(AREA) — Legislation introduced by State Representative Dan Lauwers to hold the Department of Treasury accountable for delays experienced by farmers who participate in the state’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program is heading to Governor Rick Snyder for his consideration. When farmers enter into the program, they commit to keeping their land available for agricultural production instead of developing it in another way. In exchange, the state offers a partial refund of property tax. According to Lauwers, the problem is that farmers who participate aren’t getting their tax refunds on time. Some farmers report waiting in excess of 12 months for their refunds. The legislation requires the Department of Treasury to make timely payments and also pay an annual 3-percent interest rate for refunds delayed longer than 45 days.
