Job creation: two small words that mean so much for Ohio’s future. In my time as your state representative, I have always emphasized job growth as the key to our economic prosperity, both individually and on a statewide level. Getting Ohioans back to work is one of the most important focuses here in the Statehouse. Accordingly, throughout this General Assembly, my colleagues and I have implemented a number of different tactics to promote this critical objective.

 Most recently, the Ohio House and Senate both passed House Bill 327, which now awaits the governor’s signature. This legislation creates the opportunity for an employee job creation tax credit for qualifying employers. Specifically, the bill allows the Ohio Tax Credit Authority to give tax credits to employers with home-based workers. This would be an excellent opportunity for those that are restricted in their mobility. Also, this gives an opportunity to those that want to stay home while raising their family to earn additional income.

For an employer to qualify, they must employ at least 200 more workers than they had on June 30, 2011. These employees also must receive compensation equal to 131 percent of the federal minimum wage or higher. House Bill 327 outlines a trial period of six years for this new tax credit. Following this period, the Ohio Director of Development will issue a report summarizing the effects of the program.

Throughout the state legislature, there has been wide bipartisan support for the home-based employee job tax credit, and the legislation passed through the House with a unanimous vote. The importance of providing job creation incentives is certainly not a party-specific issue. We can all agree that this is a worthy initiative, and House Bill 327 presents an innovative approach to boosting job growth. For all of these reasons, I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.

Going forward, we must keep investing in programs such as the one set up in this bill. Job creation is an ongoing process, not a task that has a defined end. There are always new ways to promote job growth, and the House will continue to develop legislation geared toward this objective. If you should have any questions concerning this or any other topic, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I also welcome any suggestions you may have. Together, we can keep up the momentum of job creation in Ohio.