin side with Monsanto, and other agribusiness corporations, in working behind the scenes with lobbyists to deny Illinois the right to provide its citizens with the fundamental right to know what’s in our food?

The people of Illinois want to know which side you are on, Sen. Durbin!

David Schmidt

Wonder Lake