Mark Pryor - United States Senator of Arkansas Photo of a flag Arkansas First
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Agriculture plays a defining role in our economy, and I realize the importance of making investments in agriculture as well as a commitment to farmers. First and foremost, we must strive to preserve the family farm. Too many children of farmers opt to pursue other professions; we must provide the necessary resources to nurture future agricultural leaders. This includes investments in education and providing younger generations with the opportunity to start up new farms or operate inherited farms.

To make sure younger producers have the opportunity to farm on the same land passed down for generations, I support updating and modernizing our tax laws to shield small business owners and family farmers from the estate tax. I am working toward a bipartisan solution to increase the estate tax exemption to $5 million ($10 million for married couples) and reduce the tax to a 35 percent marginal rate. For estates worth more than $30 million, the benefit of this exemption would be phased out. I do not believe full repeal of the estate tax is a fiscally responsible option at this time. However, my approach eases the estate tax burden for all families and most likely erases it entirely for virtually every small business owner and family farmer in Arkansas.

We must strengthen our farms through programs and strong legislation that benefit our state's producers. I will work toward sustaining a sound farm policy that includes a safety net and offers assistance to farmers during times of low prices and low yields. It should buffer our farm economy in difficult times and allow family farms to stay in business.

After countless hours spent talking with farmers, I recognize the immeasurable benefits that increased market access would provide for Arkansans. We need to eliminate barriers that prevent Arkansans from selling farm products abroad.

As your Senator, I will continue the fight to revitalize rural America and serve as a strong voice for producers.

RELATED NEWS & STATEMENTS
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1-22 of 22
Date Title
09/25/2006 Bush Administration Agrees to Pryor, Berry Request for Favorable Tax Treatment for Farm Program
09/13/2006 Arkansas Officials Announce $52,000 for Hot Springs
09/12/2006 Lincoln, Pryor Introduce Emergency Agriculture Disaster Package
06/15/2006 Pryor’s Solution to Protect Homeland Security and Farmers’ Interests Passes Senate Committee
05/17/2006 Pryor, Lincoln Launch Online Petition to Preserve Disaster Relief
05/04/2006 Senate Passes Critical Disaster Relief for Farmers
05/02/2006 Arkansas Senators Seek Farm Bill Extension
04/04/2006 Disaster Relief for Farmers Passes Senate Committee
02/06/2006 Statement by Senator Mark Pryor On the President’s Budget
11/04/2005 Pryor Votes No on Misplaced Priorities, Fiscally Irresponsible Budget
10/14/2005 A Joint Statement by Senator Mark Pryor and Congressman Marion Berry on the Little Rock Farm Bill Listening Session
09/22/2005 Senate Approves Lincoln, Pryor Agriculture Funding Requests for Arkansas
09/21/2005 Pryor Measure to Save Farm Service Agencies Passes Senate
07/29/2005 Pryor Votes for Comprehensive Energy Reform
06/08/2005 Pryor Introduces Common-Sense Solution to Protect Homeland Security and Farmers’ Interests Seeks to Keep Fertilizer Component Out of the Hands of Criminals
05/23/2005 Pryor Calls Ag Secretary Johanns’ Visit to State Vital; Says Trip Could Help Him Relate to Southern Agriculture Needs
05/19/2005 Pryor Pledges Support for Expanding Opportunities in Delta;Participates in Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus Event
05/16/2005 Pryor Urges More Action on Soybean Rust Says USDA Funding is a Start, but Pledges to Seek More
05/10/2005 Pryor Announces Final Passage of War Spending Bill; Conferees Approve Pryor’s Measures to Combat Soybean Rust, Assist Camp Robinson, Protect C-130J Contracts
04/15/2005 Pryor Selected for Plum Commerce Subcommittee Assignments; Senator to Focus on Consumer, Business, Trade and Research Interests
03/17/2005 Pryor Expresses Disappointment over Misplaced Budget Priorities Says Rural America and Fiscal Responsibility Ignored in Senate Budget
12/01/2004 Delegation Requests Emergency Funds to Protect Arkansas Farmers from Asian Soybean Rust Disease
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