[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E865-E866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCING THE AGRICULTURE EDUCATION FREEDOM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Agriculture 
Education Freedom Act. This bill addresses a great injustice being 
perpetrated by the Federal Government on those youngsters who 
participate in programs such as 4-H or the Future Farmers of America. 
Under current tax law, children are forced to pay federal income tax 
when they sell livestock they have raised as part of an agricultural 
education program.
  Think about this for a moment. These kids are trying to better 
themselves, earn some

[[Page E866]]

money, save some money and what does Congress do? We pick on these kids 
by taxing them. It is truly amazing that with all the hand-wringing in 
Congress over the alleged need to further restrict liberty and grow the 
size of government ``for the children'' we would continue to tax young 
people who are trying to lead responsible lives and prepare for the 
future. Even if the serious social problems today's youth face could be 
solved by new federal bureaucracies and programs, it is still unfair to 
pick on those kids who are trying to do the right thing.
  These children are not even old enough to vote, yet we are forcing 
them to pay taxes. What ever happened to no taxation without 
representation? No wonder young people are so cynical about government.
  It is time we stopped taxing youngsters who are trying to earn money 
to go to college by selling livestock they have raised through their 
participation in programs such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America. 
Therefore, I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
Agriculture Education Freedom Act.

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