From the Statehouse 2008 No. 16
by Jennifer Garrison
May. 16, 2008
From the Statehouse: Building Ohio Jobs & the Tobacco Use Prevention Foundation
We have taken steps in the Ohio Legislature to boost the state’s economy at a time when we desperately need additional jobs and development. As part of a bipartisan compromise, Governor Strickland unveiled a final version of his Building Ohio Jobs plan, which was originally described in his State of the State Address in February.
This plan keeps the state’s new debt load small by redirecting existing state funds to the job stimulus package. In this time of economic uncertainty, this is a great example of bipartisan cooperation in the name of development and job creation for the entire state.
One of the funds tapped was the Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention Foundation. When it was announced that $230 million would be moved from the Foundation’s endowment to support the Building Ohio Jobs plan, the Tobacco Foundation’s appointed board moved quickly – and against the will of elected state leaders – to block this transfer of state money. Instead, they voted to transfer the approximate $270 million, to an out-of-state, non-profit organization, the American Legacy Foundation.
The emergency amendment to Senate Bill 192 stopped them, and moved the dollars to the General Revenue Fund where they will ultimately be directed towards the Building Ohio Jobs plan.
The amendment to Senate Bill 192 was agreed to by an 88-6 majority, including my “yes” vote. The bill then passed 89-5, with my “yes” vote. Governor Strickland signed it as an emergency measure, which means it took effect immediately.
The Tobacco Prevention Foundation proceeded to challenge this law in court to prevent the measure from taking effect. They forcefully held up a process approved by Ohio’s elected lawmakers and governor, choosing a court battle that stood to cost the state extensive and unnecessary legal fees.
As a result, House Bill 544 was introduced to dissolve the Tobacco Use Prevention Foundation and move its tobacco cessation programs and its remaining $40 million to the Ohio Department of Health.
I respect the job the Tobacco Use Prevention Foundation has done to curb smoking among Ohio’s residents. It has been especially effective in coordination with the statewide smoking ban, that will continue, to reduce smoking among Ohioans. However, I believe transferring funds to the Building Ohio Jobs economic stimulus plan is not only prudent, but necessary to move Ohio’s struggling economy forward into a time of prosperity and growth. This does not mean the important mission of tobacco use prevention was abandoned. Indeed, the state is shifting that responsibility to the Ohio Department of Health and providing the funds needed to actively pursue anti-smoking initiatives. This bill, then, allows effective anti-smoking programs to continue working, and it gives Ohio the money it needs to create jobs and encourage long-term investment in our state.
That is why I voted “yes” on House Bill 544, which passed by an overwhelming 85-10 majority. The legislation was passed by the Senate and awaits the signature of Governor Strickland. As an emergency measure, once signed into law, this legislation will take effect immediately. This action has ensured state funds will be used for an initiative that will provide a much-needed common good: job creation.
I have made a commitment to the people of Ohio’s 93rd House District to bring economic development opportunities to our area, and I believe Governor Strickland’s Building Ohio Jobs plan is the best vehicle to provide those opportunities to the district and the State of Ohio.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728 or in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her Web site is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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