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An agricultural legislative update

Congressman appreciates the challenges facing the farming community

July 19, 2006

By John Kline

Minnesota’s agricultural tradition is rich with large producers and family farms. Having helped manage my wife’s fourth generation family farm in southeastern Minnesota for many years, I can appreciate the challenges faced by the farming community.

As you may know, prior to being elected to Congress just four years ago, I served 25 years in the Marine Corps where I retired at the rank of Colonel. As a Marine, I served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, commanded all Marine aviation forces in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, flew “Marine One,” the President’s helicopter, and served as a military aide for both Presidents Carter and Reagan.

In Congress, whether meeting with constituents or working with groups – such as the Minnesota Corn Growers, Minnesota Soybean Growers and the Minnesota Farm Bureau – I am continually impressed by the work ethic and common decency of those in our farming community and value the role that agriculture plays on the lives of people in Minnesota.

An issue that faces all Minnesotans – high energy costs – is especially burdensome to farmers and makes clear the need for the development and utilization of renewable and alternative fuels. The use of ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, wind, and solar energy sources is important to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower the cost of fossil fuels. Minnesota’s soybeans, corn, and sugar are being used to supplement, and in many cases, replace the need for oil. I am a strong supporter of bipartisan efforts to use Minnesota agricultural commodities to fuel our nation. I am also cosponsoring legislation to extend a biodiesel tax incentive for “agri-biodiesel” usage. In addition, since my first days in Congress, I have supported a program that provides grants and loans to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses to install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Capital gains taxes continue to burden more Minnesota farmers and ranchers each year. Because most of a farmer’s assets consist of land owned over long periods of time, capital gains taxes threaten their livelihood. I strongly support eliminating this tax and have supported legislation to decrease capital gains taxes.
Another important issue for many family owned farms is the permanent repeal of the death tax. The death tax penalizes citizens for saving, investing, and hard work. It destroys family-owned farms and ranches and the jobs of their employees. In June, I strongly supported the passage of a bipartisan bill that will provide relief to the many Americans whose livelihoods are threatened under this punitive tax.
A growing concern among many farmers is attempts to classify manure as a hazardous material. Manure is central to most farm operations, which is why I am cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to permanently stop it from being defined as a hazardous substance or contaminant.

As we continue to consider the 2007 farm bill and other legislation important to farmers, ranchers, and the communities where you work and live, please do not hesitate to inform me of your concerns by either calling my district office: (952) 808-1213; or visiting my website: kline.house.gov

Note: This column by Congressman John Kline will appear in the Redwood Falls Gazette's Farmfest 2006 publication next month. Farmfest 2006 is Aug. 1-3 at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County, Minnesota.

July 2006 Columns

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