Statement by Steve Nelson, President,
Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 18, 2013 – “While we share an interest in job creation and growing Nebraska’s economy, we do not believe you can have a comprehensive tax reform conversation without including property taxes. For farm and ranch families and many Nebraskans, property taxes must be included in the discussion. We are very open to a conversation about Nebraska tax policy and tax reform, however, what was proposed in the Governor’s plan is disappointing in that it reflects a huge tax increase on farm and ranch families.”

“It is widely understood that Nebraska and its citizens have weathered the nation’s economic troubles better than the rest of the country due to the strength of agriculture, our state’s number one industry. It is difficult to see how raising taxes on families involved in farming and ranching can help grow the state’s economy.”

“Furthermore, Nebraska farmers and ranchers face the prospect of a second year of drought and higher input costs. Agriculture is a cyclical business, and decisions about agriculture’s treatment in our state’s tax policy should be based on historical performance and not simply a few good years.”

“If this conversation is truly about job creation, agriculture and associated businesses are a primary job creator in our state, accounting for one out of every four jobs. Tax policy that harms agriculture will cost the state jobs and will not be good for Nebraska.”