 |
Guest Column from Representative Richard Adams
Focusing on Job
Creation in Ohio
Since the beginning of the new legislative session in January, the Ohio
House of Representatives has made job creation a primary focus. In
recent years, our state has suffered from crippling unemployment rates
and a steady exodus of businesses to more economically attractive
states. While these trends have begun to turn around, we still have a
long way to go in order to have a booming job market and a healthy
economy.
In the coming months and years, I am confident that Ohio will reach new
heights of economic development. I am able to say this with such
conviction because of the huge strides the state legislature has
already made this General Assembly. The innovation of the jobs-focused
legislation passed by the House so far is truly something of which all
Ohioans can be proud. We are steadily making our way down a road paved
with potential for economic prosperity and sustainability.
The first bill passed by the state legislature this year created
JobsOhio, the new private, not-for-profit entity focused on economic
growth. Working in tandem with the Ohio Department of Development
(ODOD), it will offer a lean, responsive approach to economic
development that is more responsive to small businesses’ needs. In this
way, we can give Ohio businesses a competitive edge and attract jobs
inside our borders from other states.
Our state operating budget further strengthens JobsOhio by providing it
with a revenue stream and clarifying its functions and purpose. This
will help JobsOhio to reach its full potential in its effort to promote
job creation.
The Ohio House instituted additional tax relief with the passage of
House Bill 58. In the next three fiscal years, this legislation will
save Ohio’s citizens an estimated $48.5 million. Moreover, it will give
out-of-work Ohioans an additional 20 weeks to receive the maximum
benefits of their unemployment compensation. This provision will affect
the lives of nearly 175,000 Ohio residents. In addition to helping
individuals, this bill also simplifies the state tax code, giving Ohio
a more business-friendly atmosphere.
Alongside this tax code amendment, the House passed other legislation
aimed at promoting business success. House Bill 94 formed the
Common Sense Initiative Office, which will review rules and regulations
to ensure that they do not hinder business growth. If companies are
free from unnecessary government costs and constraints, they will be
able to flourish and create more jobs. In another area, the
transportation budget contributes to job retention, allocating
significant funds to the Public Works Commission so that it may sustain
nearly 30,000 jobs.
This diverse collection of legislation will go a long way toward
inducing job creation, encouraging business growth and heralding
economic rejuvenation. I am extremely pleased by the work we have
accomplished so far, and my colleagues and I at the Statehouse will
continue our efforts with the same vigor and determination that brought
forth this exciting progress. I personally pledge to keep Ohio’s job
market and economy in the forefront of my mind as we move forward in
this legislative session.
|
