STATEHOUSE — Legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) assisting Hoosier farmers was signed into law yesterday by Gov. Pence. This is the first piece of legislation to be signed in the 2013 legislative session. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 319 was fastâ€tracked through the House in order to prevent an estimated tax increase of $57 million for farmland across the state. “The best way to help farmers is to get government off their back,” said Rep. Crouch. “Providing some property tax relief will offer Hoosier farmers a good climate that will allow them the opportunity to succeed.” The soil productivity factors used for the March 2011 assessment of agricultural land will remain in place for property taxes payable in 2014, and the new soil productivity factors will not be used until 2015. SEA 319 also requires the Department of Local Government Finance, with the Purdue College of Agriculture, to submit proposed soil productivity factors to be used going forward by Nov. 1, 2013 to the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy. SEA 319 will go into effect on March 1, 2013. -30-
Rep. Crouch (R-Evansville) represents portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties
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