Ohio Farm Bureau praises stimulus planPublished on 04/03/2008 For Immediate Release COLUMBUS, Ohio (OFBF) - The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has commended Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio Senate President Bill Harris and Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted for their thoughtful efforts to create a plan to boost Ohio's economy. The Farm Bureau reaction came following the announcement of an economic stimulus package negotiated by the governor and legislative leaders. "This is solid work. It's the kind of work we expect out of our elected officials, and it shows Ohio has leaders who are willing to put the state's interests ahead of politics," said OFBF Executive Vice President John C. (Jack) Fisher. OFBF has been analyzing the concept of a stimulus package since Gov. Strickland's announcement of his original proposal in February. Strickland met with the Farm Bureau board to discuss his plan in detail. Speaker Husted did the same, hours after the announcement of the new bipartisan plan. "We understood from the start that the need was there," Fisher said, acknowledging it was necessary for state government to take steps to jump-start economic activity in Ohio. "But we also wanted to be sure that the state acted responsibly with our limited taxpayer dollars." The newly announced bipartisan package "adequately addresses our concerns," Fisher added. Farm Bureau leaders praised Strickland, Harris and Husted for recognizing that economic development efforts must be broad-based. The plan's inclusion of assistance to infrastructure, work-force development and land-use are crucial to both economic and quality of life issues, according to OFBF President Bob Peterson, who also appreciated that the plan acknowledges agriculture's ability to contribute to economic growth. "Whether it's bio-based plastics or renewable fuels or wind energy, farm families across Ohio are excited about being a part of the solution to Ohio's economic challenges,” Peterson said. “We're glad our government leaders understand that rural Ohio has an important role to play." OFBF trustees and staff will remain engaged as details emerge during the legislative process. "We still need to see all the particulars in black and white, but the big picture is very encouraging," Fisher said.
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