It is no secret that Ohio has suffered from high unemployment numbers in recent times. In response to this problem, job creation has been the top priority for the 129th General Assembly since we first convened in January 2011. My colleagues and I have worked throughout the past year to fight joblessness and grow Ohio's business sector, and these efforts will continue into 2012. We have launched a variety of initiatives to improve our state's economic outlook, from crafting a more friendly tax
environment to scrutinizing the state regulations governing business operations. Strengthening Ohio's economy ultimately means strengthening our job market.
By now, you have probably heard some buzz about JobsOhio, Ohio's private sector, non-profit economic development engine. Since it was created by House Bill 1 early last year, JobsOhio has been working to attract industry and entrepreneurial prospects to our borders. You need only look at the numbers to see the success of this new entity: JobsOhio has induced more than $3.3 billion of new capital investments and has made or saved almost 83,000 jobs. These projects will only increase in 2012, as more and more business opportunities are attracted to our state.
In February 2011, the House passed legislation that will help in the effort to make Ohio a more business-friendly state. House Bill 58 offers companies a job retention tax credit if they pledge to make $25 million in capital investments. To be eligible, businesses must invest the capital over three consecutive years and have a workforce of 1,000 or more employees. Under House Bill 58, out-of-work Ohioans also may receive up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. In this way, our citizens will be able to support their families while taking advantage of the new job opportunities being created in Ohio.
The House's most recent effort to increase business growth and boost Ohio's job market came in December with the passage of House Bill 18. This legislation will provide a vacant property tax incentive to companies looking to expand operations. With many businesses having exited our state
borders in the past few years, there are many empty commercial buildings. House Bill 58 will encourage businesses in need of more space and looking to hire additional employees to relocate to a larger, vacant facility.  This tax incentive can help to bring commerce and jobs to some of Ohio's most economically blighted areas, rejuvenating them with new employment opportunities.
In addition to creating a more hospitable tax environment for businesses, the House has also taken measures to rework the policies that govern commercial activity. By reforming business regulations, Ohio can help companies to operate more efficiently and ease financial burdens that can impede job creation. House Bill 94 establishes the Common Sense Initiative Office (CSI), which will review how state rules affect small businesses.  Upon review, the CSIO will offer improvements to these regulations,
removing unnecessary obstacles to business success.
These are just a few of the legislative actions taken to create jobs and spur business development in 2011. In the coming year, the House will continue with initiatives to make Ohio more competitive in the global economy. I am proud of how far we have come, and I look forward to supporting future legislation to get Ohioans back to work.

Guest Column from Representative McGregor