Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence joined representatives from the agriculture community to ceremonially sign Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 308 and SEA 238 at the Statehouse. SEA 308 provides property tax relief for farmers. SEA 238 will help make local soil and water conservation districts more impactful when it comes to watersheds and areas of conservation. Governor Pence signed SEA 308 into law on March 24 and SEA 238 on March 22. Both bills go into effect July 1, 2016.
“I was pleased to sign into law Senate Enrolled Act 308 and Senate Enrolled Act 238, and I’m thankful for the bipartisan support in the Indiana General Assembly who helped get these bills to my desk,” said Governor Pence. “Indiana is blessed to have a rich agricultural tradition that starts on the farm and extends to thousands of agribusinesses, and these bills will help ensure the Hoosier farmers and businesses across our state receive the tax relief they deserve, and can better work together on soil conversation practices across our state.”
Governor Pence was joined by Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb, Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney, Indiana Office of Tourism Development Director Mark Newman, Farm Bureau President Randy Kron and former president Don Villwock.
“I commend the Governor, members of General Assembly and all those involved with the passage of these two laws, which are major victories for Indiana agriculture,” said Ted McKinney, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “We have nearly 60,000 farming operations in our state, so by making tax relief available, while strengthening our conservation efforts, these laws go a long way to ensure that Indiana agriculture not only remains strong, but also sustainable for future generations.”
Also in attendance were Senators Brandt Hershman (R – Buck Creek), Susan Glick (R – LaGrange), Eric Bassler (R – Washington), and Representatives Tim Brown (R – Crawfordsville) and Jeff Thompson (R – Lizton).
