From the Statehouse 2008 No. 04
by Jennifer Garrison
Feb. 8, 2008
From the Statehouse:
I want to let you know about three important pieces of legislation passed by the Ohio House in the past month. Two of the bills impact agriculture and the other pertains to Vietnamese-Americans.
House Bill 293 lets drivers show their farm pride and help educate the farmers of the future. It creates Ohio Agriculture license plates and the Ohio Agriculture License Plate Scholarship Program. The bill gives drivers the option of purchasing these special license plates from the BMV for a $20 fee. Half of the money will go into the scholarship program, while the other half will be used to pay the costs of the special plate. A board will be created to administer the scholarship program for Ohio students pursuing degrees related to agriculture.
Agriculture is an enormous part of Ohio’s economy, especially Southeastern Ohio, and this bill will provide opportunities for the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals to receive the education they need to compete in the agricultural economy of the future.
When you think of farm animals, hogs and cattle may come to mind first, but alpacas are increasingly becoming big business in Ohio. Breeders describe the fiber from their coats as softer than cashmere and lighter and stronger than wool. Yet under Ohio law, alpacas are not considered “livestock.”
House Bill 352 would correct that definition. It amends existing law to include alpacas in the definitions of “agricultural animal” and “livestock.” This allows alpacas to be included in laws that govern financial assistance for livestock exhibitions, concentrated animal feeding facilities, licensure of livestock dealers, and registration of livestock brands.
Ohio is the number one alpaca state in the country. There are 93,000 of the animals nationwide, with 17,000 alpacas in the state of Ohio. There are 910 Ohio alpaca farms employing 2,300 people. Alpaca ranches, as well as mills processing alpaca fiber, are contributing to Ohio’s economy by purchasing equipment, supplies, and, most importantly, providing employment. Ohio is also host to two major alpaca shows.
Both H.B. 293 and H.B. 352 passed unanimously, including my “yes” votes. They will now head to the Senate for its consideration. I will keep you updated on any progress.
Separately, House Bill 55 designates April 29th of each year as “Heritage and Freedom Flag of the Former Republic of Vietnam Day.” This bill recognizes Ohio’s families of Vietnamese origin, and will help those who left Vietnam after the war educate their children and grandchildren about the history and culture of Southeast Asia. H.B. 55 passed 86-3, including my “yes” vote. It will now head to the Senate for its consideration.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728 or in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her Web site is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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