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Pork and poultry farmers urge Nixon to support tax cut

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Pork Association and the Poultry Federation sent Gov. Jay Nixon a letter today expressing their support for SB509, the tax cut legislation sitting on his desk, and urging the Governor to sign the bill into law.

The associations argue that the bill will help their farms grow by freeing up more money not currently dedicated toward taxes.

Sen. Will Kraus
Sen. Kraus

“An often overlooked fact is that Farms are business that not only produce food, but employ thousands in the process,” the letter continued.

“For many farmers, this tax cut would encourage business expansion, investment in new and innovative technologies to increase production, the hiring of additional workers and allow Missouri farmers to better compete with farmers in other states. It is our hope that you will sign Senate Bill 509 and make a tax cut for Missouri farmers and families a reality,” the letter concluded.

Bill sponsor Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, is pleased at the support towards the bill.

“I am grateful for all the support we have received for SB509,” said Sen. Kraus. “Business groups, industry groups, and citizen groups are stepping up to support this people’s tax cut. Together we can work to jump start Missouri’s economic future.”

“Missouri farms are Missouri small businesses. And like so many small businesses that would benefit from SB509, our farmers know that allowing them to keep more of what they earn will enable them to hire new employees and make needed investments on their farms. Today, they join countless Missouri families, small businesses, and organizations that recognize that tax relief is important to growing Missouri’s economy for the future,” Rep. John Diehl, R-St. Louis County.

Rep. Carpenter
Rep. Carpenter

“The idea that lowering the top income rate by one-half of a percent is going to lead to some great influx of people moving to Missouri to live and do business here is a fantasy. Instead, it’s only real effect will be to cause further cuts in already underfunding state services like education and public safety. I’m glad the Governor plans to veto,” Rep. Jon Carpenter, D-Kansas City, said.

Democrat representatives do not agree with the association, saying that the cut would benefit the upper class while harming initiatives that benefit agricultural education.

“SB509 will gut funding for public education, drastically harming 4H programs and other ag-based education initiatives,” Rep. Jeremy LaFaver, D-Kansas City, said. “Big Pig Businesses probably want these special tax breaks for the wealthy, but real farmers who want to pass agricultural lessons down to their children likely will find their argument laughable,” LaFaver said.