As a state legislator, I have the privilege of sitting in on the governor’s state of the state address from year to year.

This year’s speech by Gov. John Kasich was no exception. Unlike the speeches of recent years, I was pleased to hear the governor focus on rural areas like those in the 87th Ohio House District—specifically mentioning Kentworth Trucking, USEC and the agriculture industry.

One topic that greatly impacts our area has received special attention from Governor Kasich and the Legislature recently: prescription drug abuse.

State Representative Terry Johnson, from McDermott, took the lead in crafting House Bill 93, which is designed to shut down prescription drug “pill mills” and cut the supply of illicit drugs in our state.

This legislation is part of the Drug Task Force recommendations from the previous General Assembly. It passed by a unanimous vote just one day after the governor’s speech.

I was proud to be in support of the legislation, and I’m confident the Senate will move quickly on it also.

Another focus of the governor’s speech is providing seniors the best and most cost-effective choices for their health care.

This is something that I have been working with senior advocates on for many years.

The idea of having a unified health care budget that serves seniors best and is the most effective use of taxpayer dollars is now moving full steam ahead. With the state budget being introduced, we will further see how this will be implemented very soon.

Of course, the overall focus of the state of the state address was about jobs and helping to create a climate where individuals and entrepreneurs can succeed with their ideas and endeavors.

Eliminating burdensome regulations that provide no benefit and helping to encourage economic opportunities were pledges made by the governor, and the Ohio House has acted on those ideas already this year.

Being direct and without the use of a teleprompter, Governor Kasich challenged all members of the House and Senate to work with him on ideas that will move the state forward.

He acknowledged that we will not agree all of the time, and that is OK as long as we have respect for one another.

It was an interesting presentation that will lead us into the budget process, as well as serve as a foundation for much of the debate we will be having about the best ways to bring and keep jobs in Ohio.

Much spirited debate is coming to this state, and I look forward to representing you and your family’s interests as the conversation continues.

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 Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. He can also be reached via e-mail his office at District87@ohr.state.oh.us.