April 18, 2012

Ohio House Passes Economic Development Bills, Continues to Promote Job Creation in Ohio

Maintaining a focus on job creation in Ohio, the Ohio House of Representatives today passed a series of bills that aim to create jobs and encourage economic development within the state of Ohio, specifically by permitting tax credits for home-based employees, offering incentives for businesses to expand into vacant facilities, and urging Congress to take action on the Workforce Investment Act.

“Job creation and economic development has continued to be the number-one issue for members of the House Republican Caucus, and during today’s ‘Economic Development Day,’ we built upon the strong foundation that we have fostered over the past 15 and a half months,” said Speaker Batchelder. “We remain committed to the ability of Ohioans find work and provide for their families, and the legislation that we’ve passed today will help us to achieve that goal.”

House Bill 327, which was sponsored by State Representative Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville), permits a company tax credit for employees whose services are performed primarily from their homes to be included in the Job Creation Tax Credit and Job Retention Tax Credit programs. This legislation enhances the current tax credits to include the increasing number of companies that utilize employees who work from their homes.

“With more and more companies employing home-based employees, House Bill 327 will give Ohio a competitive edge to help create opportunities for job creation and business growth,” said Representative Gonzales. “Ohio should take the lead on ensuring that our companies have the tools they need to create jobs and retain employees. This legislation is an important step in that effort.”

The House also passed House Concurrent Resolution 33 to urge the United States Congress to take action on the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and to allow states greater flexibility to address their current economic realities. In 1998 Congress passed the WIA with the intent of reauthorization every five years. However, it has been 12 years since the WIA was reauthorized, and the program fails to meet the needs of a very different economic situation than what existed more than a decade ago.

“We need to ensure that states have the tools and resources they need to manage training programs and ensure that workers have the skills to obtain available jobs,” said Representative Tim Derickson (R-Oxford), who jointly sponsored HCR 33 with Representative Craig Newbold (R-Columbiana).

“The Workforce Investment Act is a worthwhile, pro-economy program that needs to be updated to fit our current workforce needs,” Representative Newbold said. “I’m pleased that HCR 33 passed with bipartisan support from the House today.”

Additionally, the House voted to concur on Senate changes to House Bill 18, which authorizes a $500 per-employee grant for a business that expands into a facility that has been vacant for 12 months and creates new jobs. This legislation would encourage businesses that need to add new employees and have made the decision to relocate to a larger facility to consider occupying a vacant building. By occupying buildings where businesses have left, companies will be entering economies full of citizens who need jobs and are ready to work.
“House Bill 18 strives to encourage economic development in communities that have been hard-hit by job loss and industry deterioration,” said Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake), the sponsor of the bill. “New and expanding companies could revitalize these buildings and bring prosperity back to the hardest hit communities.”

During the 129th General Assembly, a top priority for the House Republican Caucus has been job creation, starting with the passage of House Bill 1—which created the lean, non-profit economic development entity JobsOhio. Since then, the House has passed numerous economy-focused bills, including House Bill 58 (a job retention and tax conformity bill that will save taxpayers nearly $50 million), House Bill 114 (the transportation budget that included significant monies for public works jobs), House Bill 133 (to safely and responsibly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help Ohioans keep more of their own money), House Bill 153 (the state budget that closed an $8 billion deficit without tax increases), and House Bill 243 (to lighten bureaucratic permit restrictions on micro-distillers in Ohio).

“House Bills 18 and 327, as well as HCR 33, will help to promote a brighter, more prosperous future for Ohio, just as our other jobs bills have done,” Speaker Batchelder said. “We will maintain this focus over the coming months to keep Ohio’s momentum moving in the right direction and making our state more competitive nationally and internationally.”

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April 10, 2012

Column from Rep. Casey Kozlowski: Matching a Trained Workforce with the Jobs Market

Here in the Ohio House, my colleagues and I are constantly looking for new ways to improve the lives of all Ohioans and to build a stronger future for our state. From business growth measures to education reforms, innovation has been a hallmark of the 129th General Assembly so far. Throughout 2012, we will be continuing this record with even more forward-thinking legislation.

Through it all, job creation has remained a major focus during this legislative session. A healthy economy and a strong job market are essential components for a bright outlook down the road. Just as important as job growth is workforce development. In fact without proper training opportunities for our working citizens, all the jobs in the world will make no difference. These opportunities are especially vital as more and more jobs in high-tech industries continue to pour into Ohio.

