Editor’s note:  Afraid to acknowledge good ideas put forward by Ohio House Republicans, Ohio House Democrats not only take no action on Republican-sponsored bills, but, months down the road, VOILA! those same good ideas are unveiled in Democrat-sponsored bills.  This inane posturing by the Dems just to take credit for legislation popular with the public isn’t an inconsequential game.  As state reps Maag and Boose point out, the delays between introduction of a Republican-sponsored bill and the introduction of the Democrats’ duplicate legislation inconvenience the public, especially when, in the case of relief from state-imposed fees, the inconvenient delay amounts to $$.  State Rep. Terry Boose represents the 58th Ohio House district, covering the eastern third of Seneca County, all of Huron County, and many of the rural areas in Lorain County in the southern half and along the western county boundary.  State Rep. Ron Maag represents the 35th Ohio House district, which includes much of eastern and southern Warren County along with a suburban sliver of the northeast corner of  Hamilton County.  This press release was issued on 7/30/2010.

Dems Bequeath Ohio with Duplicative Legislation

Majority Attempts to Conceal Mistakes

 COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives has received several pieces of legislation from the majority caucus that are strikingly similar to other bills introduced earlier this General Assembly from the other side of the aisle. 

 Earlier this week, House Bill 562 was introduced that would eliminate the $20 late fee endorsed and signed into law by House Democrats and Governor Strickland with the passage of the biennial budget. State Representative Deborah Newcomb (D-Conneaut) and 15 of her Democratic colleagues cosponsored this measure that reverses a measure they previously endorsed by supporting House Bill 2.  However, State Reps. Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) and Terry Boose (R- Norwalk), introduced House Bill 428 in January 2010, nearly seven months earlier and encouraged all members of the Ohio House of Representatives to join them on this necessary repeal.

 “Every dime, every dollar counts in today’s economy. I am elated to see that my colleagues have introduced this legislation and look forward to swift action,” said Rep. Terry Boose. “Nonetheless, the majority Democratic Caucus cannot play both sides of the field. While Ohioans are suffering and partisan politics have been placed aside in the struggling business owners’ mind, the majority party does one thing, and then attempts to cover their malicious, expensive intent with political gimmicks.”

 The combined list of cosponsors to eliminate the late fee represents more than enough support to repeal it.  Earlier this year the Daily Record reported that more than $16 million has been collected from 818,429 individuals. However, the burden of duplicative legislation has been forced on the hard-working families of Ohio more than once.

 State Rep. Ron Maag questioned the duration of time that had elapsed, asking, “Why won’t the Speaker call us into session and pass legislation today?  Why did the House Democrats wait nearly eight months to do this? I look forward to swift attention being paid to this necessary repeal, just like the swift action with House Bill 473.”

 Rep. Maag introduced House Bill 132, legislation to address “sexting,” in April 2009. More than a year later, House Bill 473, a legislative measure to prohibit sexting, was introduced in March 2010 and the House voted on the bill two short months later.

Editor’s note:  State Rep. Ross McGregor, who introduced HB 561, represents the 72nd Ohio House district, a rectangular-shaped district consisting of the southwest corner of Clark County, with Springfield at the eastern end of the district and some of Dayton’s suburbs and exurbs at the western end of the district.

Capital projects have their own fund separate from the general fund.  In my opinion, the capital fund isn’t subjected to the same scrutiny that the general fund is, and is therefore more likely to be used for political purposes.  HB 561 addresses that.  You’ve heard of Congressional pork at the federal level.  If you want to sniff out pork at the state level in Ohio, you might want to peek into the capital fund. You might as well peek into the funds supported by voter-approved bond issues, too.

As for transparency, I wouldn’t mind if  the Ohio Lottery Commission ledger were more transparent.  I have a hunch that state bonds and the lottery might serve political patronage purposes.  Just my opinion.

McGregor: Cut Wasteful Spending, Keep Ohioans Informed

State Representative Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) today introduced House Bill 561,  legislation to require the Office of Budget and Management to maintain a database showing capital project appropriations and re-appropriations, to make the database available online and to submit a biennial report to the General Assembly.

“This legislation will reduce unnecessary spending and increase our government’s accountability to the public,” said Rep. McGregor. “Ohio is in the midst of the 15^th straight month of double-digit unemployment; we cannot afford to needlessly spend taxpayer dollars.”

Rep. McGregor drafted the legislation after a project budgeted more than five years ago in his district sought re-appropriation. When enacted, the proposed legislation would allow the public and the legislature to better monitor projects that have been appropriated state funds. With a biennial report, legislators will be equipped with information to choose whether or not to continue funding a specific project.

Editor’s note: State Rep. Terry Boose, (R-Norwalk) represents the 58th Ohio House district, comprised of the mostly rural south and west swaths of Lorain County, all of Huron County, and the eastern third of Seneca County. This editorial was released to media outlets on 7/28/2010.

