For Immediate Release
February 6, 2009
Contact: Kristin Crawford
Communications Coordinator
717-787-4420
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Brubaker Introduces Two Bills to Benefit PA Agriculture

HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced two bills this week to promote agriculture and protect family farms in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 169 would exclude building materials used to repair or construct animal production buildings from the sales and use tax. Brubaker said that the legislation would reduce building costs and bring Pennsylvania in line with several surrounding states that do not charge a sales and use tax on these materials.

"My legislation would remove one of the barriers for family farms to improve and expand, and it would remove the competitive disadvantage our farmers suffer compared to those in other states," said Brubaker, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Brubaker also introduced legislation that would provide the option to local taxing authorities to exempt more farmland preserved through agricultural easements from property tax millage increases.

Under current law, counties, local governments and school districts, if in agreement, have the option to provide an exemption from increases for farmland preserved only through the State Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program. Senate Bill 172 would allow an exemption for farmland properties acquired by a non-profit land trust as well.

"Some counties and local governments have expressed concerns that not all preserved farmland would be eligible for an exemption from these property tax increases," Brubaker said. "This bill would address these concerns and perhaps encourage additional adoption of this program."

Both bills were introduced during the previous legislative session and have been reintroduced for the 2009-10 session.