To address these issues, the Ohio House Workforce Development Task Force was recently created. So far, this committee has held five hearings throughout Ohio to engage those who know workforce development best. The task force heard testimony from employers, employees, agencies, job seekers, students and educational institutions themselves. All in all, 85 separate testimonies were collected, providing valuable insight into what works and what is lacking in Ohio’s workforce development institutions.

In the coming months, the House will be using these valuable insights to strengthen existing programs and reform Ohio’s current system of workforce development. Significantly, we have found that the network of development programs needs to be consolidated to eliminate duplicative services and inefficiencies. In addition, a greater emphasis on collaboration within the existing network is needed in order to adequately train Ohioans for lucrative job positions. It takes a unified system working together to ensure the success of our citizens in the workplace.

The governor also made workforce development a major area of focus in his mid-biennium budget review. Perhaps the biggest area for potential jobs will be in the energy industry as Ohio moves forward on drilling for oil and natural gas. In order for these jobs to go to Ohioans, we must be proactive in our efforts to train individuals in college and in technical schools. Therefore, they will be ready to perform these tasks without the jobs going to out-of-state workers.

I am confident that Ohio can and will be a leader in developing and training a capable workforce that is prepared to meet the needs of the jobs market. By remaining focused on this issue and making sure that the training the state’s workers receive is relevant to job-creating industries, we can move into the future with confidence and set an example for other states to follow.

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March 22, 2012

Dovilla and Hagan Introduce Bill to Enhance Job Creation and Economic Development Efforts

Legislation Would Reform Government and Encourage Ohio Tourism



State Representatives Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) and Christina Hagan (R-Alliance) today introduced legislation in the Ohio House of Representatives that would reform state government and revitalize its job creation efforts. The bill would complete the transition of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) into the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA).

ODSA would provide essential services to JobsOhio— the state’s private, non-profit entity created through House Bill 1—including the administration and oversight of loans and tax credits that will further create and expand Ohio businesses. The bill also clarifies the contracts between ODSA and JobsOhio.

“This jobs bill is a key part of our long-term plan to transition Ohio government’s economic development functions from a dated bureaucracy to an efficient, goal-oriented agency. In replacing a Department of Development that is no longer meeting the needs of Ohio’s citizens and businesses with a responsive, job-creating entity—JobsOhio—and a streamlined Development Services Agency, we are acting decisively to restore an economic environment that will help get Ohioans back to work,” Representative Dovilla said.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Create a pilot program, TourismOhio, to provide a dedicated funding source for tourism marketing;
• Improve access to capital for minority-owned businesses by increasing the amount of financing available; and
• Reform the tax credit process to ensure businesses are not penalized by delays due to the meeting schedule of the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.

“Our goal in creating the Development Services Agency is not only to assist Ohio businesses directly by providing more access to capital, but also to have a system free of red tape that can easily respond to what these business need to be successful—not delay them in the process,” Representative Hagan said. “Some of these reforms are common sense, such as having the CIO of JobsOhio serving on the Third Frontier Commission, Ohio Tax Credit Authority and Tourism Advisory Board because of his or her expertise in Ohio’s economic development efforts.”

The legislation phases out both the Water and Sewer Commission, which has not met or taken action since 2007, and the Development Finance Advisory Council, which currently slows down the process of closing loans. The State Controlling Board will continue to review and authorize such loans.

Additionally, the legislation creates within ODSA the Office of TourismOhio, which will be funded through a five-year pilot program that links funding for TourismOhio to the growth in sales tax revenues of tourism-related industries. The TourismOhio Advisory Board the bill creates will include industry experts to provide guidance and support efforts to promote Ohio tourism.

“This legislation has been a long time coming, and I’m proud of those who have had the foresight to develop such an in-depth plan to boost business development and provide more jobs for Ohio families who so desperately need them,” said Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important bill and ensuring it will help continue to put Ohio back on the right track.”

The legislation is awaiting a bill number and is expected to receive hearings in the House State Government and Elections Committee during the month of April.

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February 27, 2012

Rep. Duffey Announces Job Training Grant for Ohio Workers

State Representative Mike Duffey (R-Worthington) has announced that the State Controlling Board has approved the release of $1 million for FY 2012 and $1.3 million for FY 2013 for FY 2013, which will be used for job training to enable workers to obtain skills needed to become employed in specialty occupations.

“Economic development and job growth is dependent on the knowledge and skills of workers,” said Rep. Duffey. “This Controlling Board approval allows Ohioans to enhance their talents and further their careers and their earning potential by partnering educational institutions and Ohio businesses. I am confident that this partnership will develop a successful workforce in central Ohio and across the state.”

