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Ericksen says relief bill
for farmers isn’t enough, wants more done
42nd District legislator wants to know why new
farm machinery tax relief was taken out of original bill
Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale,
voted for a bill today that would provide tax relief for farmers, but
says it doesn’t go far enough in helping those in need in the
agriculture sector.
House Bill 2457 would exempt farmers from sales and use tax on
replacement parts for farm machinery and equipment. The measure
initially included language that would have provided the same tax relief
for new farm machinery and equipment, but it was removed.
“While I’m happy to offer our farmers this minor tax relief, it’s not
enough. This bill was gutted from its original form and it’s hard to
understand why,” said Ericksen. “If the majority party wants to truly
help farmers and promote innovation in agriculture, it would have left
this important part in the measure.”
Ericksen believes if House Bill 2457 could have offered a sales and use
tax exemption for new farm machinery and equipment it would have
promoted innovation in the agriculture industry.
“Agriculture remains our state’s most important industry and this
requires innovation,” said Ericksen. “The bill we passed today only
helps farmers keep their equipment on life support. We should be
creating incentives for farmers to take steps toward innovative upgrades
to their equipment.”
Ericksen also wants legislators to remember it’s not just eastern
Washington farmers who face challenges, but also Whatcom County ones.
“A lot of the debate focuses on Eastern Washington, yet the reality is
that we have local farmers who are struggling. Tightening margins on our
agriculture products are making it more difficult for our local family
farmers to survive,” said Ericksen. “We must make decisions in the
Legislature that help these folks while looking to the future – and that
must start this legislative session.”
Part of Republicans’ “Commitment to Washington,” an agenda formed from a
statewide listening tour last year, includes strengthening the family
farm by providing tax relief, allowing families to use their land as
intended, and ensuring access to water.
The Commitment to Washington also includes the goal of welcoming
families to state parks by eliminating the day-use fee. This is one step
closer to reality with the passage of House Bill 2416 today.
For more information on the Commitment to Washington, visit:
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/priorities.htm.
For more information on Rep. Ericksen, visit:
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/ericksen.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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