Reps Thank Governor for Helping OK Agriculture Community
OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for his order to pause on enforcement of all taxes, regulations and fines levied on the use of red dyed diesel in farm vehicles. The representatives serve as chair and vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, respectively. "The governor's action to create relief in this area for our state's agricultural producers is much needed and appreciated," Patzkowsky and West said in a joint statement. "This will not only benefit our hardworking farmers and ranchers, but the savings will expand to everyone who benefits from the food and other products they produce." Stitt on Monday issued a letter to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission ordering the pause and instructing the Tax Commission to seek Dyed Diesel Fuel Penalty Relief from the Internal Revenue Service. He also instructed the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to suspend any and all enforcement actions regarding the use of dyed diesel fuels in highway vehicles during this time period. The request will remain in place for 120 days from the date of the order. The governor pointed out in his action that Oklahoma feeds the world, and yet the state's farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges as they head into harvest season. The governor said that as their costs increase, so do prices at the grocery store. He said the state should ease burdens where it can in order to provide relieve for the agricultural industry and for Americans trying to feed their families.