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Show Arguments For Rebuttal Agriculture has long been recognized as I'tah's most basic industry. In fact, the lifestyle we enjoy in this state is highly dependent upon a strong, healthy agricultural economy, Profi table conditions for our farmers and ranchers not only mean that grocery store shelves will continue to be full, offering ('tails consumers a wide variety of wholesome food at some of the lowest prices found anywhete in the world, but that a large number of businesses and jobs related to our agricultural industry will also be preserved. It is therefore in everyones best interest to ensure favorable conditions for agriculture. I The Utah Legislature recognizes that agriculture and other businesses are struggling financially, but the real issue is equity. Our constitution intended for tax burdens to be distributed equitably, but over time an inequity has developed regarding personal property. While the average Utah taxpayer-payabout 3 of his net income in property taxes and the average business pays about 5'i,, our Utah farmer now pays nearly 49 of his net income in property taxes each year. The Legislature overwhelmingly passed Proposition 2 because your lawmakers recognized the need to amend the constitution to allow for a more equitable distribution of the property tax burden. Your yes vole will ensure that Utah agriculture will continue to produce the highest quality food and fiber found anywhere in the world, at the lowest possible cost, and protect the viability of many Utah businesses whose future depends on our farmers and ranchers. Senator Cary G. Peterson 406 East 50(1 North Nephi, Utah 84648 We "FOR 1. 2. believe it is in the best interest of every Utahn to vote Proposition 2 for the following reasons: It is a matter of equity. The average worker in Utah pays just over 3 of his income in property tax. The average business pays an average of 3 to 5 of its income in property tax. The average farmer and rancher in Utah during the last ten years paid 27 of his income in property tax, and during the last two years paid 49 of his net farm income in property tax. Property tax on Utah farms and ranches has increased 129 since 1975, yet their income has decreased. Arguments in o I'moroj I 'Vjet-ilw- So. 2 claim the average The supported of 1iopoMtion Utah farmer pays 49 of his net income in property taxes. This claim is misleading1 ll implies that Proposition 2 would reduce property taxes on land. Farmers pay the majority of their property taxes on land. In fact, Proposition 2 will not affect taxes on land only property taxes on farm equipment. Taxes on farm equipment are a very small part ofa farmer's property taxes Only two tenths of one percent of gross income is needed to pay personal property taxes (on equipment and machinery) by farmers in Utah. Passing Proposition 2 will hardly affect the average farmers 2 overall property tax burden. 1 We have already given farmers breaks on property To be fair to farmers, the Green Bell exemption on farms lowered the property tax on farmland. Also, there ate no property taxes on irrigation systems, no taxes on livestock, and no sales tax on farm equipment. taxes. ' Proposition 2 would apply to all "farmers, regardless of need. If it passes, it will becomejust one more tax benefit that may be abused by people who take unfair advantage of the tax benefits available to farmers. Other citizens who don t have the income to use these tax dodges will have to bear more taxes. difficult to administer. No one Proposition knows what it will cost the state, since no one knows what will be considered "farm equipment. Administering it will be expensive. 2 will be t 1 i ; Proposition 2 will encourage abuse and make property taxes less fair. Vote "AGAINST Proposition 2! Senator Karl G. Swan t 347 Upland Drive Tooele, Utah 84074 Representative Franklin W. Knowlton House Chairman, Revenue and Taxation Interim Committee Box 426 Layton. Utah 846-t- l 1 f It will cost Utahns more for food if Utah farmers and ranchers are forced out of business. If the average family of four pays $100 per week for food, a 2 rise in the cost of food means each family would have to pay $104 more for food. The trucks that deliver beef, cheese, and flour to California bring back lettuce, straw berries, oranges, and vegetables. If that food had to be trucked in from California without Utah products back hauled to California, food would cost more than it now does. 3. The total cost of this proposition is under $1 per person. Thats less than an average hamburger! A yes vote will tell Utahs farmers and ranchers that we believe in equity in taxes, and will help hold the price of food down for all Utahns. I 4 i i Pagfl Ml. |