By Blake Jackson
A bipartisan bill introduced by Republican State Senator Jim Tedisco from Ballston Lake and Democratic Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon from Utica aims to enhance the refundable tax credit for New York farmers, specifically to aid in the construction of housing for farmworkers. Under this proposed legislation, the cost of building housing for farm laborers would be eligible for a 20% investment tax credit.
Senator Tedisco emphasized the importance of supporting family farms in New York's economy, stating that the bill aims to help farmers maintain their labor force while addressing the state's pressing affordable housing crisis.
The current tax code allows for investments in farm infrastructure but does not cover the construction of residential housing for farmworkers.
Assemblymember Buttenschon highlighted the significance of providing adequate housing for farm employees, stating that it should be a priority for all employers, including farmers. The proposed tax credit would offer much-needed relief to farmers facing challenges in providing housing for their workers.
According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, New York farms employ approximately 57,000 individuals, with labor costs increasing by 41% from 2017 to 2022. The New York Farm Bureau has expressed support for the bill, recognizing the essential role of farmworkers in sustaining the state's food system.
David Fisher, president of the New York Farm Bureau, emphasized the importance of providing additional housing for farmworkers as labor needs continue to expand. He said the tax credit would incentivize the construction of new housing, improving the quality of life for farmworkers.
The tax credit, initially passed last year to support farmers facing rising input costs, including seed prices and fuel expenses, is now being expanded to address the housing needs of farm laborers.
This bipartisan effort seeks to provide tangible support to New York's farming community while simultaneously addressing crucial issues such as affordable housing and labor retention.
Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich
Categories: New York, Government & Policy