JUDICIAL RELEIF IS NEEDED FOR MISSOURI FARMERS

At the worst possible time, Missouri's farmers will be burdened with higher property taxes if a judge's ruling stands up on appeal. With agricultural producers reeling under record-low commodity prices, the judge's ruling could hike property taxes on farmers by $5 to $10 million annually.

Agricultural land is assessed on the basis of soil productivity. There are eight grades, ranging from land valued at $30 an acre to $985. The state tax commission had proposed raising agricultural land values by 13 percent. In 1998, the General Assembly rejected the proposed increases: The House by 108-44 and the Senate by 26-4.

Then the matter ended up in Cole County Circuit Court. There, a judge ruled last month that the Legislature's attempted rejection wasn't valid. Attorney General Jay Nixon announced he would appeal, and that he also would ask the Supreme Court to stay the ruling so that tax bills won't have to be redone this fall.

We agree with New Madrid County assessor Clyde Hawes, a Democrat, who says that the Legislature should have this power. Here's hoping the Supreme Court agrees.