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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
Mid-Year Report
July 12, 2011
Balanced Budget & Tax Relief
After many weeks and countless working hours, the final version of the
biennial budget has passed. This budget has been the subject of
much debate over the past couple of months, but as we cross the finish
line, I believe that we can all be very proud of the result.
Looking towards Ohio’s future, we chose to fund the next two years
without looking to the taxpayers for additional revenue. In fact,
several tax breaks were included in the budget. Additionally, we
fixed the $8 billion structural deficit that was passed on to us by the
last administration. As far as Ohio’s budget is concerned, fiscal
responsibility has finally prevailed. Here are some of the
provisions that you can look forward to seeing as a result of this
budget:
Tax Breaks for Ohio Families
This budget provides a historic property tax break. Over $1.7
billion annually will be put back in the hands of Ohio families at a
time when they need it most. Additionally, this budget kept the
final installment of a 21% income tax cut, approved in 2005.
There are further tax credits for community revitalization, for
retaining jobs, and for economic development.
InvestOhio
As part of the overall goal of making Ohio more business-friendly, I
have worked closely with the governor’s office to create a tax
incentive for investment in Ohio small businesses. This provision
will provide non-refundable tax credits to those who invest in an Ohio
small business and hold that investment for two years. This is a
step in the right direction to keep Ohio businesses thriving, its
citizens employed, and its economy growing.
Use Tax Forgiveness
The often misunderstood use tax has troubled small businesses in Ohio,
making it necessary to address the misunderstandings and aid small
businesses with this tax. An amnesty period will be established
for businesses that come forward with under- or unreported use tax
liabilities. Those who participate in the amnesty program will be
afforded a limited look-back period and will have penalties and
interest forgiven.
Education
The Senate’s version of the budget included extra funding to reward
high-performing schools. The final budget includes this measure
to allocate additional resources for schools rated Excellent and
Excellent with Distinction, to ensure that our most valuable education
programs are recognized for their talents and their efforts.
Repeal of the Estate Tax
The budget will finally eliminate what is commonly known as the “Death
Tax” by 2013. This tax has been a burden on Ohio families, small
businesses, and farmers, and is affecting our state’s economy as it
drives people out of the state. It has finally been repealed in
this budget, to the benefit of Ohio’s taxpayers.
Grand Lake Update
The recently passed budget holds promise for all of the residents of
our great state, and some of the provisions are particularly beneficial
for the residents of Grand Lake St. Marys. One of the greatest
challenges to implementing solutions at Grand Lake has always been
securing the resources to do so. This is why I have secured a
total of $5 million in funding for the improvement and remediation of
Grand Lake St. Marys.
Dredging Funds
Continued dredging is of extreme importance to minimizing or preventing
the return of an algae bloom like those we’ve seen in recent
years. For 2012 and 2013, $1.5 million dollars each year will be
made available for dredging in Grand Lake.
Additional Projects
I have also allocated $2 million for further projects in Grand Lake St.
Marys State Park. These funds can be utilized for wetland
mitigation, continued dredging, and
Banning Bath Salts
The safety and welfare of the citizens of the 12th Senate District and
of Ohio is a matter of extreme importance to me. Legislation
recently passed the Senate addressing a new, harmful drug known as
“bath salts,” which has been stirring up trouble in Ohio and in our
district. Having the effects of illegal drugs such as
methamphetamines, these so-called bath salts are truly a dangerous
substance, with a record of causing people who use them to hallucinate
and to commit violent crimes.
As I have become more aware of the abuse of this drug in Ohio and its
effects, I have become increasingly concerned with the dire
consequences of allowing bath salts to continue being sold in our
state. I have made efforts to accelerate the pending legislation
to address this matter, and as a result, the bill passed by the Senate
this week makes bath salts an illegal substance, and finally holds
accountable those who use and distribute this dangerous drug.
Developments in Agriculture
The House has passed and the Senate is considering a bill with exciting
implications for the 12th district’s vibrant agricultural
industry. The bill addresses thirteen different agricultural
issues that will streamline operations for the Ohio Department of
Agriculture. One of these issues is regarding Concentrated Animal
Feeding Facilities (CAFFs) and Major Concentrated Animal Feeding
Facilities (MCAFFs), which the 12th district has more of than any other
district in the state. This bill, H.B. 229, will provide avenues
that reduce regulations on these facilities and make it much easier for
them to operate.
Sincerely,
Keith Faber
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