Farm Bureau 'No Tractor Tax' campaign hits the Web

» September 14, 2006 «

As it mobilizes its members to fight tax increases proposed by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, the California Farm Bureau Federation has created an online resource highlighting the issue.

At www.cfbf.com/notractortax, the page highlights the sharp differences between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and challenger Angelides, particularly on their approach to taxation.

Angelides has called for repeal of a 5 percent sales-tax exemption on farm equipment and diesel fuel used on farms, which California enacted in 2001. The law places California tax policy in line with most other states.

Farm Bureau endorsed Gov. Schwarzenegger for re-election last month, noting that the governor has pledged not to raise taxes during his term in office.

"High taxes and excessive regulation threaten the sustainability of California farms and ranches," California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said. "Our members have rallied around this issue because they already face rising costs for fuel, fertilizer and other crucial supplies. Tax increases, on top of that, will harm rural jobs and weaken the state's economy."

The No Tractor Tax Web page is updated frequently with background information on the issue, links to news stories describing No Tractor Tax activities and information about how people can participate in those activities.

The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 88,000 members.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.