http://www.ohio.com/blogs/drilling/ohio-utica-shale-1.291290/hagan-...

This article gives a very brief overview of a second bill that some lawmakers propose for a severance tax for Ohio.  Testimony WAS heard on this bill today by the Ag and Natural Resources Committee.  

Here is link to what Rep. Robert Hagan said today.  Click on the document to the right of Hagan's name to read his comments.

http://www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/agriculture-and-natural-resources

My personal comment is this: the representative proposes that a mere 5% of the proposed tax be set aside for local governments, the bulk of which would go to those counties impacted by drilling.   Not all of the 5%, but the bulk to the shale counties. 

Personally, this is what I want if this severance tax is increased:  35% of the tax back to the shale counties in this manner--if a county had severance tax of 1,000,000 then 350,000 comes back to that specific county not shared over 88 counties.  No questions asked. 

Tax to be for community infrastructure, that would include roads, bridges, schools, parks, water and sewer, fire and police departments, libraries, community centers, parks etc. anything that would enhance the life of the community and its residents.   The individual counties would be giving 65% of the tax to the rest of the state.

On the example of a county generating 1 million dollars under the 5% return that is 50,000 that must be shared with all other counties.  That is totally unacceptable to me.    Shale counties have been prospering and growing and now the rest of the state wants us to improve their communities.   My answer is NO NO NO.  Sorry for the soapbox, but I want the money returned to those who are providing it from their land.

And if someone can post the three pages please do as I can't with the computer I have.