From the Statehouse 2006 No. 11
by Jennifer Garrison
Mar. 25, 2006
STATEHOUSE ARTICLE 2006- 11
This week, the Ohio House passed House Bill 530, the Capital Reauthorization and Budget Correction bill. Appropriations include:
an additional $665 million for school building construction;
$50 million in Third Frontier funds;
$144 million in local infrastructure projects;
$100 million in Clean Ohio Fund;
$60 million in Ohio Instructional Grants for Ohio college students;
and it increases the eligibility for School Breakfast and Lunch for an additional 120,000 Ohio students;
Additionally, Salt Fork Lake received $5 million for the repairs to the dam which will be complete soon. The dollars for Salt Fork State Park will have a positive effect on Guernsey County residents and visitors from across Ohio. These dollars will help ensure that the beauty and natural resources of Ohio’s largest state park will be enjoyed by all future generations of visitors.
July 1, 2005 an exception from paying the new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) was given to qualified distribution centers in Richenbacher’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). Shortly thereafter Washington County received notice it was approved for a FTZ . This exemption places all other FTZ’s at a disadvantage in attracting businesses.
House Bill 530 attempted to correct this disadvantage by allowing an exception to all qualified distribution centers in an FTZ who have gross receipts of over $100 million if more than 50% of their inventory is shipped out of state. Basically, now the Richenbacher and Toledo FTZ’s qualify. This does nothing for Washington County’s new FTZ. However, Governor Taft has indicated he would veto this provision.
This correction bill also stopped the plan to consolidate 20 regulatory boards and commissions within the Department of Commerce, which was very unpopular with many throughout this House District. I voted “yes” on the budget correction and reauthorization bill. The bill passed.
House Bill 80 requires contractors to put drug-free workplace policies into place if the contractor wants to be awarded a public improvement contract. I voted “yes”. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority.
House Concurrent Resolution 36, urges Congress to support a measure to amend the United States Constitution by apportioning Members of Congress based on the number of “citizens” in each state, instead of the number of “persons”. “Persons” includes illegal aliens. A number of Western states have more representation because the Constitution allows representation for all legal and illegal aliens.
I voted “yes” to support this measure because when the next census occurs Ohio is estimated to lose 2 Congressional seats. If we use the word “citizen” over “person”, Ohio will not lose any congressional seats. I do not want to lose any Ohio representation in Washington because the United States does not have a strong immigration policy. The resolution passed.
Substitute House Bill 73 changes the number of days a person can live in Ohio and not be considered a resident. Today a person can be in Ohio no more than 150 days or they are considered a resident. This bill increases that number to 182 days. This bill is designed to encourage people who split their time between Ohio and other states, to stay in Ohio longer and contribute to Ohio’s economy. This change means an estimated $240 million dollars for the State’s economy and benefits charities and community foundations. I voted “yes”. The bill passed.
I voted “yes” to exempt military income from state income taxes for members of the military who serve outside Ohio. This is House Bill 378 which passed.
This week I offered testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 37 which I sponsored. This Resolution calls on the United States Congress to block foreign governments from managing or operating our ports and terminals.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at 614-644-8728 or in the district at 740-373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her website is <a href="/a>