State Representative Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) announced that Am. Sub. House Bill 1, which creates a non-profit economic development organization called JobsOhio, passed from the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 59-37.
He says its passage marks a crucial step toward fostering a more responsive business climate in the state of Ohio.
“I’m excited to be part of this effort to bring quality jobs to Ohio,” said McClain. “This is the first step of the fulfillment of our promise to return Ohio to prosperity, and improve the lives of all Ohioans.”
Am. Sub. House Bill 1 authorizes the creation of the nine-member board, with the governor as chairman and eight business leaders who understand the private sector. Six members must be Ohio residents, leaving room for two members with a national business perspective.
The legislation also calls for a six-month review of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), which is a $1.2 billion state entity with approximately 400 employees—only about 15 percent of whom directly assist job creation, according to a Columbus Dispatch editorial. According to the bill, the director of ODOD is obligated to evaluate all duties within the department and submit recommendations to improve the department’s efficiency to the General Assembly.
Am. Sub. House Bill 1 now moves to the Ohio Senate, where it will undergo further consideration and debate.
