Severance Tax
Governor Kasich has introduced a proposal to make significant changes in the Ohio severance tax system that applies to oil and natural gas wells in exchange for lowering Ohio’s income tax.
Policy & Politics
Connect
What's this?The Initiative and Referendum in Ohio
Ohio has constitutional amendment processes which allow citizens to vote directly to change Ohio’s constitution and laws. Recently we have seen an increase in ballot initiatives and referendums, which leads to many questions.
Term Limits in Ohio and Beyond
Since term limits have been enacted in Ohio and other states, the composition of the legislatures has remained largely the same regarding women and minorities. Critics argue legislators become less effective as they grow in experience.
Current Agricultural Use Valuation and Conservation Programs
The Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) Program says for property tax purposes, farmland devoted solely to commercial agriculture may be valued by its current use, instead of its "highest and best" potential use. CAUV usually results in a substantially lower tax bill for working farmers.
Current Agricultural Use Valuation and Property Taxation
The Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) program values have increased due to higher crop prices and lower interest rates, but continue to provide an average 67 percent reduction from fair market value.
Endangered Species Act Reform (national policy)
The enforcement for laws regarding the Endangered Species Act has evolved drastically, as activists have resorted to the courts to drive policy decisions. A recent settlement with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) brings hundreds of changes on species listings. More lawsuits means less resources.
Proprietary Information Generated from Precision Ag Technologies (national)
Agricultural companies are combining computer technology and outside analysts to provide farming data systems for a service fee. When farmers use mobile devices to access and store data related to this system, questions arise as to who owns the data and how it can be used.
Raw Milk (national policy)
The 2013 AFBF Annual Meeting approved new policy in support of only pasteurized milk/products being sold/distributed for human consumption. The major concern of raw milk is risk to public health. Six states dissented from AFBF policy. States have the authority to govern the sale of raw milk.
Renewable Fuel Standard (national policy)
The Renewable Fuels Standard mandates a target amount of ethanol/biofuels that must be introduced into our nation's transportation supply. Decreasing gasoline consumption and non-acceptance of a 15% ethanol blend create concern with future ability to meet the Renewable Fuels Standard.