Applications for Ohio Farm Bureau Health Plans now available
Members have three ways to apply: contacting a certified agent, calling 833-468-4280 or visiting ohiofarmbureauhealthplans.org.
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UPDATE 2/18/21:
Today the Ohio House passed HB 2, sponsored by Representatives Carfagna (R-Genoa Twp.) and Stewart (R-Ashville). The bill creates the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program, allowing internet service providers to apply for grants that will help fund the infrastructure needed to provide faster internet access to underserved rural Ohio communities. HB 2 was amended to increase funding to $210 million and to add an emergency clause, putting it in effect immediately.
EARLIER:
“It may sound hyperbolic, but our lives are dependent on technology,” OFBF Director of State Policy Jenna Reese said while testifying in support of Senate Bill 8, which creates the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program.
The $20 million allocation will build a program to allow for internet service providers to apply for grants that will help fund the infrastructure needed to provide faster internet access to underserved rural communities.
Sen. Rob McColley is the sponsor of the bill in the Senate. House Bill 2 is being fast tracked in the Ohio House by sponsors Rep. Rick Carfagna and Rep. Brian Stewart. The bills are identical. SB 8 passed on Feb. 10. The House version is swiftly being moved through committee hearings.
“These funds were allocated for fiscal year 2020-2021,” Reese said. Similar legislation was not passed in the lame duck session at the end of 2020, and the clock runs out in July to use these funds. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has agreed to conditional use of their easements for broadband infrastructure needs.
For years rural broadband has been a priority issue for Ohio Farm Bureau. But, if there ever was a case study that made the issue even more urgent, life with limited internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic has been it.
“Broadband is necessary not just for a more efficient farm, but for improving our rural communities and continuing the farm for years in the future,” Reese said. “Retiring farmers want to leave their legacy and land to the next generation. For many, it can be difficult to attract the next generation to return to the farm and continue on in the family tradition. A quality school system will be a major determining factor for where the family puts down roots. Children in rural areas that do not have access to high-speed internet will face a disadvantage to their contemporaries.”
She also noted the health crisis affecting farmers and others in rural communities, with limited access to health care providers.
“It has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” she said. “As rates of depression and suicide rise among this population, rural communities face a shortage of mental health professionals and closing hospitals. Access to health care is currently limited, but telehealth services could help connect our members quickly with the medical professionals they need. Again, these services are only possible if you have high-speed internet.”
In Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed 2022-2023 fiscal year state budget, another $290 million is allocated for rural broadband needs.
Photo caption: Stephanie Jolliff is the Ridgemont High School agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor.
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.
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.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through 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.
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.
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.
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.
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