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URGING CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT AND ENACT LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH A TOBACCO QUOTA BUYOUT PROGRAM.
Whereas, tobacco production has played a vital role in the economy of South Carolina, and tobacco growers, allotment holders, and their families have and continue to be the backbone of many rural communities in this State, providing enormous resources and support to community activities and local businesses; and
Whereas, the tobacco industry is now under assault on many fronts, as a result of which the continued production of tobacco in our State is seriously endangered; and
Whereas, the amount of tobacco a farmer is allowed to grow in the United States is based upon a depression-era quota system in which, simply stated, the quota is dependent upon the purchasing intentions of tobacco companies and how much leaf is in reserve; and
Whereas, over the past five years some data indicates that the continual reductions in quotas have caused tobacco growers substantial losses, some amounting to as much as fifty percent of their quota; and
Whereas, such devastating quota reductions have forced many farmers out of business, while others struggle mightily to keep their operations afloat; and
Whereas, quota owners, tobacco growers, and the tobacco industry agree that a transition from the current system is needed to ensure continued viability in tobacco production; and
Whereas, a transition plan that is fair and equitable to all quota owners and tobacco growers is needed to provide stability, uniformity, and certainty for these owners and growers and for the tobacco industry; and
Whereas, a buyout of the quota owners and tobacco growers would provide a significant and desperately needed economic stimulus over a period of time in this State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, strongly urges the Congress of the United States and the President to support and enact legislation that would establish a fair and equitable tobacco buyout quota program.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, and to each member of the South Carolina Congressional delegation.
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