[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            GOLD STAR AWARDS

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                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, the Matagorda County 4-H will hold an awards 
program on the 20th of August and this is a very important event Mr. 
Speaker. Mr. Speaker I have, in the past, pointed out how important an 
organization 4-H truly is for those of us who were raised on farms and 
who represent agricultural communities. As I have said in the past Mr. 
Speaker, one of the primary missions that this organization undertakes 
is agricultural education. I believe that this mission is so critical 
that, earlier this year, I introduced a bill which would exempt the 
sale of livestock by those involved in educational activities such as 
FFA and 4-H from federal income taxation. By making young men and women 
who participate in these activities hire a group of tax accountants and 
attorney we are sending the wrong message. Young people who sell 
livestock at county fairs and the like should be rewarded for taking 
self initiative and allowed to keep the money they've earned to help 
pay for their education or to re-invest in other animals to raise. My 
bill would eliminate the current policy of forcing these youngsters to 
visit the tax man.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the following winners of the Gold 
Star, the highest award possible at the county level, for achievements 
in competition at state levels, leadership ability, community service 
and years of service. They are: Kim Evans, Courtney Wallis and Lindsey 
Kubecka. Again, I want to commend these young people for their 
achievements.

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