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| State Rep. Danny Bubp |
Release:
COLUMBUS—State Representative Bubp (R-West Union) 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 earlier this week. Its passage marks a crucial step toward fostering a more responsive business climate in the state of Ohio.“Ohio is at war right now with other states and other countries for jobs,” declared Rep. Bubp during a House Floor speech on the measure. “We need jobs in the state of Ohio, and I believe that this bill does that.”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 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.
