Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) met with agricultural leaders in Monroe on Apr. 9 to discuss the state of Ohio’s farming industry and the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act on local farmers.
The meeting focused on how recent legislative changes are affecting family farms and their ability to remain competitive. Husted said, “The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is designed to support Ohio’s farmers and the people who grow what America needs to thrive.”
During the discussion, Husted highlighted provisions of the act that benefit Ohio’s agricultural sector, such as eliminating the death tax for family-run farms, making permanent a 20% Qualified Business Income deduction for farmers, and increasing Section 179 expensing limits to allow more investment in machinery and equipment. He also introduced his recently proposed USDA Loan Modernization Act, which he co-sponsored with Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). The bill aims to update eligibility standards for Farm Service Agency loans so that modern family-owned farms can access guaranteed and direct operating, emergency, and real estate loans.
“Ninety-five percent of farms in Ohio are family-owned and operated, and under current rules are locked out of growth opportunities, limiting their ability to expand and pass their legacy on to the next generation,” Husted said at the roundtable.
According to the official website, Husted has served as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, secretary of state, lieutenant governor before joining the U.S. Senate. He serves on Senate committees focused on health, education, labor and pensions; small business; entrepreneurship; environment; public works; and aging. His background includes advancing tax reductions during his time as Speaker as well as defending voter roll integrity in a Supreme Court case. The official biography notes that he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Dayton where he was an All-American defensive back leading his team to a Division III football national championship.
Looking ahead, supporters say these legislative efforts could help more family farms access resources needed for growth while maintaining their legacy across generations.