Ohio Statehouse

The state’s main operating budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 was passed by the Ohio Legislature Friday, June 30, just before the constitutional deadline.

Of importance to Ohio Farm Bureau members, the budget includes major savings on income taxes and the Commercial Activity Tax, or CAT.

The legislation reduces the number of income tax brackets for individuals. Phased in over the biennium, the marginal rates will be 2.75% on income over $26,050 and 3.5% on income over $100,000. Ohioans making less $26,050 will pay no income tax.

The new state budget also eliminates the Commercial Activity Tax for 90% of Ohio businesses, which will pay no taxes on the first $3 million of gross receipts in tax year 2024 and will pay no taxes on the first $6 million of gross receipts in tax year 2025.

“Farm Bureau applauds the Ohio House and Senate for working on provisions in this budget to help alleviate tax implications for our members,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau. “Reducing these tax burdens will have a major benefit for Ohio agribusinesses, the people that they employ and will put more money in the pockets of all hard working Ohioans.”

Thanks to the work of Ohio Farm Bureau members through the organization’s Action Alert process, the budget will avert the potential negative impacts of a proposed property tax policy change that would have resulted in a shift of local property tax burden to agriculture ratepayers. With the removal of that provision and understanding the complications of Ohio’s property tax code, the state budget also creates a Property Tax Review Committee to look at long-term solutions for CAUV and residential property tax values. 

“Ohio Farm Bureau looks forward to being heavily involved in the process of finding a workable fix that will bring more clarity and certainty to the tax valuation system for property owners of all types,” Sharp said.

On the water quality front, the state will continue its strong commitment to the H2Ohio initiative, increasing Ohio Department of Agriculture funding for the program from the current level of $55.3 million to $60.7 million. These funds will advance already substantial efforts being implemented by farmers in northwest Ohio to protect soil health and clean water.

“After early success of the program that already involves thousands of farmers using best practices for nutrient management on nearly 2 million acres, keeping the momentum of H2Ohio was very important to our members,” Sharp said. “The steady funding for water quality in the state budget is proof that Governor DeWine and lawmakers are fully committed to work with farmers and other stakeholders to ensure clean water for all Ohioans.”

Lawmakers also made a considerable investment in the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio State Fair by funding $190 million for the implementation of the Expo 2050 Master Plan. The project, announced by DeWine late last year, includes a new overall organization of the Ohio Expo Center property with the renovation, modernization or demolition of several buildings; the addition of new exhibition facilities, parking garages, and other areas to enhance the guest experience; and improved access between the Ohio Expo Center and the nearby Ohio History Connection.

Other items of interest to Ohio Farm Bureau members:
  • $14 million for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program.
  • $10 million for Ohio State University’s Multi-Species Animal Learning Center.
  • $4.7 million in funding for county and independent fairs.
  • Increases in funding for Ohio State University Extension and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. 
  • Modest increases in funding for Ohio Department of Agriculture inspection programs.
  • Up to $200 million earmarked to complete qualifying bridge projects to replace at least one bridge in each rural county, with preference given to bridges that have already had a general appraisal and that have been identified by either ODOT or the county engineer as requiring replacement.

The budget now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk for approval.

 

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
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

Select Partner Program
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

Advocacy
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

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