Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will focus their legislative efforts this year on protecting private property rights, but Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s top lobbyist says that will not be their only priority.
“We’re going to work extremely hard to keep a lid on property taxes and protect our sales tax exemption,” Lori Peterson, OFB’s vice president of public policy, said.
With the economic slowdown, lawmakers will be looking for ways to increase state revenue and Peterson does not want them to look at agriculture.
“Agricultural leaders were successful last year in keeping the sales tax exemption intact as legislators scrutinized all tax exemptions,” Peterson said. “We have to be ready to again explain the exemption’s importance if the need arises.”
Farm Bureau is supporting several bills proposed under the heading of protecting property rights. They include:
* SB 558 by Sen. David Myers stating agriculture land shall not be considered “blighted” for the purpose of eminent domain.
* HB 1873 by Rep. Jeff Hickman increases the fines for trespassing and hunting without permission to $500.
* SB 453 by Sen. Mike Schulz would add crop damage to the penalty for trespassing.
One of the more intriguing measures supported by Farm Bureau would prevent a “proposition 2" initiative from happening in Oklahoma. Proposition 2 was passed by California voters last November and it basically prevents confinement of agricultural animals.
State Sen. Schulz and Rep. Don Armes have introduced companion bills to address the issue.
“This legislation would prevent outside groups from coming in, and by initiative petition putting language in the Oklahoma Constitution,” Peterson said. “We want our legislators, elected by Oklahoma citizens, to decide our laws, not outside groups with an agenda.”
Other areas the farm organization will be watching include agriculture transportation; landowner rights for wind energy, certified weed free hay program and stronger right to farm laws.
Peterson adds the overriding issue this year could be the tight budget numbers facing legislators.
“State agencies are being told to look at their budgets for areas that can be cut without severely reducing services to citizens,” Peterson said. “How this will impact agriculture is uncertain right now but we are prepared to live with less funds.”
These and other legislative issues will be discussed during OFB’s annual legislative leadership conference Feb. 16-17 at the Marriott Hotel on northwest expressway, Oklahoma City. Scheduled speakers include Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Speaker of the House Chris Benge and Senate President Pro-Temp Glen Coffee.
