Thank you for visiting the website for State Representative Nan Baker. I would appreciate any comments you would like to offer. You can send your comments directly to me at
nan@friendsofnanbaker.com As I continue to say
‘It’s All About Jobs!’
Continuing to move Ohio toward a more business friendly environment, the 129th General Assembly has enacted historic changes whether it's reducing taxes, balancing an $8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes, or specifically enacting legislation that encourages business to stay, expand or move Jobs to Ohio. At times, difficult decisions needed to be made to turn the corner toward prosperity.
The good news is that Ohio has gained more jobs than most other states in the past year. Ohio businesses have added 58,000 net jobs since January 2011. That ranked Ohio seventh just behind N. Dakota, Texas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Illinois all touched less by the recession. Much of the strong showing can be attributed to the steady growth in manufacturing jobs but other sectors like health services have also done well. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. In 2012 we will continue to see Ohio's economy perform better than average through job retention and creation fostered by the changes we have made to make Ohio a more friendly business environment.
Here's a re-cap of 2011 for your review.
SUCCESSFUL JOB BILLS
GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
AND SAVING YOU TAX DOLLARS
1. State Operating Budget - This was a tough budget given we inherited an $8 billion financial hole caused by the loss of Obama stimulus funds and a decline in revenue because of job loss. Since its introduction in March, the House developed a number of significant changes to the proposed budget. These changes were instrumental in helping the budget retain vital services while continuing to improve our job market and economy. As you recall, Westlake and Rocky River schools were destined for a 72% and 79% state-aid cut and I was able to work with our five superintendents and representatives at the House to cap the loss of state-aid to 20%. Representatives Dovilla and Anielski were also very engaged in this effort. Senator Patton enhanced the budget further with his colleagues in the Senate and restored all state-aid except for the Tangible Personal Property Tax reimbursement. Given the state of the economy, everyone was asked to tighten their belt. We felt this was a reasonable compromise. On the local government front, the House made cuts to state agencies and made other adjustments in order to provide access to $45 million per year to local governments as they show ways to improve collaboration with other cities to save costs. Our five cities have an outstanding reputation as being trail blazers of innovation; the St. John Medical Dispatch Center is a great example. Possible uses for this funding could potentially include purchasing equipment, covering personnel costs, as well as other cooperative agreements. PASSED INTO LAW
2. Final Roll Back of the Personal Income Tax Reduction - Since 2006, 4% each year (except 2010) the collection of income taxes has been reduced. We were the 7th highest taxed state and we are now the 16th highest tax state. Although there is still more room for improvement, we are certainly moving in the right direction. This means more money for businesses to invest and more money in your paycheck. PASSED INTO LAW
3. InvestOhio - Tax Incentive To Spur Small Business Investment - As part of the 2011 budget, this program is aimed at spurring investments by linking the small businesses with the money needed to grow and create jobs. The goal is to generate at least $1 billion in new private investment by 2013 and lead to 30,000 new jobs. This bill permits investors to collect an income tax credit for investment of up to $10 million in eligible small businesses. Investors must keep the investment for at least two years. The tax credit on personal income will generally be equal to 10 percent of the investment. Businesses receiving investment must spend the money within six months, putting it into one of five categories such as compensation for new or retained employees, real estate in Ohio and equipment. PASSED INTO LAW
4. Small Business Resource Portal - Ohio Business Gateway - We are currently working with the Department of Administrative Services to enhance the online Small Business Resource Center on the Ohio Business Gateway. We have met several times with different business advocates such as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Council of Small Enterprises (COSE), Society of CPAs and many business owners to create a user friendly online business center. This business center will offer a source of valuable information by businesses in Ohio or those looking to relocate. ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS
5. Ohio Third Frontier - Continued Innovation Program Creating Opportunity - Passed by the voters in 2010, the Ohio Third Frontier is an unprecedented commitment to create new technology-based products, companies, industries and jobs extended through 2015. The voters overwhelmingly supported that technology and innovation will lead to economic prosperity both today and for future generations. ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS
6. Workforce Development - As Ohio is attracting new companies and fostering the growth of existing companies, a critical component to job growth is workforce development. It is clear that a critical focus for improving Ohio's economy is a well-prepared and educated workforce. It was a privilege to be part of the newly created Workforce Development Committee that traveled to Ohio University, Miami University, Bowling Green and Lorain County Community College. We heard from eighty-five witnesses encompassing nearly twenty hours of discussion with the committee. I'll keep you posted as to our progress on this front. ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS
