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Dayton urged not to walk back on buffer tax credit support

There’s concern Governor Dayton’s support of the buffer tax credit is waning in the final days of the Minnesota Legislative Session.

Minnesota Corn Growers (MCGA) president Kirby Hettver says the bill to provide a $50-dollar per-acre property tax credit for farm acres converted to buffers has strong bipartisan support.

And until recently, was championed by the Governor.

“There’s been a little bit of walking back.  (Dayton) is still supporting the bill.  However, the source of funding is really where the rub is.”

The Corn Growers contend that if government takes private property for a public purpose, government must compensate the owner of that property.

“The authors clearly had it stated the funding source for this $50 dollar-an acre property tax credit was identified as the Clean Water Funds.  And the Governor at this time is asking that the funding comes out of the General Fund.”

MCGA sent a letter to Dayton last week, asking him to pass the buffer tax credit legislation.

The Association says the bill responsibly includes a funding provision utilizing the Clean Water Fund, dollars specifically designated for projects and initiatives to improve water quality in Minnesota.