North state Assemblyman Dan Logue (R-Marysville), announced his disappointment in the Governor’s decision to effectively eliminate Williamson Act subvention.
“I am saddened to see that the Governor has slashed one of the few revenue generating programs in the budget. Agriculture is the foundation of California’s very economy. The Williamson Act has kept farm land in agricultural production or reserved for open space for decades.”
Million of dollars will be lost to Northern California counties as a consequence of this decision. This has a direct impact on their ability to provide essential services like law enforcement and fire safety, not to mention the financial impact to farmers
One-in –three participating landowners have said they would not be able to farm or ranch without this contract.
“As a farmer myself—I’m grateful for Assemblyman Dan Logue and his support of agriculture. I am concerned that with the stroke of a pen Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has impacted the north state’s safety net for ag economy,” said Butte County Supervisor Steve Lambert.
Farmers will see property taxes rise, cost of operations rise, and some will sell to development.
“I will continue to work to protect the interests of the north state. Agriculture provides jobs, bolsters the economy, and is essential to the California economy. This should be a high priority for the state,” concluded Assemblyman Logue.