According to documents from the Office of Budget and Management, the purpose of this grant is to support activities such as classroom training, on-the-job training, and internships specifically designed to provide eligible participants with the technical skills and competencies necessary to meet the needs of high-demand industries and Ohio employers, and to obtain employment in occupations that companies often fill with non-American workers under the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Program.

The grant program will subcontract with four educational institutions in Ohio—including Columbus State Community College—to implement these training and employment projects. Numerous Ohio employers are crucial to this program, including Cytec, Momentive Performance Products, Degussa Engineered Carbons, PPG, Dupont, Solvay, TechColumbus, Weaver Leather, Jackson Belden Chamber of Commerce, The Timken Co., Seifert Technologies Inc., Diebold Inc., and many others.

Eligible participants of this program must be either unemployed, underemployed or dislocated workers.

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February 9, 2012

Derickson, Newbold Testify on Resolution to Strengthen Ohio’s Workforce Development Efforts

State Representatives Tim Derickson (R-Oxford) and Craig Newbold (R-Columbiana) today offered sponsor testimony in the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee in support of House Concurrent Resolution 33, which urges Congress to take action on the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and to allow states greater flexibility to address their current economic realities.

In 1998, the United States Congress passed the WIA with the intent of reauthorization every five years. However, it has been 12 years since WIA was reauthorized, and the program fails to meet the needs of a very different economic situation than over a decade ago.

Rep. Derickson expressed to the members of the committee how the rigid mandates of the WIA complicate Ohio’s system of workforce development. “As the chairman of the Ohio House Workforce Development Study Committee, I learned that the current workforce system often does not adequately address the structural unemployment we are facing today and does not allow Ohio to quickly respond to a changing marketplace,” he said in his testimony. “Ohio has a significant population of skilled workers but all too often, their skills do not match available jobs. While supports need to continue for the chronically unemployed and displaced workers, states should have greater ability to manage training programs to ensure workers have the skills needed for available jobs.”

Additionally, Rep. Derickson explained how heavy bureaucracy makes it nearly impossible to fully measure the return on hundreds of millions of dollars in investments for each workforce development program. The current system also has an inconsistent delivery model and does not allow funds to be used for incumbent worker training.

“It is vital that Congress give the states the flexibility and authority needed to administer programs that bridge short-term gaps among workers to align job seekers with available jobs that are responsive to industry demand,” testified Rep. Derickson. “At a time when unemployment is at 8.1 percent, it is critical that we do everything possible to help get Ohioans back to work. Updating the Workforce Investment Act is a crucial step in ensuring that Ohioans receive the proper assistance and training to find and retain jobs.”

Rep. Newbold, a long-time business owner and joint sponsor of the resolution, stressed the necessity for updating the WIA to fit the modern-day economy, which would more effectively build a stronger workforce in Ohio. “The Workforce Investment Act is an effective program that has unfortunately become outdated and unable to keep up with the 21st century,” he said. “Congress needs to do the right thing and allow states and workers to succeed by updating this program to fit our current workforce development needs. Especially here in Ohio, we must able to help the unemployed within our communities find the training they need to be competitive in the job market while also helping incumbent workers gain additional skills.”

“As chairwoman of the Economic and Small Business Development Committee, I am very pleased that Representative Derickson has proposed this resolution and testified before the committee today,” said State Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake). “Throughout this General Assembly, members of our caucus have been focused on building a stronger workforce and creating a better job climate for Ohio. This is a crucial step in that effort, and I look forward to working with Representative Derickson to move this resolution through committee and help repair Ohio’s economy.”

The WIA is designed to allow state and local officials to establish broad-based labor market systems using federal job training funds for adults, dislocated workers and youth.

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January 31, 2012

DeVitis Announces Release of Funding for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

State Representative Anthony DeVitis (R-Green) today announced the State Controlling Board’s release of $1,433,936 to Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for the construction of parking decks and a new headquarters.

According to documents from the Office of Budget and Management, as a result of the project and state assistance provided, Goodyear will retain 2,900 existing full time jobs which are currently at risk, with hourly wages of $45.

“The release of these funds is great news for the City of Akron,” said DeVitis. “Keeping Goodyear’s headquarters in Akron is imperative to strengthening the city’s economy. I am thrilled that so many existing jobs are going to be saved in the process.”

Founded in 1898, Goodyear is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tires and rubber products. Goodyear employs over 77,000 people worldwide and operates over 96 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries.

The release of funding will allow Ohio to compete with other states for proposed projects and economic investment by Goodyear.

