Senator unveils plan to compliment farm bill
2007-09-15
Source: Prairie Star
Montana Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the powerful U.S. Senate Finance Committee, unveiled a plan to provide billions of dollars in tax relief and disaster assistance to Montana's farmers and ranchers.
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rss feedBaucus' tax package - proposed to be included in the new Farm Bill - would provide incentives for conservation, alternative energy production, and create a permanent disaster relief fund.
"Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and I'm going to doing everything I can to help ease the burden on our farmers and ranchers backs," said Baucus, who is also a senior member of Senate Agriculture Committee. "Whether it's a few more dollars in their pocket, or knowing that one disaster won't force them to sell the family farm, this package is good for our producers, our state, and our country."
Baucus used his position as Finance Committee Chairman to develop the package, which will free up between $8 billion to $10 billion in revenue that can be used in the Farm Bill, which is set to expire on Sept. 30.
In a statement released Tuesday, Agriculture Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) said "I welcome today's comments from Chairman Baucus. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, as well as Chairman of the Finance Committee, he understands our difficult budget situation and the critical need for the resources that will allow us to craft a successful new farm bill."
Montana's junior U.S. Senator Jon Tester, a farmer from Big Sandy, said Baucus' plan will provide a shot in the arm for producers on the ground.
"As a farmer, I know firsthand how important the Farm Bill is for Montana producers," said Tester, a third generation farmer. "Farmers and ranchers around Montana have been struggling every year with draught making it harder and harder to stay on the farm. With Max's tax package, permanent disaster relief will finally provide the safety net that our producers deserve and I'll be with him every step of the way to see it come to fruition."
