|
September 27, 2000 Dear Colleague: On September 25, 2000, I introduced H.R. 5271, the "Veterans’ Family Farm Preservation Act". This bill would make it possible for wartime veterans and their survivors to qualify for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension benefits and free health care as low-income veterans without having to sell their family farms. I invite you to become a cosponsor of H.R. 5271. Family farms and ranches feed our Nation. Family members and unpaid workers account for 70% of farm labor in the United States. While America’s family farmers and ranchers are unmatched in their productivity, they have little or no control over many factors which determine the economic results of their labor. Veterans who have gone in harm’s way and placed their lives on the line by serving our nation in the Armed Forces should not be asked to relinquish their family farm in order to qualify for veterans’ benefits. Unfortunately, that is occurring today. The Veterans’ Family Farm Preservation Act addresses this problem. VA pensions are payable to wartime veterans who are totally and permanently disabled due to a non-service connected medical condition. A small number of these veterans own family farms. Most family farmers have modest annual income. In determining eligibility for pension benefits, VA is required to consider not only the family income, but also the family’s "net worth." Currently, unless VA determines that the land can be sold at "no substantial sacrifice", the value of farm and ranch land is included in determining net worth. I believe that an operating family farm can never be liquidated without substantial sacrifice on the part of the veteran. If the farm is sold, the assets which in future years can be expected to generate income for the veteran and the veteran’s dependents, are permanently lost. The Veterans’ Family Farm Preservation Act would exempt farm and ranch land owned by the veteran and the veteran’s dependents from being counted in determining net worth. Support H.R. 5271, the Veterans’ Family Farm Preservation Act. America’s family farmers and ranchers deserve no less. If you would like to become a cosponsor of H.R. 5271 or have questions regarding this legislation, please contact Mary Ellen McCarthy or Beth Kilker at 225-9756. Sincerely, LANE EVANS |