Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy Voters Want Smaller Government; So Why Don’t We Listen?

Many days have passed since Election Day, now we have had an opportunity to reflect on the results and strategize our next steps forward. As I traveled the district in the last few months it is clear people want jobs, and they want smaller government that encourages economic growth. I will work to remove the noose that government red tape and bureaucracy have placed over our lives in this state.

This week the Ohio House will be finalizing Senate Bill 130 known as the “Puppy Mill Bill.” Moving control of large scale dog breeding facilities, 9 or more litters annually, from the local level to the state level has been a matter of discussion for many years and would mainly impact breeders such as those in Holmes County, where the dogs are bred and sold much like livestock through the pet industry. As research on this bill, local dog breeders made my office aware of the struggles new regulation would cause their businesses. In addition, two questions were presented to experts in Columbus. 1.) Why do we need these increased regulations? 2.) What will the costs be of these new regulations?. An answer to both questions made it clear the “Puppy Mill Bill” is not right for Ohioans.

As an answer to the first question; why do we need these increased regulations? It was explained that out of state interests groups were the major drivers for the new legislation and that the Department of Agriculture was willing to house a new regulatory structure to appease their concerns. This is a common trend we have witnessed in the past year, first they opened a zoo by regulating exotic animals and now they are gracious enough to expand government with a dog breeder permitting program. Those involved in the industry should act with responsibility, and Ohio’s leaders should be standing up against those who want to destroy agriculture. We need to stop caving to their pressure.



As an answer to the second question the funding for the program will ideally be derived from a permitting structure for the dog breeders. This is a tax hike on business. The Department of Agriculture has plenty of places where costs could be cut to provide funding for the new program if it were truly needed. Asking Ohio businessmen and women to pay increased taxes is a step backward in this state and we need to stop it. This is all part of a plan by animal rights activists to end agriculture as we know it.

The “Puppy Mill Bill” is another spinoff from a 2010 agreement between Governor Strickland, the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Humane Society of the United States. This is a gateway to the animal rights activists who want to harm agriculture and outlaw eating a hot dog at a Cincinnati Bengals game. Right now its dogs and next it will be hogs. In farm country we cannot support this movement.

Thank you for the honor of serving you as your State Representative. In this position we must listen to your concerns and act appropriately. The voters have made it clear we must vote for legislation that makes Ohio jobs friendly. The “Puppy Mill Bill” makes Ohio less jobs friendly. I will continue to work for you and will defend our way of life in west central Ohio.

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