I am compelled to respond to the Opinion article by Jim Hoffa of the Teamsters union ("Jobs first, deficit second," Sept. 2), in which he claims that raising taxes on Ohioans, increasing government spending and running large budget deficits is the way to create jobs in this state.

As chairwoman of the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee (and as a small-business owner), I'd like to mention that these remarks advocate for an increased reliance on the government at a time when we need to be positioning our private sector for success.

For more than 30 years, I have understood firsthand how tax rates and regulations can help or destroy a small business. Unshackling budding entrepreneurs and job creators from the layers of red tape and tax burdens creates greater opportunities for economic growth and investment down the road -- not only from our homegrown businesses, but from out-of-state businesses as well.

Hoffa and I agree that as a state and nation, we need to be entirely focused on job creation and retention. However, to be economically competitive as a state means being more business-friendly than our Midwestern neighbors, as well as nationally and internationally competitive.

Is funneling more tax dollars into an ever-growing government truly the way to accomplish this?

Here in Ohio, we need jobs -- not short-term, stimulus-funded jobs, but long-term jobs for the 21st century that will fortify our economy. Raising taxes on our No. 1 job creators, increasing government interference in the marketplace and escalating government stimulus projects will not sustain the economic growth we need in Ohio.

Baker, a Republican, represents Ohio House District 16.