In 1970, the Office of Lieutenant Governor was divested of its powers as President of the Illinois State Senate. Currently, almost all of the statutory responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor involve policies impacting rural communities. Some government leaders view the office as a pit stop for ambitious politicians and others have even sought to eliminate the position.

However, Scott Lee Cohen relishes and understands the job and knows exactly what opportunities it offers for a Lieutenant Governor who cares more about the people and less about his or her political ambitions.

By statute, the Illinois Lieutenant Governor manages four programs: The Illinois Main Street Program, Rural Affairs Council, Rural Bond Bank and River Coordinating Council. Scott's plan for rural Illinois leverages these programs to bring hope and prosperity to rural Illinois.

Read below to learn more about these programs and Scott's plan for rural Illinois: Rising Rural Communities.