State Issue Update

Resolution Signed by Governor Haslam Recognizing
Tennessee’s Sustainable Forests

On May 21, 2011, Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee House & Senate passed HJR165—a resolution that recognizes the value of Tennessee’s sustainable forests, Master Loggers, forest landowners and wood products industry. This resolution notes that forest grow has consistently exceeded harvest and mortality. The Governor and state leadership also noted that the report Implementation of Forestry Best Management Practices in Tennessee found that forestry activities have few adverse effects on water quality. In closing the resolution, the Governor and Legislature stated “we hereby express our support for wood products sourced from Tennessee’s forests, recognizing that the forests of Tennessee provide many benefits, including a source of legitimate wood products”.

The Tennessee Forestry Association and its members played a key role in the expedient passage of this resolution through the House and Senate. The strongest sign of support is that all House and Senate members voted FOR this resolution. The TFA hopes that this resolution will provide support to mills that need documentation of our Tennessee’s sustainable forests for overseas and domestic customers.

The Forest Landowners Association congratulates the Tennessee Forestry Association for their hard work and leadership on a strong statement for their sustainable forests. For more information, please contact Candace Dinwiddie, cdinwiddie@tnforestry.com, at TFA.

Ohio Kills the Death Tax

The American Family Business Institute reported today that Ohio Governor John Kasich is expected to sign a new budget that repeals Ohio's state estate tax - effective January 1, 2013. 

This is a major step forward for Ohio, which imposed one of the worst estate taxes in the nation, with an exemption of only $338,333. 

By repealing this suffocating tax, Gov. Kasich and the Ohio legislature have made their state stronger - and made it a model for the remaining 21 other states who continue to impose state estate or inheritance taxes, including three of Ohio's neighbors: Indiana, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

Advocacy Day—the 2011 Fly-In

Register now for the Forest Landowners Association Fly-In, slated for September 14-15. The annual event kicks off with a briefing session on the 14th at 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On the 15th, we’ll start with a breakfast and a final briefing session. Lobbying on the Hill begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. The day concludes with a reception on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress. Registration is available now on the FLA web site.

Annual Conference Presentations

Interested in a conference presentation but couldn’t attend? Not a problem, most are available on the Association’s web site —just click on the presenter’s name.