Governor Ted Strickland and the General Assembly have worked together to create a comprehensive energy plan. Known as Amended Substitute Senate Bill 221 (S.B. 221), the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and its members provided leadership in the process to support its passage.
It took Congress overriding two vetoes by President Bush, but Congress finally enacted the farm bill into law.
Gov. Ted Strickland finally got his opportunity to sign the highly debated HB 416, which ratifies the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resource Compact. HB 416 passed the House back in February by a vote of 88 - 3. However, the Senate refused to support the legislation until the House passed SJR 8 with the necessary three-fifths majority required for it to appear on the ballot in November. Sponsored by Sen. Tim Grendell, SJR 8 is a proposed constitutional amendment to ensure private water would not be considered "public trust" under the Great Lakes Compact.
Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Senate President Bill Harris and Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted have spearheaded a successful effort to enact a $1.57 billion jobs stimulus package that aims to create new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic prosperity.
Issue 2 is also known as the Clean Ohio Fund. This initiative generates $200 million to preserve farmland and other natural areas and $200 million to redevelop polluted sites. Clean Ohio encourages smart growth policies and funds farmland preservation programs.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) effectively lobbied to get language in the state transportation budget that could curb ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) trespassing. Those who trespass on an ATV will face increased penalties and a “3rd strike and you’re out” provision that allows for the confiscation of their vehicle.
Buckeye Farm News published a re-cap of the significant public policy victories from 2009.
Here is the Buckeye Farm News re-cap of public policy achievements in 2010.
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“Powerful” is a fitting description of Ohio Farm Bureau’s legislative successes in 2011. In a time when many advocacy organizations are fighting to remain relevant, farmers are working together through Farm Bureau to achieve impressive results at the Statehouse.
Congressional ratification of three bilateral free-trade agreements between the United States and Korea, Colombia and Panama, as well as approval of Trade Adjustment Assistance, is welcome news for farmers and ranchers, according to the American Farm Bureau...