Visalia Times-Delta: “Farmer: Proposed changes to Proposition 13 could devastate family farms”

Largest property tax hike in California history will hurt farmers, raise the cost of living for all Californians


SACRAMENTO, CA
– The Visalia Times-Delta published an opinion piece last week by Eric Bream, a third-generation farmer from Tulare County, explaining how the proposed $12.5 billion-a-year property tax measure headed to the November ballot will hurt farmers and result in higher grocery bills for California families. With the state facing economic uncertainty and disruption in international food supply chains, the focus on affordable California-grown food has never been more important and the measure will just add additional barriers from moving food from farm to fork.

Read excerpts from Eric Bream’s opinion piece, “Farmer: Proposed changes to Proposition 13 could devastate family farms below:

Not only will the farming community directly suffer if the ballot initiative to raise property taxes by up to $12.5 billion annually passes, but the tax hike will also hurt all Californians by increasing the state’s already high cost of living.

…the measure is an attack on farms, the fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products we produce and will ultimately translate to more expensive grocery bills for California families.

…this new state ballot measure will destroy Prop 13, raising property taxes on agricultural improvements and fixtures. That means higher property taxes for structures necessary to perform the tasks involved with bringing food from farm to fork, including processing facilities, dairies, wineries, and packaging and distribution centers.

The property taxes on these structures will dramatically skyrocket if the initiative passes. In addition, fruit and nut trees and grapevines will be taxed at full market value after they reach maturity. Even irrigation systems, fences, silos, storage sheds, feedlots and wind machines will face higher property taxes!

Without a doubt, the measure will be the largest property tax increase in California history. And farmers and consumers are the ones who will be paying it…

Now is not the time to pass the largest property tax increase in California history on the backs of hardworking farmers and families trying to put healthy food options on the dinner table.  

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ABOUT CALIFORNIANS TO SAVE PROP 13 AND STOP HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES
Californians to Save Prop 13 and Stop Higher Property Taxes, a coalition of homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses, has been fighting to protect Prop 13 and oppose a split-roll property tax for more than a decade. For more information, please visit www.StopHigherPropertyTaxes.org.