Senate
Rejects Tax In Senate
Rejects Tax Increase on
Farmland Senators
Say Now is Not the Time to Raise Taxes
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Senate
today voted 30-3 to reject a tax increase on Missouri farmland that was established by the
State Tax Commission. The Commission raised
taxes on farmland an average of 11.5 percent, causing concern from farmers and
ranchers. State Senator Bill
Stouffer, R-Napton, sponsored Senate
Joint Resolution 35 & 32 rejecting the tax increase. Stouffer said that
while property tax levies are set locally, the commission’s increase in farmland
productivity values means a tax increase on farmers and ranchers statewide. “What we have is an
industry with extremely volatile markets combined with record production
expenses, weak demand and landowners struggling to manage debt and cash flow,”
said Stouffer. “Now is a bad time to raise taxes on any Missourian, including
the state’s landowners.” Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, is a
co-sponsor of the resolution and said the state should avoid creating roadblocks
for family farmers. “We need to be finding ways to lower taxes for our
farmers, not force them to shoulder a higher tax burden,” said Crowell. “If our
family farms see increases in their expenses, it will only contribute to an
already wounded economy in our state. Farmers are the backbone of Missouri’s economy, and
it is the state’s job to provide every avenue possible for farmers to
succeed.” The State Tax Commission
raised land valuations last month. By statute, the General Assembly has 60
legislative days to reject the tax commission’s
recommendations. Senate Majority Floor Leader Kevin Engler,
R-Farmington, said the Senate would continue to work quickly on the measure to
ensure they meet the legal deadline. “We will work with the House to make sure
both chambers have voted on the same resolution rejecting this tax increase,”
Engler said. “We will beat this deadline to protect
taxpayers.” Under the commission’s
actions, only values on land used for pasture and timber were lowered. The House passed a similar resolution
earlier this week. Now, both chambers will consider each other’s resolutions. ### crease on
Farmland | 
