The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "agricultural exemptions" ...
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Cash Cows: Companies reap benefits of agricultural tax break as cities, schools lose out
An extensive investigation by the Dallas Morning News reveals how big corporations use agricultural tax breaks, which were intended to help farmers, for their own benefit. These companies found loopholes which allowed them to set up their own farms or maintain their own herds of cattle in order to receive huge agricultural tax exemptions. These exemptions can reduce a company's tax bill from $240,000 per year to $300 per year. The article goes on to mention that the biggest sufferers of these breaks are the school districts which rely on these taxes for revenue, losing upwards of $169 milllion.
Tags: agricultural exemptions; Ross Perot Jr.; Frito-Lay; Hillwood Development Corporation
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Last Gasp
The Fresno Bee reports on increasing smog in the San Joaquin Valley. Some of the major findings are that as Los Angeles air gets cleaner, the Valley's smog problem is worsening; state and federal officials have failed to pay attention to the pollution in the area; polluting vehicles and diesel engines are common in the Valley; agricultural businesses are exempted from air pollution permits; small-particle pollution, connected to high death rates nationwide, presents an even bigger problem than the smog.
Tags: smog; air quality; air pollution; San Joaquin Valley; small-particle pollution; diesel engines; agricultural pollution; EPA; environment; wildlife; health; asthma; children; ozone cleanup; scientific research; automobile emissions; cars; database mapping project