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January 30, 2012

Column from Rep. Nan Baker: Repurposing Resources to Accommodate Growing Businesses

We have had an encouraging year with a drop in the unemployment rate and successful results in the arena of job creation. We are moving in the right direction after a series of very financially difficult and unstable years. While the pain of the financial crisis is still able to be felt, the wound is beginning to heal for Ohio. The key to keeping job creation and economic recovery headed in the right direction is developing legislation that is both innovative and resourceful. It is in the spirit of innovation and resourcefulness that I introduced House Bill 18.

H.B. 18 is a bill that accommodates future growth by using resources that Ohio already has in its possession. In recent years, economic hardship has forced businesses both large and small to leave Ohio, abandoning their operating buildings in urban, suburban and rural settings. These buildings sit vacant in areas that are full of citizens that need jobs and are ready to work. Areas with high percentages of vacant properties are also areas that have high unemployment rates.

H.B. 18 gives an incentive to businesses that are out of space, adding new employees and need to relocate. The bill authorizes a $500 per-employee grant for a business that occupies a facility that has been vacant for 12 months, increases its payroll by hiring new employees, and employs either 50 employees or 50 percent of its Ohio employees at the vacant facility. A larger employer, for example, may have thousands of employees nationwide but would only have to locate 50 employees in an abandoned building. For smaller companies expanding their payrolls and needing a larger facility, such as a hair salon, hardware store or pizza parlor, 50 percent of their payroll would have to be added for this bill to take effect. For example, if a hair salon that has six employees needs to add three more hair stylists, this incentive would help pay for an extra three salon chairs or building repairs. Ten employees, perhaps a hardware store, would need to add at least five more employees to manage the added projected sales an expansion into a larger facility would bring. This incentive will give the business owner an incentive to stay in Ohio, or if out of state, come to Ohio and consider locating to a vacant building.

As these vacant buildings begin to be filled and provide jobs to local citizens it will make the local economy more enticing for other businesses to enter. H.B. 18 creates the opportunity to revitalize communities that are in desperate need of economic development. The bill creates an environment in which businesses are able to expand and new jobs are created in communities that are in great need. By occupying previously abandoned buildings, property values increase and therefore local governments and schools receive a higher return on property taxes.

As you can see, with House Bill 18 the benefits come full circle. This bill has the potential to revitalize communities and sets the tone for developing innovative legislative solutions to the task of job creation in the future. The economic multiplier of purchasing foreclosed homes, positive business growth, additional purchases, investment, more employee hires and returning blighted areas into safe neighborhoods – cites back to prosperity – is immeasurable.

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January 26, 2012

Rep. Duffey Helps to Keep SuperGames in Worthington

CSI Ohio Eliminates Duplicative Regulation of Inflatable Rides

State Representative Mike Duffey today announced that SuperGames, a central Ohio nonprofit employer and leader in inflatable rentals, educational services and team building, would keep its headquarters in Worthington, Ohio following the elimination of duplicative state regulation impacting the company as well as recent outreach from the City of Worthington.

Rep. Duffey worked with SuperGames Director Gary Moore to address the problem after it came to the attention of Jeff Harris, economic development manager for the City of Worthington.

“The problem was when SuperGames set up inflatables at locations like university campuses, they were being charged inspection fees twice for exactly the same activity,” said Duffey. “It was hurting SuperGames and our job retention efforts in Worthington.”

To achieve this change, Rep. Duffey worked with Lt. Governor Mary Taylor’s office – CSI Ohio: The Common Sense Initiative – to eliminate duplicative regulation. Department of Agriculture regulated amusement rides as a core function, while Department of Commerce re-regulated them through the Ohio Building Code.

CSI investigated the issue and, after reviewing state law, determined that the equipment should be regulated only as amusement rides, so the Department of Agriculture will now be the sole agency overseeing inflatable amusements. The Department of Commerce will no longer regulate them.

“We appreciate the efforts of State Representative Mike Duffey,” said Gary Moore, Director of SuperGames. “By eliminating unnecessary red tape, SuperGames will be able to invest our savings in our staff, equipment and operations, and that will support job creation. We are a nonprofit employer, but we are doing our best to provide a good service and jobs at the same time.”

CSI Ohio was launched on January 10, 2011 by Gov. John R. Kasich to reform Ohio’s regulatory policies to help make Ohio a jobs and business-friendly state. CSI Ohio reviews and eliminates excessive and duplicative rules and regulations that stand in the way of job creation.

