Republicans Rally to Stop Property Tax Increase on Farms

A large number of farmers from across Connecticut attended a forum today at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to make their voices heard on a recent change in state policy that would have allowed local tax assessors to increase the valuations of farmland in the state, resulting in crippling property tax increases for already cost-burdened farms.

Thankfully, due to pressure from legislative Republicans and farmers, Gov. Ned Lamont issued a 9th-hour reprieve and revoked the new interpretation of Public Act 490, at least for the time being. But this issue will need to be revisited during the upcoming legislative session, which begins on Feb. 4.

"I stand firmly with our Connecticut farmers. As a legislator with multiple farms in my district, I am pleased to see this issue resolved, at least for the short-term. These farms play an essential role in our communities and in our state. Adding to the already difficult cost of doing business with yet another property tax increase is irresponsible and unacceptable. I look forward to working to bring down the cost of doing business and making Connecticut more affordable during this year's legislative session," said State Rep. Ben McGorty (R-Shelton).