NFIB State Director Leah Long released the following statement today in response to lawmaker’ failure to agree on a final version of Senate Bill 2272, legislation that would have exempted certain agricultural and logging supplies from the state sales tax. The measure died Saturday, Sept. 28, in conference committee.

“Our members are disappointed that lawmakers couldn’t come to terms on the final version of Senate Bill 2272, especially since it had such strong support in the Senate and House,” Long said. The Senate passed the bill 50-1, which the House passed an amended version this month 122-0.

“Rising costs on everything to fuel, labor, and supplies are having a tremendous impact on small businesses in the agriculture and forestry sectors,” Long said. “Senate Bill 2272 would have helped relieve this pressure by removing sales taxes on the tools and materials they need to operate and provide jobs and opportunities for their communities.”

She said NFIB members were encouraged to see lawmakers advance House Bill 4060, which provides targeted tax relief for agriculture and small businesses that support it. The measure exempts lime used for agricultural purposes from state sales tax and lowers the tax rate on gates and fencing materials used to contain livestock to 1.5% for commercial farmers.

“These commonsense changes help reduce operating costs, bring consistency to the tax code, and recognize the important role agriculture plays in the state’s economy,” Long said.