Job creation is an ongoing process, one that requires sustained efforts and innovative approaches. This fact has been reflected in the work of the 129th Ohio General Assembly since the very start of our current legislative session. We have passed numerous bills to benefit Ohio’s businesses, promote economic recovery and grow our job market. Beginning with the formation of JobsOhio, a non-profit economic development engine, the state legislature has made a commitment to getting our economy back on track.

Another crucial component of the legislation is TourismOhio. This new five-year pilot program will be housed within the ODSA and will offer funding for tourism marketing. In Ohio, the tourism industry employs 439,000 individuals, a significant portion of our workforce. Investment in this prominent sector of our economy is a worthy endeavor and will, no doubt, result in impressive returns. To back up this claim, we need only look back to 2011, a year in which Ohio received a $14 return on every $1 invested.

As I reflect on all of the job creation efforts taken by the Ohio House during this General Assembly, I am confident that the passage of Senate Bill 314 has been one of our most important actions. ODSA will ensure that Ohio can sustain long-term job growth so that our state can look forward to a positive economic outlook for years to come.