Sen. Gordon to Host Public Forum Addressing PA-490 Farmland Tax Increases in Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), along with his Republican colleagues, will be hosting a public forum with Connecticut farmers to discuss the steep farmland property tax hikes they are facing and potential solutions to the problem.

This forum will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

“I continue to fight for affordability, for common sense, and for what is right. That is why I am legislative leader working with farmers to fix the state government’s huge mess it made in using a flawed land value analysis that skyrocketed taxes PA-490 land value assessments that farmers cannot afford,” said Sen. Gordon.

Senator Gordon and his Republican colleagues have brought meaningful ideas and legislation to the table with the intent to create fair laws for farmers. This includes:

1. Place an immediate moratorium on any changes to farm, forest, and open space land assessments pursuant to Public Act 490 that have spiked tax rates.
2. Establish a permanent working group of farmers to advise the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Agriculture, and the state legislature on issues relating to farm, forest, and open space land assessments pursuant to Public Act 490, and issues relating to deed restrictions on farmland.
3. Establish a cap on any increases in farm, forest, and open space land assessments pursuant to Public Act 490.
4. Require legislative approval of any changes in farm, forest, and open space land assessments pursuant to Public Act 490.

“Farmers deserve a fair deal and a real seat at the table when state agency decisions are made that directly impact their livelihoods. Actions taken have revised the tax hikes, but much more needs to be done,” said Sen. Gordon

Sign the petition to help farmers by correcting the PA-490 land tax increase here: https://www.savectland.org