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January 20, 2012

Speaker Batchelder Releases Statement Regarding Ohio’s Unemployment

Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today released the following statement regarding the announcement of the drop in Ohio’s unemployment to 8.1 percent:

“Eighteen months ago, Ohio was at a crossroads, facing over 10 percent unemployment for more than a full year, some of the highest Ohio had seen in decades. Today, it was announced that our state’s unemployment rate continued to drop and is now at 8.1 percent.

“As I have said before, House Republicans have been working every single day to ensure Ohio’s economy gets back on the right track and we are starting to show real, tangible signs of improvement. Job creation has always been our number-one priority and our work from this session is truly bearing fruit.

“Governor Kasich has shown a great willingness to think outside the box—starting with JobsOhio—and make the difficult but necessary decisions in order to ensure the long-term financial stability of our state. I applaud Governor Kasich for his leadership and for never losing sight of his vision of a new day for Ohio.”

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January 18, 2012

Rep. Ron Maag discusses the House's work to fix Ohio's economy in his legislative update

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January 13, 2012

Rep. DeVitis Releases Statement on Diebold’s Global Headquarters Move to Summit County

With the news that Diebold signed an agreement to purchase 55 acres of land in Green to construct its global headquarters, State Representative Anthony DeVitis (R-Green) released the following statement:

“I am very pleased to hear that Diebold plans to invest further in the 43rd House District at Union Square in Green, which will retain and create many more jobs and revenue in Summit County. I would like to personally thank Governor Kasich, Mayor Norton, the leaders of Summit County, and the Summit County Port Authority for finalizing this agreement and for their display of how a cooperative effort between governmental entities can result in job growth and opportunities for Ohioans. I am hopeful that this example of collaborative success will encourage other communities in their efforts to bring forth jobs, economic stability, and provide a better future for Ohio families.”

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January 11, 2012

Representative Dovilla to Host Jobs Summit to Focus on Job Creation

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R–Berea) today announced he will be hosting the 18th District Jobs Summit in Strongsville on Thursday, January 26, 2012. Invited participants include small business owners, public employee union representatives, members of the construction and building trades, local elected officials, and other interested stakeholders.

“My top priority in the Ohio legislature is creating an environment that will allow businesses to flourish and create jobs,” said Dovilla. “To see our economy become strong once again, we must ensure the more than 3,000 small businesses throughout the 18th District have the tools they need to engage in the robust economic development that will return Ohio to prosperity. Our Jobs Summit will identify actions we can pursue to make Ohio more competitive and place the state back on a path to prosperity.”

Since January 2011, the Ohio legislature has enacted numerous measures to reduce taxes and regulations, eliminate an $8 billion deficit, hold state government accountable, and strengthen public education. These actions have already resulted in the creation or retention of more than 82,000 jobs, compared to 400,000 lost jobs over the previous four year period.

“I believe Ohioans are tired of partisan bickering and the ‘blame game’ that pits citizens and sectors of our economy against one another,” stated Dovilla. “Good public policy is produced by elected officials who are fully accountable to their constituents. We must engage in common sense initiatives, working in concert with one another to develop real world solutions to real world problems. As a solution-oriented listener, I am committed to working with everyone who wishes to have a productive, results-driven conversation about how we can all work together to create jobs and build a bright future for Ohio.”

In the first year of his term, Representative Dovilla has introduced ten bills that focus on his policy priorities of creating jobs, strengthening public education, protecting senior citizens, and advocating for veterans. His legislation includes House Bill 144, which simplifies the process for small businesses to incorporate and locate important information on Ohio’s online small business portal; House Bill 258, which provides a tax credit for individuals obtaining a bachelor’s degree or attaining journeyman status in the construction and building trades; and House Bill 331, which creates the Cybersecurity, Education, and Economic Development Council to attract and retain jobs in the technology sector.

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December 21, 2011

Rep. Young joins Gov. Kasich in announcing creation of 75 jobs at STERIS

The News-Herald, Dec. 21

Gov. John Kasich appeared Tuesday at STERIS Corp. in Mentor to help the company announce plans for a new fabrication center that will create 75 new manufacturing and engineering jobs.

Kasich said the effort is part of his JobsOhio initiative, which is a private, nonprofit corporation designed to lead the state’s job-creation efforts to attract and retain jobs.

Read more and view the video at the following link:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2011/12/21/news/doc4ef0d577066c7781005046.txt

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December 20, 2011

Column from Rep. Andy Thompson: Ohio’s Economic Progress in 2011

With the first year of the 129th General Assembly nearly in the book, it's an ideal time to recap what has happened thus far. A lot of progress and positive changes have been made in Ohio on the job creation front, and the same kind of effort must be made next year to continue that trend.

