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| Gov. John Kasich |
Release:
COLUMBUS – Ohio’s job-creation efforts took a major step forward today when Gov. John R. Kasich signed his first bill into law—legislation that replaces Ohio’s current government-driven job-creation efforts with a new private sector approach driven by JobsOhio, a private, non-profit corporation that will more effectively help Ohio’s job-creators, businesses and entrepreneurs thrive and grow.
JobsOhio is created by Am. Sub. House Bill 1 (Duffey) which was passed by the General Assembly Wednesday with bipartisan support, including support from eight of the Senate’s 10 Democrats.
Joining Kasich at the Statehouse bill-signing ceremony were Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond), Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina), bill sponsor Rep. Mike Duffey (R-Worthington), Sen. Chris Widener (R-Springfield), Sen. Keith Faber (R-Celina), Department of Development Director Mark Kvamme, and business leaders from across the state.
“I think people will look back on this day, with the creation of JobsOhio, and see it as the vehicle for the transformation of our economy. It is important that we move at the speed of business for one reason - people need jobs and with jobs comes hope,” said Kasich. “This is about restoring the ability of our entrepreneurs, our business people and our job creators to weigh in with both feet, both arms and with their great brains to be able to help the people in the state of Ohio to compete once more.”
Highlights of House Bill 1 include:
· A Private Sector Approach: The governor is required to establish a non-profit corporation named “JobsOhio” with the purpose of promoting economic development, business recruitment, job creation, job retention and job training;
· Business-Savvy Leadership: JobsOhio will be led by a board of directors consisting of the governor and eight directors appointed by the governor. Directors will represent target growth industries and have extensive business and economic development experience;
· Transparency: JobsOhio will comply with strict accountability and transparency measures, including yearly financial audits, a conflict of interest policy, financial disclosure requirements for board members, and open forums for in-person meetings;
· Accountability: JobsOhio will prepare and submit an annual report of its activities for the preceding year
