Farmers fear fiscal cliff inaction could hurt agriculture

"It's traumatic enough to lose a dad or mom, and then have to sell part of the farm to pay taxes doesn't seem like a very friendly policy for those who grow the food for the county," he continued.

Braley supports legislation for an exemption limit between $3.5 million to $5 million for individuals and $7 million for families, with a tax rate "significantly less" than 55 percent.

While campaigning earlier this year, Braley said Northeast Iowans repeatedly asked for predictability when referring to the estate tax.

"People want Congress to act; to deal with these tax extender provisions to provide clarity on what tax rates will be," he said. "The practical reality is if it doesn't get done by the end of the year, there are opportunities to make the necessary changes during the next Congress and make them retroactive."

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Copyright 2012 - Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa