Ohio lawmakers missed the deadline by a few days, but passed a transportation budget that was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in early April. A compromise was reached through House Bill 62, which was swiftly passed by both legislative bodies the same day it came out of conference committee.

The new tax rates for motor fuel (38.5 cents per gallon) and diesel gas (47 cents per gallon) are effective July 1, 2019, when gasoline taxes will increase by 10.5 cents and diesel taxes by 19 cents.

There will be a five year phase-in to set the compressed natural gas tax rate at the same level as the diesel rate. New electric and hybrid vehicle registration fees were set at $100 and $200, respectively.

Ohio Farm Bureau policy, which is ratified by Farm Bureau’s farmer members, supported the increase in funding for Ohio’s infrastructure needs.

“Farmers and motorists alike currently incur many costs because of the condition of Ohio’s roads and bridges, such as the repairs to vehicles as a result of bad roads, lost time on congested roadways and more fuel for longer commutes due to weight limits on structurally deficient roads and bridges,” Jenna Beadle, OFBF director of state policy, said in official testimony earlier this year. “Ohioans are already paying reactively as a result of ODOT’s funding gap, so let us be proactive and fund the necessary repairs instead.”

Two other provisions in the transportation budget include giving townships a greater share of fuel tax revenue by reinstating the distribution formula that was in place in 2003, and no longer requiring front license plates on motor vehicles effective July 1, 2020.

Ohio Farm Bureau membership

To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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