Hoosier farmers continue to be a solid pillar of our economy. Indiana corn and soybean producers work tirelessly to feed and fuel our communities while being important stewards of our state’s rich natural resources.
Recently, it was my privilege to visit several farms across Indiana’s 2nd District to hear about the issues they are facing on the ground every day. This input is invaluable as I consider how best to serve Hoosier ag producers.
From strengthening access to reliable broadband to securing important trade deals, I am working for these hardworking Hoosiers. And right now, many of the ag community’s priorities are front and center in the House.
In recent weeks, we considered a so-called infrastructure reform package. While I support true infrastructure reforms that would support and uplift Indiana, the Democrats’ big-government agenda is not the answer. Instead, I am advocating for the House to prioritize real infrastructure priorities, including the expansion of reliable broadband in rural communities. Connectivity is key for success in the 21st century, especially for the agriculture community. We cannot allow our local farms and families to fall behind, and I remain committed to expanding Hoosiers’ access to the internet.
Additionally, this month the Ways and Means Committee began to debate the Democrats’ behemoth $3.5 billion spending bill that effectively would create new taxes for every Indiana family, farm, and small business. This budget deal would propose a second death tax as just one part of their radical tax and spend agenda.
By raising taxes on many investments, Democrats would make it more difficult to create and build small businesses, including hiring new workers and expanding operations here at home. Under the Biden plan, death is treated as a taxable event for capital gains tax purposes. For family farms, this second death tax would be a disaster and possibly spell the end of these farming operations.
On the Ways and Means Committee, I also am working to drive trade solutions for Hoosier farmers. This summer marked one year since the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), and I am working to ensure that its terms are strictly enforced so that Hoosier farmers are competing on a level playing field. We should also build on USMCA by negotiating additional trade agreements to allow Hoosier farmers to compete in new markets worldwide. The Biden Administration knows that my priority is protecting Indiana’s agriculture industry, and I’ll keep advocating for Hoosier farmers.
Once again, it is my privilege to serve hardworking Hoosier farmers who are growing our economy and feeding our nation. I am grateful to the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Corn Growers for their partnership in preserving and strengthening this vital infrastructure, and I look forward to our continued work together.
