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2008 SC Farm Bureau State Priority Issues Ag Employment Immigration Reform The South Carolina General Assembly should base any move for state intervention on the fact that any fundamental or substantive change must come from Congress. SC Farm Bureau will work to ensure that SC farmers have a reliable and sustainable work force. Taxes & State Budget Alternative Energy Tax Credits Because of the high price of motor fuels and natural gas, many states have focused on alternative energy tax credits. South Carolina will see legislation introduced to provide tax credits for those who use and manufacture alternative fuels. Recurring Marketing Money We will continue to request recurring state funds from the General Assembly as outlined by the marketing strategic plan to market and promote SC grown farm products. Act 208 Some legislators and media will again be discussing Act 208. We will work to keep this law intact. Sales Tax Exemptions SC Farm Bureau will work to keep our agricultural sales tax exemptions intact. Ag Research We will continue to work for much needed appropriations for agricultural research. Forestry Commission Funding It is of vital importance that the SC Forestry Commission have adequate state funding to protect our forest resources from fire. SC Farm Bureau will continue to work for agriculture and forestry in the State Budget. Environmental Surface Water Because of the increasing demand for water from a growing population, a surface water withdrawal permitting bill will be debated this year. It is the hope of some legislators that this bill may be used as leverage to negotiate similar legislation in North Carolina and Georgia. Agriculture must continue to be recognized as an essential user of water during this process. SC Farm Bureau will work to influence this surface water legislation to ensure our farmers have adequate water. Isolated Wetlands Depending on the outcome of certain Supreme Court cases, isolated wetlands could fall under the jurisdiction of the states. Therefore, legislation has been introduced that would give DHEC the authority to regulate these isolated wetlands. Because of federal legislation, (Swampbusters) agriculture should be exempt from state regulations. SC Farm Bureau will work to maintain agricultural exemptions from state regulations on isolated wetlands. Other Issues Governmental Restructuring Governor Mark Sanford has made restructuring SC state government one of his top priorities. The Governor has made it clear that he believes the Commissioner of Agriculture should be appointed rather than elected. SC Farm Bureau policy states that Constitutional Officers should continue to be elected by the voters of SC. SC Farm Bureau will work to keep the Commissioner of Agriculture an elected position. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Legal Disclaimer Privacy Notice |
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