OHIO MILITARY FAMILY MONTH

There are only a handful of days throughout the year that we honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, with barely any time devoted to their families. As these brave heroes give their lives to maintain our freedom, we should take more time to also honor the commitment that their families make back home. Ohio has the sixth largest veteran population in the entire nation, and for this reason, the legislature designated August as Ohio Military Family Month to thank the husbands, wives and children in our state with family members who are serving overseas.

Ohio Military Family Month calls us to not only remember the sacrifices members of our Armed Forces make, but to also remember the sacrifices their families make as well. When our servicemen and women are sent overseas to protect our liberties, their spouses, parents, children, and close friends back home must navigate their daily lives without the ones they love most. Imagine the extra burdens on these families and their constant worry for the safety of their loved ones.

This upcoming August, take time to remember the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and their families. Consider reaching out to neighbors who have a family member serving overseas. This is a struggle we are all in together; we cannot forget our bond as a community.

While Ohio Military Family Month is one way to honor these noble sacrifices, Ohio and our nation still need a way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of my colleagues and I support the adoption of the Honor and Remember Flag to pay homage to men and women who have lost their lives in service of the U.S. The Honor and Remember Flag honors fallen troops from every war and ensures that they will not be forgotten.

We are fortunate to live in a country that values freedom, democracy and human rights. Our future depends on those willing to risk everything to protect our country and the families that support them. I hope you will keep our service members and their families in your hearts this August and take time to honor them throughout the year. Every day, members of our military persevere against immeasurable odds; we should not delegate a mere few days a year to think of them.

Editor’s Note:  State Rep. Terry Boose represents Ohio’s 58th house district, comprising the eastern third of Seneca County, all of Huron County, and western and southern portions of Lorain County.  This editorial was released to media outlets on 7/23/2010.

Strickland’s Agricultural “Deal” Detrimental to the Industry

Here in Ohio, farming represents a vital component of our economy and ensures the livelihood of a number of Ohioans. Agriculture ranks as Ohio’s largest industry, which is an indicator of its importance to the well-being of our communities as well as to Ohio’s economic success.

Lately, I have been hearing a lot of negative feedback from constituents about the “deal” Governor Ted Strickland has brokered between agriculture leaders and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Farmers in the 58th Ohio House District seem especially concerned with this troubling development. I am devoted to looking out for the best interests of my constituency, and Governor Strickland’s deal simply doesn’t reflect this objective.

This “deal” that the governor was instrumental in organizing was struck between the HSUS and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation on June 30th. It halted Ohioans for Humane Farms from submitting signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State, collected to put an HSUS-backed animal care initiative on the fall ballot. Strickland painted this agreement between Jack Fisher, CEO of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS, as a welcome compromise that reflects the best interests of both parties. In actuality, this deal negatively impacts farmers by placing on them a host of constraining regulations.

Ohio’s farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole did not need to enter into negotiations or make any of the compromises contained within this debilitating agreement. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office has noted that it was unlikely that the Ohioans for Humane Farms would have amassed the requisite 402,275 signatures to get their animal care initiative on the November ballot. Therefore, it was unnecessary for Ohio’s farmers to give in to any demands that would impede the success of their industry. It worries me that Governor Strickland would broker a deal that will have such a negative impact on our communities and economy.

I am listening to the feedback from the farmers in the 58th Ohio House District and will continue to address the concerns of my constituency. Many of the items that were negotiated in Governor Strickland’s “deal” have to be enacted with legislation for them to take effect. As your state representative, I will not support anything that is not also backed by the farmers of our community. My concerns lie with the well-being of Ohioans, and I will work to ensure that their livelihoods are not compromised by the governor’s ill-advised agreement.

Editor’s note:  The Republican Caucus of the Ohio House of Representatives issued this press release on 7/23/2010.  Standing in the center of the photograph above is Brynn Allio, director of government relations at the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE).  Flanking Mr. Allio on the left side of the photo are Rep. Todd Snitchler of the 50th Ohio House district and Rep. Nan Baker of the 16th Ohio House district.  Next to Mr. Allio on the right side of the photo are Rep. Ron Amstutz of the 3rd Ohio House district, and Rep. William Batchelder of the 69th Ohio House district.  Rep. Batchelder also serves as the Minority Leader in the Ohio House.

ECONOMIC STRAIGHT TALK DRIVES DISCUSSION JOBS CREATION PACKAGE

Lawmakers: It’s All About Jobs!

WESTLAKE, OH- A crowded room conversed for more than two hours yesterday on how lawmakers and members of the business community need to proceed, with the “Future of Ohio” jobs package, legislation aimed to get Ohioans back to work.

 “The state loses $1,422 for each Ohioan who loses their job, plus the increased cost in social services needed to assist an unemployed Ohioan. It is vital that we focus on job retention and growth while fostering our small business community,” said Rep. Nan Baker (R-Westlake), who championed this legislative effort. “The recession’s toll on Ohio demands a swift answer from policy makers, and I firmly believe that this package is a necessary step to make Ohio a more business-friendly state.  As I continue to say, ‘It’s all about jobs!’”

 This 10-bill package of legislation consists of a broad span of initiatives that will create jobs, retain college graduates and foster economic growth. The tax reforms contained within the package will make Ohio a more financially attractive place for its workforce and the businesses that employ them. Ohio lost 200,000 jobs in 2009 alone due to the exodus of businesses to other states.

