Posted: | April 20, 2015 02:13 PM |
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From: | Senator Rob Teplitz |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Legislation – Amendment of the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act |
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that amends the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act also known as the REAP ACT. The REAP ACT allows farmers and businesses to earn tax credits on agricultural operations that enhance farm production and protect natural resources. This program is administered by the State Conservation Commission, and the tax credits are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Currently, an applicant may receive 50% to 75% of projected costs as a tax credit with a lifetime limit of $150,000 per agricultural operation. I was recently contacted by one of my constituents, who is a farmer in Perry County, who explained to me how fast $150,000 can be spent on farming operations. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported earlier this year that the average price to maintain a farm by acre is $1,500 for Dauphin County and $750 in Perry County. Therefore, I propose to amend the current REAP Act to increase the lifetime limit to $225,000. By increasing the lifetime limit for the REAP Act, we will ensure that we preserve Pennsylvania's proud heritage of farming for future generations. I invite you to join me in cosponsoring on this important topic. |
Introduced as SB848