Action & Advocacy
Working Group Meeting 3 of 7
This meeting will be the third of seven in the OPM and DoAg Working Group series on PA 490. The focus in this meeting is how other states approach the taxation of farmland.
For example, Vermont reimburses towns for lost tax revenue, shifting the burden away from working farms and representing a direct state investment in agriculture. Even with that model, however, Vermont continues to see a decline in farms.
So the question for Connecticut is larger than simply how we maintain what we have. How do we use this process to begin thinking about real investment in our agricultural economy — policies that not only protect farmland, but strengthen the farms and farmers who steward it?
Working Group Meeting 2 of 7
The state Working Group meeting is managed by the Office of Policy Management OPM and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture as a means to bring farmers together with municipal leadership to address the PA 490 tax assessment program and strengthen the implementation of that program.
CT Environment Committee Public Hearing
S.B. No. 146 (Raised) — An Act Concerning the Protection of Livestock from Certain Wildlife
This public hearing coming up at the State Capitol is especially important for farmers, landowners, and anyone concerned about livestock protection against predatory livestock in Connecticut (or more specifically, bears). Please click the link to register your testimony if you wish to speak during this hearing. You will have no more than 3 minutes. Or you can join by Zoom using the link below. No internet? You can register to testify by phone: (860) 240-0431 (leave your contact info). This is a key opportunity for Connecticut farmers and rural advocates to speak up on a bill that aims to protect livestock and reduce the impacts of wildlife conflicts. Please share far and wide and consider testifying!
PA 490 Working Group
Undersecretary Heft and Commissioner Hurlburt are planning to hold the first meeting. The first meeting will include introductions of members, a review of our directive, the current process, and setting up work group procedures.
Click to Register for the Zoom meeting