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State Representative Jim Buchy
The Common Sense
Initiative a Benefit to all Ohioans
Two years ago, I began talking with constituents about the Common Sense
Initiative (CSI). The Common Sense Initiative is the brain child
of Lt. Governor Mary Taylor. The core principle is providing a
government watchdog to ensure bureaucracy makes doing business in Ohio
less challenging and as a result increases job opportunities in this
state.
The office of the Common Sense Initiative examines all administrative
rules before they are approved and recommends changes. In
addition, CSI examines rules already on the books and suggests changes
on behalf of Ohioans. The office operates within four basic
criteria: 1.) Regulations should facilitate economic growth 2.)
Regulations should be transparent and responsive 3.) Compliance should
be easy and inexpensive 4.) Regulations should be fair and
consistent. Following these criteria the office has an impressive
record of helping Ohioans since being created less than two years ago.
The office of CSI has established a new bar for government in this
state. Agencies are filing less rules, and thereby minimizing the
impact government has on business. In 2012, rule filings were 44% below
the historical average. The office of CSI has reviewed more than
1,500 regulations and of the recommendations made 100% have been
implemented. In total the office saw more than 779
business-impacting rules rescinded or amended. This impressive
record is saving Ohioans money, time and stress.
Numbers aside, these are policies that impact our lives. Examples
of CSI’s work included allowing an Ohio business to purchase wine at
wholesale prices to make their recipes, saving $2,000 on the building
of an average new home by updating outdated rules as they related to
Ohio Residential Building Codes, and providing internationally-trained
research doctors the ability to stay in Ohio for longer than three
years, providing an environment for medical breakthroughs in this
state. The work of CSI is in addition to the solid policies
promoted by the governor and passed by the state legislature.
This is a benefit to all Ohioans that is assisting in our state’s
economic recovery.
Two years later, the office of the Common Sense Initiative is operating
under the umbrella of the lieutenant governor with a record of making
Ohio government friendlier to businesses. If you know of a
government rule or procedure that is costing Ohio business money or a
loss of productivity please alert the office of the Common Sense
Initiative by emailing CSIOhio@governor.ohio.gov or call (614) 466-3396.
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