Amarillo Gazette

Congressman Ronny Jackson and Senator Ted Cruz have reintroduced the Wildfire Victim Tax Relief and Recovery Act, a bill aimed at providing tax relief for those affected by last year's wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The legislation seeks to exempt income received for fire relief from being taxed, allowing individuals and agricultural producers to focus on recovery efforts.

Rep. Ronny Jackson emphasized the impact of the wildfires, stating, “The historic wildfires that tore through the Texas Panhandle last year have left a lasting mark on all the ranchers, families, and communities involved.” He expressed his commitment to ensuring that those affected can rebuild without additional financial burdens from federal taxes.

Senator Ted Cruz also highlighted the devastation caused by the fires, noting, “Last year, historic wildfires destroyed the Panhandle, taking the homes and livelihoods of thousands of Texans.” He called for urgent passage of the bill to aid community recovery.

Kent Bacus from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association pointed out that this legislation would allow taxpayers to exclude disaster relief payments from their gross income. "This legislation will bring much-needed relief to cattle producers and rural communities," he said.

Carl Ray Polk Jr., President of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, praised Rep. Jackson and Sen. Cruz for offering practical solutions with this legislation. Ben Weinheimer from Texas Cattle Feeders Association supported this view, stating that disaster assistance should not be considered taxable income.

Russell Boening of Texas Farm Bureau expressed gratitude towards Sen. Cruz and Congressman Jackson for their efforts in Congress to support wildfire victims. He noted that flexibility in tax codes could significantly help farm and ranch families impacted by these disasters.

The full text of the bill is available online for review.