With a state unemployment rate having hovered above 9%, it is obvious that getting people back to work must be our first prerogative. From the time the House first convened in January to our sessions held just last week, the legislature has worked hard to seek innovative ways to stimulate job creation in Ohio. We just received word that, during the month of November, Ohio had its biggest decrease in unemployment in 30 years. Apparently Ohio's efforts are starting to bear fruit.

The first bill passed out of the House (HB 1) created JobsOhio, a non-profit panel of experienced private business experts to look for ways to make Ohio more economically competitive. They work with businesses that are interested in coming to the state and express to them all that our state has to offer. We have seen increased interest by businesses looking to relocate from another state and create jobs, and we've done a better job of retaining those businesses that might have left, including Edgetech, a company that recently announced it would remain in Cambridge and actually add 100 jobs. Senator Troy Balderson and I worked with Governor Kasich to make that possible, and that's great news for our part of the state. Meanwhile, credit agencies are lauding our efforts to make Ohio more fiscally sound, while downgrading the federal government. We need to stay the course.

A booming economy depends not only on a strong private sector, but also on a government that is accountable to the taxpayers. In order to meet that responsibility, I proudly supported House Bill 2, which allows the Auditor of State to conduct performance audits on state agencies. This will help ensure that all of our state agencies funded by the taxpayers are running smoothly and efficiently, without redundancies or waste. It is especially critical in times like these that we make every effort to get the most out of every tax dollar spent. I spoke with representatives in State Auditor Dave Yost's office last week; the results of the first performance audits will be available very soon. I'm also going to work with the auditor's office to see how we can reduce the cost of audits for those government subdivisions who receive clean audits.

One major initiative that has received a lot of attention has been the development of Ohio’s natural resources by drilling for oil and natural gas under the state’s surface. Certainly I and many others have discussed it on numerous occasions. More than 800,000 wells have been drilled in Ohio since the 1950s by utilizing hydraulic fracturing without a single confirmed case of water contamination, according to the Ohio Engineers' Association. Though we should always be cognizant of environmental concerns, the opportunity that natural gas and oil production presents for Ohio is encouraging. Most estimates predict that about 200,000 jobs can be created from this development, many of which will be created in the 93rd District and adjacent counties. Already we are seeing booming retail sales of automobiles, farm equipment and other amenities. Hotel rooms are booked; many for an entire year in advance. Now we need to explore how we can capably undertake the massive workforce development this shale play will require over the next decade.

The mission of the 129th General Assembly is simple: Reduce the cost of doing business in Ohio by lowering the tax burden and keeping government from standing in the way of free market growth. Ohio’s economy is beginning to move forward once again, and I have faith that we will see even more progress made next year.

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December 16, 2011

Rep. Hill Releases Statement on Creation of Jobs in Muskingum County

With the news that Halliburton may create more than 300 jobs in Muskingum County over the next three years, State Representative Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) released the following statement:

“I am very pleased to hear that Halliburton plans to invest in an operations hub in the EastPointe Business Park, which will bring much-needed jobs and revenue to Muskingum County. This is yet another example of how the policies that the House Republican Caucus has developed and implemented are having a positive impact in our community and state. Just today, it was also announced that unemployment in Ohio dropped half a percent to 8.5 percent, which is a positive sign that we are moving our economy in the right direction with common-sense leadership on Ohio’s most important issue—improving the environment for businesses and job creation.”

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December 13, 2011

Column from Rep. Kozlowski: An Economic Opportunity Worth Pursuing

Ashtabula County is close to embarking on an alternative energy project that could potentially bring up to 1,200 jobs to the area. These jobs would provide a much-needed boost as we continue the effort of rebuilding our economy.

The project, introduced by Aloterra Energy, includes establishing and cultivating a fast-growing perennial grass from Asia known as Miscanthus giganteus. Once harvested, this grass can then be pelletized and used as an alternative fuel. I have been working closely with Growth Partnership, which has assisted businesses in Ashtabula County since 1990, and the Farm Bureau in order to make this endeavor a reality.

Also covering Lake, Geauga and Trumbull counties, this project represents another step forward in the effort to find alternative and renewable energy sources in the United States. With the nation’s current debt predicament growing steadily every year, hopefully we can begin to make a serious effort to reduce our massive spending—hundreds of billions of dollars each year—for oil overseas.

Additionally, this has the potential of being an effective job-creating opportunity for Ashtabula County, a county with an unemployment rate that is almost a full percentage point higher than the state average. Utilizing our soil in an environmentally friendly way is a substantial and sustainable way to keep jobs in the county.

