With the Ohio House now on summer recess, I will be spending much more time in Ashtabula and Trumbull counties in an effort to speak with our neighbors in the 99th House District. As a member of the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee, I have sent approximately 300 letters to small business owners in our community to solicit their opinions about how to make it easier to do business in Ohio. I look forward to hearing their thoughts on this important issue.

While in Columbus, I’ve considered numerous bills to improve Ohio’s business climate, but one in particular will have a positive effect right here in the 99th District. House Bill 243 will drive economic growth and investment in Ohio by allowing more local micro-distillers to obtain liquor permits, which will benefit wineries such as South River Vineyards and Laurello Vineyards in Geneva, as well as Debonne Vineyards in Madison. It will ease oppressive regulations and help to encourage tourism and economic activity in northeast Ohio.

As a result of the House’s efforts to improve the business climate, Ohio has jumped nine spots on CNBC’s America’s Best States for Business 2011, the most overall improvement of all the states. This is truly a testament to the benefits of the action that we have taken, from balancing the budget without raising taxes to maintaining a scheduled income tax reduction that will ultimately encourage investment and entrepreneurship.

If there are any other ways that I can help businesses within Ashtabula and Trumbull counties, I encourage all residents of the 99th House District to contact my office or introduce themselves if they see me around town.