Public Policy Update March 14, 2007 March 14,
2008 NATIONAL
AFFAIRS: Nothing to report. STATE
AFFAIRS: Ohio Farm Bureau
Testifies Regarding Dairy Labeling Issue - More than 25 individuals representing farm organizations,
processors, retailers, food manufacturers and individual farmers testified at the
Ohio Department of Agriculture's public hearing held March 12 for the
Department's proposed dairy labeling rules. The proposed rule will now move to
the Joint Committee on Agency Rule and Review (JCARR), which has tentatively
scheduled a hearing for March 31. Therefore, letters to state senators and
representatives, as well as JCARR members need to be submitted prior to this
date. OFBF submitted comments directly to the Department and also
provided testimony at the public hearing. Click
here to read OFBF's testimony. Tax Sourcing - Rep. Bob Gibbs' bill, HB 429, was rushed
through and passed the Senate this week. The bill received two hearings
in the Senate Ways & Means Committee at which time the bill was amended and
an emergency clause was added. The bill then passed the Senate
unanimously on Wednesday. If signed by the governor, the bill will
establish Ohio as part of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Agreement and
allow Ohio retailers to use an origin-based sale tax methodology. The
amendment added to the bill will provide state compensation to vendors who have switched $1,000
for larger-volume sellers that were required to change over and up to $600 for
other businesses that had already voluntarily switched to destination sourcing. Agricultural Security
Areas- Rep. Tony Core's Agricultural
Security Areas (ASA) bill, HB 289, was amended and unanimously voted out of the
Senate Agriculture Committee March 12. The bill is currently awaiting a
floor vote of the entire Senate. ASAs allow landowners to protect their
agricultural land from development for 10 years. HB 289 will allow other
landowners to join an established ASA with consent of the ASA landowner. Also,
the bill allows landowners to transfer ASA land to a new owner. Other
provisions include: preventing home businesses on ASA land that would cause the
land to lose CAUV, allowing the buildings to be put up for agricultural
purposes, and clarifying penalties for breaking the ASA. UPCOMING
EVENTS AND DATES Outdoor
Wood-Fired Boilers (OWB) - Farm Bureau members who have an OWB are
encouraged to submit comments to Ohio EPA opposing the draft OWB rules. Deadline - Friday, March 21, 2008. Written comments can be
mailed to Ohio EPA, Division of Air Pollution Control, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus,
Ohio 43216-1049. Electronic comments can
be set via e-mail to carolina.prado@epa.state.oh.us OFBF recently submitted comments to Ohio EPA recommending Ohio
EPA postpone any rule-making related to OWBs, and supporting the continuation
of U.S. EPA's established voluntary program for OWB manufacturers to develop
and distribute cleaner, more efficient OWBs. To view the comments submitted by
OFBF click here. Feedback Request: After you send your
comments to Ohio EPA, please forward a copy to Larry Antosch, Director
of Environmental Policy (lantosch@ofbf.org). Dairy Labeling - Whether it's through e-mail,
letter or a telephone call, let your state representative, senator and members
of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review know how you feel about the Ohio
Department of Agriculture's proposed dairy labeling rules. Using talking points
for reference, please consider sending a personalized message to your state
legislators and a member of JCARR by March 31, 2008. Click here for talking points. Forward to other farmers and invite them to test-drive Farm
Bureau - Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is currently offering new members
an opportunity to join the organization through 2008 for just $35. The rate
reflects a savings of up to 50 percent. "This is a fantastic deal," said Janet Cassidy, director of membership marketing. "It's an opportunity
for new members to test-drive the organization at a reduced rate." Cassidy
said membership provides access to a variety of benefits and savings,
including: • Legislative
representation on important issues including renewable energy, private property
rights, wildlife control and ATV trespassing. • Access
to legal information. • Industry
information through a subscription to Buckeye Farm News newspaper. • Leadership,
community involvement and networking opportunities. • Promotion
of the agricultural industry to consumers through Our Ohio magazine and
television series. • Savings
by the dozens, including: Nationwide family of products and services including
home and car insurance; access to individual health plans through Medical
Mutual of Ohio; $500 cash rebate from Dodge; 25 percent discount on Sherwin
Williams paint; savings on major hotels and car rentals; and much more. • Peace
of mind knowing Farm Bureau is looking out for farmer interests. For more information, or to join, contact your county Farm
Bureau office, visit http://GrowWithFB.org or call 888-GrowWithFB
(888-476-9948). | |