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For Immediate
Release
10/17/12
Senate Approves Smucker's Bill to Protect Tax Exemptions for
Farms
HARRISBURG – The Senate sent legislation to governor's desk Monday that would
protect tax exemptions for farms that make and sell compost, according to Sen.
Lloyd Smucker (R-13).
The state's Clean and Green Program provides a preferential tax assessment
for land in agricultural use to ensure farm operations are not overburdened with
high property tax rates. Senate Bill 1298 amends the Clean and Green Act to
allow farmers to host composting operations without losing eligibility for the
program.
Smucker introduced the legislation in response to a Lancaster County Board of
Assessment Appeals ruling last year that would have prevented local farms that
make and sell compost from receiving tax breaks as part of the Clean and Green
Program.
"The intent of the law is to keep more of our prime farmland in agricultural
use, and supporting farms that make the best use of available resources is a big
part of that goal," Smucker said. "Instead of penalizing farm operators for
making a product that improves our local water quality, we should encourage them
to continue pursuing innovative solutions."
CONTACT:
Matt Parido
717-397-1309
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