Thanks to funding from the federal Biomass Crop Assistance Program, or BCAP, the project has the monetary legs to move forward. BCAP provides growers of Miscanthus grass with up to 75 percent in crop-sharing assistance until the crop has an opportunity to be established.

During tough economic times, it is important that we consider all options, and do what we can to capitalize on opportunities when they are presented to us. I believe the production and eventual use of Miscanthus giganteus grass to produce alternative, clean energy is an avenue worth pursuing for Ashtabula County, and I will continue to work with the departments and agencies responsible for implementing this program.

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December 12, 2011

Rep. Gonzales Applauds Creation of High-tech Network in Ohio

The State Controlling Board today approved the transfer of $8.1 million from the Third Frontier Project for the Ohio High Speed Research Network project in Columbus.

According to documents from the Office of Budget and Management, the Ohio High Speed Research Network will create a high-tech research environment by creating a 100 gigabit-per-second corridor through the heart of Ohio. This corridor would provide JobsOhio—the lean, economic development entity that was established through House Bill 1—the tool it needs to entice and retain businesses to Ohio.

“The Ohio High Speed Research Network project is aimed at creating jobs and retaining jobs for Ohio,” said State Representative Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville). “It is vital to Ohio’s growth to invest in higher-education to train and develop a high-tech workforce.”

Higher education research uses leading-edge technology to create new business opportunities and jobs for the state. Ohio’s medical corridor would provide the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University Medical Center, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, and Children’s Hospitals with unlimited capacity to transmit vital research, imaging and health information.

With the implementation of the state-of-the-art 100 gigabit-per-second research, education and innovation network, designed to support the next generation of business applications, Ohio will:
• Retain existing employers such as NASA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Battelle, Procter & Gamble, Cleveland Clinic, and Children’s Hospitals by enabling their ability to leverage the research network;
• Attract new employers with access to the research network and its stakeholders, including 90 four-year and two-year colleges and universities and local and state governments;
• Attract researchers and research funding

Ohio’s High Speed Research Network will establish Ohio as a technology leader by building a new research broadband along the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton corridor. Researchers need access to this platform today to build the new business applications that will drive future development.

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December 5, 2011

Column from Speaker Batchelder in the Post: Job opportunities coming to Ohio

The Post, 11/29/11

When I wrote about Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services creating 250 jobs in Wilmington and Omnicare Inc. creating 340 jobs in Cincinnati not long ago, I was certainly pleased to be spreading such good news. That was just the tip of the iceberg, though. There had been several job announcements in Ohio before that, and there have certainly been many since.

Just recently, more companies have announced new positions in Ohio, totaling more than 1,700 new jobs within our borders. From as far down as Mason--where a material-handling company called Intelligrated will build a new headquarters and add 200 engineering jobs and technical jobs--to the northern portions of the state--where Republic Steel announced 450 new jobs in Lorain--evidence is mounting that Ohio is open for business again.

Perhaps the most significant sign that our job creation efforts are paying off is that Chrysler has announced 1,100 new jobs at a Jeep complex in Toledo; this is an area, like others in Ohio, hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs in recent years. This Chrysler investment of $500 million is further proof that a business-friendly state that offers incentives to businesses is going to be the one that attracts the most jobs for its citizens.

There is little doubt in my mind that many of these companies looked elsewhere, but our state went out of its way to attract them and address their needs in a timely and responsible fashion so they would keep their jobs in Ohio. In fact, this was the thinking behind the creation of our state's private, non-profit group of business leaders--JobsOhio--that was created in House Bill 1 at the beginning of this year. House Bill 1 was the first bill introduced and passed by the Ohio House this year and further demonstrates our focus on job creation since the very first day of this General Assembly.

The House has also taken significant steps to keep jobs and our talented workforce in Ohio by providing incentives for Ohio's graduates to stay and work in Ohio, keeping small business owners and farmers in Ohio through the elimination of the estate tax, and setting up the Common Sense Initiative Office to ensure that our businesses are not harmed by overregulation.

There is no doubt that the Republican caucus at the Ohio House has been focused on job creation and fiscal responsibility from our first day forward. While we have accomplished much, there is always more that can be done and I welcome your input and ideas on job creation. I hope to continue focusing on ways to get Ohioans back to work, including retraining the current workforce. Additionally, there is more work to be done to lessen the tax burden on families and businesses.

As I have often said, actions of the government cannot create jobs, but they can certainly lead to an atmosphere that attracts and creates the opportunity for new jobs. So long as I am speaker, keeping Ohioans with jobs to support them and their families will be my top priority.

