55th District State Senator Darren Bailey will be the ranking Republican member of the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee. He made the announcement this week as his office unveiled committee assignments. Bailey is a longtime farmer in the Clay County area and understands the concerns and issues facing the industry. He added that family farms and agribusiness is the backbone of the Illinois economy. Bailey will also bring his experience as a former school board member to the Education Committee. He also will sit on the Energy and Public Utilities, Health, and Labor committees.