Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Senate Passage of the Tobacco Buyout

ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding today's passage by the U.S. Senate of the conference report for the corporate tax bill that includes a $10.14 billion buyout provision for the nation's tobacco farmers:

"I want to commend Senator Chambliss, Congressman Burns, Congressman Isakson, and Congressman Kingston for their leadership on this critical issue.

"As I have traveled the state in recent months, Georgia tobacco farmers have been clear that a tobacco buyout is their top priority. This important legislation will have a positive impact on tobacco farmers throughout our state."

Georgia tobacco farmers will receive approximately $600 million over ten years. Governor Perdue has communicated with U.S. House and Senate leadership as well as the Georgia congressional delegation to urge action on this issue over the past several months.