Ohio needs legislation that benefits you

Published 9:27 am Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Throughout this General Assembly, there has been a very strong emphasis on jobs. This makes complete sense when considering the state of our economy.

As your state representative, I believe we should be using every tool we can in order to strengthen small businesses like those in the 87th House District.

It’s important that Ohioans get back to work and that this state lets them keep the money they earn.

In a market like ours, the focus should not be that the government enact new policies to aide business, but that it ensures policies are not being enacted that will hinder business.

I want entrepreneurs across Ohio to know that our government can be your business partner. The state does not have to divert your time and resources away from business operations for the sake of keeping you in compliance.

That simply does not make sense for us to do.

For this reason the Ohio House recently passed Senate Bill 2—companion legislation to House Bill 94, which I cosponsored.

This legislation will give state government the tools to begin addressing regulation reform. Burdensome and sometimes nonsensical regulations that add nothing to public safety or public service are a problem in Ohio. The overregulation means additional costs for businesses and those businesses having to wait on the state to give the licensing or permitting that they need.

My most recent experience of this issue is the length of time it took to license an ethanol plant in Ohio compared to other Midwestern states.

The other states had a much quicker response, and this new law will force state government to evaluate any proposed rule in regard to whether it makes common sense or not, as well as weighing the regulatory benefit against the adverse impact that it would place on businesses.

One of the things that has given Ohio difficulty in attracting and keeping jobs is the regulatory environment, so to help fix this problem at no cost is something I support.

The House also recently concurred with Senate amendments that will align Ohio law with federal tax policy credits and rates on our state income tax returns, which we have the opportunity to take full advantage of.

For instance, it renews the abilities for teachers to be credited back for the money they spend on school supplies.

This legislation—which I also cosponsored — is estimated to save the taxpayers $48.5 million over the next three fiscal years.

The passage of House Bill 58 means small business owners, the unemployed and even those looking to start a business can all benefit from it.

House members on both sides of the aisle felt this way — as they also did on the regulatory reform bill I previously mentioned — voting both through with strong bipartisan support.

As more legislation comes through the House of Representatives during this General Assembly, I will continue doing my part to advance the bills that will benefit you. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns you have.

John Carey serves in Ohio’s 87th District of the House of Representatives, which includes eastern Lawrence County. He may be reached at (614) 466-1366 or by writing to: Ohio House of Representatives, 77 South High St., Columbus, OH 43215. He can also be reached via e-mail his office at District87@ohr.state.oh.us.