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Sacramento Bee-Some actual bipartisanship in Congress

February 22, 2012
Floor Statements

By:Michele Clark

While there is much talk about the lack of bipartisanship in Congress, legislation is pending that both sides of the House agree upon. Congressman Mike Thompson, a California Democrat, and Congressman Jim Gerlach, a Pennsylvania Republican, have authored legislation that garnered 300 House co-sponsors, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans, to restore policies that support land conservation.

The Conservation Easement Incentive Act, H.R. 1964, seeks to make permanent a tax incentive for land conservation that expired at the end of 2011. This incentive enhances federal tax benefits for landowners who donate conservation easements. These voluntary agreements help conserve farm and ranchland important to our region while keeping the land in productive private ownership and on the county tax rolls.

Thanks to generous landowners and a helping hand from Congress, we'll be able to conserve even more land for years to come.