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December 1, 2011

Jobs Bills by Kozlowski, Young Receive Unanimous Committee Support

State Representative Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont) and State Representative Ron Young (R-Painesville) have announced that two of their jointly sponsored bills have passed from their respective committees in the Legislature, both with unanimous support from members on both sides of the aisle.

House Bill 243, which originally passed from the Ohio House in June and recently passed unanimously from the Senate Insurance Committee, strives to lighten burdensome, bureaucratic permit restrictions on economic development. It eliminates two restrictions on the A-3a liquor permit, which would allow more distillers to obtain the permit and thereby expand business opportunities and tourism in Ohio. According to current law, an A-3a permit can only be obtained in counties with at least 800,000 residents and may be issued to only one micro-distiller in that county—limiting permit holders to just three statewide.

Reps Kozlowski and Young’s legislation removes the 800,000 county population requirements and allows micro-distillers to acquire this permit and begin operations as boutique producers in other areas of Ohio.

“In a time when jobs are scarce and the population of Ohio has declined, the evolution of business expansion is essential to entice individuals to take root in this state and prosper,” Kozlowski said. “This bill would allow for the expansion of business for distillers in Ohio, as well as benefit the tourism industry for people who visit distilleries and wineries for taste tests and want to purchase the product on location. Because of population requirements, A-3a permits only benefit Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton counties. When we create laws that hinder business, we are limiting entrepreneurs and their ideas, jobs, investments and the economic growth this state needs.”

“We have an opportunity to help many of the businesses in our communities succeed while also increasing revenue from tourism. As lawmakers, we need to constantly seek ways to make Ohio marketable and make our state economy more attractive. House Bill 243 is another step toward this goal,” Young said.

Additionally, House Concurrent Resolution 22 passed from the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and will urge Congress to pass the “Short Sea Shipping Act of 2011” — a resolution sponsored by Congressman Steve LaTourette — which is a vital job-creating bill that will not only impact the Great Lakes region but the state of Ohio as a whole.

The “Short Sea Shipping Act of 2011,” or the federal H.R. 1533, would provide the necessary incentives for the further development of the United States shipping industry, which would also create jobs in the trucking industry, relieve traffic congestion on highways, and reduce greenhouse emissions.

Specifically, it would exempt from the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) any commercial cargo that is loaded at a port in the United States mainland and unloaded at another port in the United States mainland after transport solely by coastal or river route or unloaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. Likewise, the bill’s exemption would apply to commercial cargo that is loaded at a port in Canada located in the Great Lakes Seaway System and unloaded at a port in the United States mainland.

“By enacting this resolution and urging the passage of House Resolution 1533, we would be giving cargo shippers an incentive to move cargo via marine mode,” said Kozlowski. “This legislation would also enhance our short sea shipping industry, create jobs, reduce highway congestion and improve the flow of commerce. I am pleased that it passed from House committee today with support from both sides of the aisle. This legislation will open the doors for Ohio businesses, and help Ashtabula and Conneaut ports.”

“House Resolution 1533 will directly benefit communities like Fairport Harbor, which will see new job growth borne from this revitalized short sea shipping. In the process, this will hopefully take away some of the highway congestion from shipping over land,” Young said. “From a macro perspective, this legislation is designed to help refocus the Great Lakes region on the virtues of intermodal shipping. As compared to land transportation, shipping via waterways is much more cost-effective, requires much less infrastructure development and maintenance, burns less fuel per ton, and is thus more environmentally friendly.”

Having passed from House committee, H.C.R. 22 now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.

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November 29, 2011

Rep. Grossman Receives Award for Efforts to Boost Ohio Tourism

Assistant House Majority Whip Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) was recently awarded the “Friend of the Industry Award” by the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (OACVB) in recognition of her understanding of the societal, cultural and economic impact that tourism has on the state of Ohio, as well as her contributions to helping the tourism industry prosper.

According to leaders of the OACVB, Rep. Grossman was selected because she has worked tirelessly to ensure a viable and continuous funding model to display Ohio’s attributes not only for travel and leisure, but also for business and living.

“Rep. Grossman began meeting with members of the travel and tourism industry well ahead of the curve in terms of the financial benefits and economic development our industry has on our communities and the state as a whole,” said immediate past president Greg Eyerman of the Fairfield County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Her background as mayor and now a state representative provide an added depth of knowledge and first-hand knowledge. With her leading our efforts to support travel and tourism in Ohio, we can rest assured we have a lifelong supporter.”

The Ohio Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus is an organization representing more than 60 CVBs throughout the state with educational, networking, public relations/cooperative advertising and legislative efforts.

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