 “Ohio’s economic climate is not appealing to businesses across the country looking to expand or relocate to our state,” said House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “For more than 18 months, Ohio has reported substantially higher unemployment numbers than the nation as a whole. We cannot hope to remedy this situation without concrete efforts to create a positive business perception.”

Currently, Forbes Magazine ranks Ohio 47^th in the nation for prospective job creation, income growth, venture capital investments and business openings.

 “A healthy economy means increased job opportunity and business growth,” said Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster). “By attracting out-of-state companies to move and expand here, we are ensuring a more prosperous Ohio for generations to come.”

 The jobs package includes tax incentives, increases in flexibility in business options, and efforts to provide relevant information to companies. With this legislation, House Republicans have made a concerted effort to improve the business climate.

 “The goal of this legislation is to formulate both short and long-term solutions to economic problems specific to Ohio,” said Rep. Todd Snitchler (R-Uniontown).   “Without a thorough examination of how we (the state of Ohio) do business soon, the Buckeye state will continue to suffer.” 

When enacted, these legislative measures will address the departure of businesses, work to retain our college graduates, make the state more conducive to small businesses, and encourage businesses to expand their payroll. As the presentation came to an end, the representatives expressed their continued hope that the “Future of Ohio” jobs package will gain bipartisan support in the immediate future.

Amstutz to Administration: We’re Ready To Hear Your Budget Story

Columbus—State Representative Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) today issued a letter to his colleagues on the Budget Planning Commission in hopes of helping to resolve recent contention as to who may contribute to the commission’s hearings.

“If the administration and our two members don’t want to have more executive participation, there are others who have substantial expertise in Medicaid and other major topics. I am hopeful that we will look to them for their insight,” wrote Amstutz.

The letter comes after some concerns of his colleagues were voiced to the media, instead of amongst the group, as to whether executive agencies including and beyond the Office of Budget and Management should participate in the process or whether this would lead to a political game.

The commission’s purpose is to identify challenges and potential solutions for addressing expected problems in the next state budget.

Rep. Amstutz has worked diligently and voiced his concern time and again on the looming $8 billion budget deficit that will become a reality in less than a year.

Governor’s School Funding Council Gives Failing Grade

Columbus—State Representative Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster), ranking member on the House Education Committee, today issued the following concerns with the projected $1 billion shortfall that Governor Strickland’s School Funding Advisory council voiced earlier this week.

“It is unfortunate that as recently as this week, the governor’s “evidence-based model” education plan has fallen short yet again by underfunding an estimated $1 billion annually.  For the first time since the DeRolph decision, Ohio’s schools saw a direct slash to their funding and multimillion dollar mandates, such as all-day kindergarten, on already-overwhelmed district–which believe they don’t need it and they don’t have the necessary classroom space.

Moreover, this Democratic majority imposed a cut to school funding for public and parochial schools by approximately $90 million. This education model has placed our entire education system at risk by preventing our children from receiving the high-quality, competitive education they deserve. It is my sincerest hope that the governor updates the school funding formula to more-accurately reflect the needs of our schools, teachers and children.”

Editor’s note:  State Rep. Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) represents the 58th district, comprising Huron County and portions of eastern Seneca County and southern and western Lorain County.  This editorial was released to media outlets today, July 7, 2010.

Guest Column From Representative Terry Boose

“Honor and Remember Flag” pays respect to Ohio’s fallen

With the passing of our nation’s Independence Day, it is hard to forget those who have fought to maintain that independence through the years. Americans are proud to live in a nation where we are not limited by religion, race or gender—a nation where the only colors that matter are red, white, and blue. We know that many have sacrificed their lives on both native and foreign soil to preserve the liberties we enjoy today.

Throughout the year, we pay special tribute to those men and women in the United States Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price to protect those back home. These brave individuals put their lives on the line so we could sleep soundly at night, knowing that we are protected by our men and women in uniform. Until now, throughout our nation’s long military history, there has never been an officially recognized symbol that honors the service members who lost their lives in service to our country. This past Independence Day, legislation was unveiled that designates the Honor and Remember Flag as Ohio’s emblem of service and sacrifice by those who have lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The distinct design of the Honor and Remember Flag is hard to forget. The red field represents the blood spilled by the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation’s freedom. The white field at the bottom of the flag recognizes the purity of sacrifice. The gold star signifies the ultimate sacrifice of a warrior in active service who will not return home, while the blue star that frames it represents active service in military conflict. Within the gold star is the flame which serves as a reminder of the spirit that has departed this life yet burns on in the memory of all who knew and love the fallen hero. And finally, the folded flag beneath the stars signifies the final tribute to an individual life presented to the family for their significant loss.

As a vigilant supporter of Ohio’s more than 900,000 military veterans, I am proud to have supported this legislation in remembrance of our most heroic individuals. Serving in the United States military is one of the noblest endeavors a person can make, and I will continue to work to ensure that these individuals receive the respect and gratitude they deserve.