| August
7, 2003 The
Honorable Lee Terry
U.S. House of Representatives
1524 Longworth House
Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515-2702 Dear
Representative Terry: On
behalf of our nearly 300,000 members affiliated with nearly 3000 local, county
and State Grange chapters across the nation, the National Grange would like to
express its appreciation and support for your proposed legislation, H.R. 2978,
or the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Tax Incentive Act of 2003. Preserving our
nation's agricultural industry plays an important role in maintaining an important
way of life. President George W. Bush expressed this sentiment when he said, "we're
a blessed nation because we can grow our own food and, therefore, we're secure.
A nation that can feed its people is a nation more secure." At
the 136th Annual Convention of the National Grange, held last November in Portland
OR, the Grange delegates from across the nation adopted the following legislative
policy regarding capital gains assistance for beginning farmers:
"The National Grange
supports a reduction in capital gains taxes for retiring farmers who are willing
to sell to beginning farmers." In
order for any industry to thrive, there must be successors to the previous generation
to guide its future course. Those that choose to embark on that path must have
the support of the larger community. This creates a win-win situation in which
jobs are created, our economy is strengthened, and self-sufficiency is achieved.
By proposing such legislation, you are providing not just support, but the necessary
incentives to keep American agriculture a viable industry. Once again, we want
to commend you for working on behalf of the American farmer and we look forward
to working with you to achieve passage of this important legislation. Sincerely,
Leroy Watson,
Legislative Director
National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry
|
