A resolution calling for a $2.5 million state emergency fund to aid with damage from wildfires and other natural disasters was among more than 100 resolutions passed by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau state resolutions committee Oct. 17-18 in Oklahoma City. The proposal will be voted on during the annual OFB convention Nov. 9-11 in Oklahoma City.
“We’ve dealt with a series of natural disasters in recent years and this emergency fund would with specifically help with ease the burden in rural areas of Oklahoma,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.
The committee also passed a resolution supporting a stronger crop insurance program.
“If direct payments are excluded from the next farm bill, there should be more funds available to strengthen the crop insurance program,” Spradling said. “Risk management is extremely important as farmers deal with volatile markets and weather conditions.”
The group voted to keep the federal estate tax exemption pegged at $5 million per person. The current estate tax law expires at the end of the year, reverting to a $1 million exemption.
“The old law is unacceptable to farmer and ranchers because we have worked extremely hard all our lives, paying taxes and building equity,” Spradling said. “This amounts to double taxation since we have already paid taxes on these assets throughout the years.”
Other proposed resolutions include a measure to prevent energy companies from completely depleting streams and ponds when drilling for oil for gas; the Oklahoma Water Resources Board members should represent all regions of the state; retain the sales tax exemption for agricultural producers.
