The Crush - September 2020 - 7

[ STATE & FEDERAL FOCUS ]

Ag Industry Fights
Proposition 15, the
Largest Property Tax
Hike in CA History
Proposition 15 is the largest property tax hike in California
history. Proponents falsely claim that it will not impact
agriculture.
Proposition 15 would undo important, long-standing property
tax protections for commercial and agricultural property that
voters approved via Proposition 13 many decades ago. It
would trigger annual reassessments at market value for agrelated fixtures and improvements, including vineyards and
wineries. Vineyards, production facilities, storage tanks, and
even the wineries where the final product is sold, face higher
property taxes under Proposition 15. This would be particularly
devastating for small, family-owned growers and wine
producers.

Urge Congress to Pass Craft Beverage
Modernization and Tax Reform Act
Wine Institute, Wine America and other members of the Craft
Beverage Coalition are asking members of Congress to quickly
pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act
(CBMTRA) in the next appropriate legislative package. The
CBMTRA would provide critical federal excise tax relief to craft
producers.
The coalition has a call to action webpage with a customizable
email that can be sent to lawmakers through Sept. 30. Email
message excerpt: Because of the current public health crisis, craft
beverage producers across the country are struggling to reopen
safely, meet payroll, and continue production. Now, they face a
second looming crisis: an increase in their federal excise taxes
in less than four months' time. If Congress doesn't act, these tax
increases will force already struggling businesses to close their
doors permanently. This will not only affect the producers but
also farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, and others throughout
the supply chain and further harm the hospitality and tourism
industry across our country.

INDUSTRY EFFORTS
* CAWG is working closely with Wine Institute, regional ag and
wine organizations, and dozens of industry organizations in
opposing Proposition 15. In August, California's wine industry
wrote to Gov. Newsom urging him to oppose the proposition
on the November ballot.
* A CAWG-hosted webinar on Aug. 5 addressed Proposition 15.
* Family Farmers Against Prop 15 was launched in August to
help defeat the ballot measure. The Agricultural Council of
California, California Farm Bureau Federation and Western
Growers Association are leading the effort. The coalition
website features more information and numerous social media
images to show support. cafarmersagainstprop15.com

★ 2020 ★
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Where the Presidential Candidates
Stand on Ag-Related Issues
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe
Biden recently shared extensive answers about their
positions on key issues that could impact farmers and
ranchers over the next four years.
The American Farm Bureau Federation's questionnaire
to the candidates focused on 12 issues: food system
resiliency, farm policy programs, international trade, tax
policy, energy, regulatory reform, Endangered Species Act,
clean water, biotechnology, rural life/health, ag labor, and
sustainability and climate change.
fb.org/land/presidential-candidate-questionnaire

CALL TO ACTION WEBPAGE: p2a.co/XRg1il2
SEPTEMBER 2020 / 7

https://www.cafarmersagainstprop15.com/ https://www.fb.org/land/presidential-candidate-questionnaire https://www.p2a.co/XRg1il2

The Crush - September 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Crush - September 2020