7. Clean Ohio Council - The Clean Ohio Council was created to select projects that will receive grants and low-interest loans from the Clean Ohio Fund. It is a privilege to serve as one of 15 council members. It's purpose is to restore, protect, and connect Ohio's important natural and urban places by cleaning up brownfields and encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities. ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS
8. House Bill 1 - JobsOhio, Restructuring of the Ohio Department of Development - The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is the top agency for fostering a climate for job creation. Part of this effort means ensuring that the department is responsive to business and for business leaders to have direct access to provide feedback to the agency without enduring excessive bureaucracy. JobsOhio has recently been launched and Tom Waltermire with Team NEO representing North East Ohio is our contact. PASSED INTO LAW
9. House Bill 2 - Performance Audits for State Agencies - This House Bill will grant the Auditor of State explicit authority to conduct performance audits on state agencies. In these tough economic times, it is vital for our economic success that we are not wasting any valuable resources. PASSED INTO LAW
10. House Bill 3 - Repealing the Estate Tax - Ohio is only one of thirteen states that levies an estate or inheritance tax on their citizens. All of your life you pay taxes and Ohio taxes you again upon your death. The estate tax threshold is $338,333.00. This tax affects small business, middle class families and family farms. For small businesses, inventory, equipment and a building could easily add up to more than $338,333.00. This repeal allows Ohio citizens to plan for their future without worrying whether their heirs will receive their assets. It encourages many people to stay in Ohio and keep their businesses and investments in Ohio. For planning purposes, this bill, now part of the state operating budget, is scheduled to take effect January 2013. PASSED INTO LAW
11. House Bill 58 - Creates a New Refundable Job Retention Tax Credit - Companies eligible for the tax credit are those with at least 1,000 employees that agree to make $25 million in capital improvements over three consecutive years. This bill was instrumental in keeping American Greetings in Northeast Ohio after the company said it was considering moving its headquarters to Illinois. We look forward to their grand opening in Westlake. PASSED INTO LAW
12. House Bill 94 - Small Business Regulatory Reforms - This is a House Bill that Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor spearheaded. It was a privilege to have this bill presented in our Economic and Small Business Development Committee. This bill will assist businesses that often struggle to remain apprised of and compliant with the ever-changing regulatory environment. A rule-making agency is required to conduct a cost-benefit analysis and regulatory flexibility analysis on how proposed rules might impact business. Created in this legislation is the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) Office. There will be a Business Ombudsperson that will insure that regulations pass the common sense test. PASSED INTO LAW
13. House Bill 133 - Oil and Gas Development on State Lands - The development of Marcellus and Utica shale offers the State of Ohio exciting new opportunities for oil and gas production, economic development and job growth. The creation of the Oil and Gas Leasing Commission will oversee and coordinate the leasing of land owned or controlled by a state agency, state university or college for the exploration, development and production of oil and gas. New technology and strict oversight has insured the safety of this new drilling. Wages, salaries and personal income attributable to the production would soar to an estimated $12 billion per year, including $1.6 billion in royalties by 2015. PASSED INTO LAW
14. House Bill 18 - Vacant Property/Job Creation Bill - This House Bill gives an incentive to businesses that are out of space, adding new employees and need to relocate. This bill will give the business owner an incentive to stay in Ohio, or if out of state, come to Ohio and consider locating to a vacant building. The mass exodus of large and small corporations from Ohio has left behind abandoned and vacant buildings dotting urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. New and expanding companies could revitalize these buildings. By occupying buildings where businesses have left, companies will be entering economies full of citizens that need jobs and are ready to work. Areas with high percentages of vacant or abandoned properties are also areas that have high unemployment rates. Companies expanding into these areas can revitalize the communities and make the local economy enticing for more businesses to enter, as well. Occupying previously abandoned buildings also raises the property value and therefore local governments receive a higher return on property taxes. This Bill has passed unanimously in the House Ways & Means Committee by both Democrats and Republicans on December 17, 2011 and passed overwhelmingly by 81 votes in the House of Representatives on December 14, 2011. ACTIVELY IN PROGRESS IN THE SENATE
…It’s a lopsided contest, with Baker’s level-headed, practical approach the most likely to yield dividends for the region. She understands the need for Ohio to make sure potential investors know
“Baker is the incumbent, and we believe she should stay the incumbent. Baker has correctly identified the economy and jobs as the top issues in Ohio, and she has been an energetic leader in proposing solutions to the state’s sagging prospects.”