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"Champions of agriculture" is how Rocky Black, director of OFBF's legislative affairs, describes several lawmakers who helped agriculture during the state budget process. In the Senate, Ron Amstutz, R-Wooster, proposed changes to the new commercial activity tax (CAT) to help out more farmers and businesses, and Larry Mumper, R-Marion, pushed for funding in the state budget to help boost biofuel use in Ohio. In the House, Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, pushed for approval of the CAT after lawmakers were deadlocked on the issue while Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, fought for grain operators to be exempt from the CAT. On behalf of Gov. Bob Taft's administration, Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson led the negotiations on important provisions related to agriculture.