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February 2017 Policy Update

By Belinda Jones - OABA Government Relations Consultant

SENATE BILL 2 – ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS LAWS

Introduced by Senator Cliff Hite on Jan. 31, 2017, this bill was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and had its first hearing on Feb. 7th.  This is the reintroduction of the 131st GA’s SB 333 which was the water quality mid-biennium review that did not get passed last year.  It has been reported that Chairman Balderson is setting an expedited hearing schedule for the bill.

This legislation seeks to protect surface and drinking water in Lake Erie and other waterways.

SENATE BILL 36 – AGRICULTURAL COMPUTATION

SB 36 (Hite; Findlay) is a “retread” of the CAUV bill that did not pass during the last General Assembly.  In general, SB 36 “would require that the computation of the capitalization rate for the purposes of determining CAUV of agricultural land be computed using a method that excludes appreciation and equity buildup and to stipulate that CAUV land used for a conservation practice or enrolled in a federal land retirement or conservation program for at least three years must be valued at the lowest of the values assigned based on soil type.”  Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a chief proponent of this measure as is the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association. 

OPERATING BUDGET FY 18-19

The Governor’s FY 18-19 Budget language has been released which unveils a $144.4 billion total spending package with modest increases for K-12 education and a mix of tax changes meant to result in a net tax cut for Ohioans.

Regarding income tax reform, there will be a cut in the number of income brackets from nine to five. If implemented, the Kasich administration said it and other proposed income tax changes would result in a 17 percent income tax cut over FY18-19.

Tax reforms including:

  • Moving sales tax rate to 6.25 percent from 5.75 percent with a limited base expansion
  • Raising the cigarette tax by 65 cents a pack up to $2.25 a pack
  • Equalizing other tobacco products tax with the cigarette rate
  • Modernizing beer and wine taxes
  • Adjusting the severance tax on large oil and natural gas producers

Kasich and Budget Director Tim Keen reiterated the theme they've established for the administration's previous budgets: that the proposal is built to achieve structural balance and promote economic strength and stability.

Senate President Larry Obhof responded to the Governor’s proposed tax cut package by saying he supports lowering state income tax rates, but isn’t interested in “tax shifting” to get there.

House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger made similar comments.

HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

  • Rep. Brian Hill (Chair)
  • Rep. Kyle Koehler (Vice Chair)
  • Rep. Rick Carfagna*
  • Rep. Jay Edwards*
  • Rep. Keith Faber*
  • Rep. Candice Keller*
  • Rep. Darrell Kick*
  • Rep. Scott Lipps*
  • Rep. Derek Merrin
  • Rep. Jeffrey Rezabek
  • Rep. Dick Stein*
  • Rep. Andy Thompson
  • Rep. John Patterson (RMM)
  • Rep. Jack Cera
  • Rep. Dave Leland
  • Rep. Mike O’Brien
  • Rep. Bill Patmon
  • Rep. Michael Sheehy

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

  • Sen. Cliff Hite (Chair)
  • Sen. Frank Hoagland (Vice Chair)*
  • Sen. Bill Beagle
  • Sen. Bob Hackett
  • Sen. Stephanie Kunze*
  • Sen. Frank LaRose
  • Sen. Bob Peterson
  • Sen. Joe Uecker
  • Sen. Sean O’Brien (RMM)*
  • Sen. Michael Skindell
  • Sen. Charleta Tavares

*Indicates new members to the committee

Join the Ohio AgriBusiness Association at our upcoming Legislative Reception on March 14, 2017.  Your participation will allow you to meet with legislators to discuss the impact and importance of Ohio’s agribusinesses with lawmakers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, VISIT OABA.NET/EVENTS!

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