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Reversing the Exodus

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With 2009 coming to a close, I wanted to share with you some of the highlights of my efforts in the Ohio legislature over the past year.  I take my job as a State Representative very seriously and am committed to continue being a leader in the Statehouse, even as I ramp up my campaign for State Treasurer.

Ohio is facing numerous challenges, including a large budget deficit, soaring unemployment and an exodus of jobs, young people and retirees.  Solving these problems requires responsible leadership and fresh thinking — and I am working hard every day to identify business-friendly, limited-government solutions to Ohio’s economic struggle.  Here are some examples:  

• Eliminating Ohio’s Estate Tax:  I am proud to support efforts underway to eliminate Ohio’s estate tax.  This form of double-taxation has had the unfortunate and predictable result of making Palm Beach, Naples and Phoenix second capitals of Ohio.  By forcing retirees to become citizens of other states, we are losing an incredible amount of financial and intellectual capital that should be invested in our communities.  Ohio’s estate tax hits the middle class, homeowners and farmers while driving jobs, capital and families out of Ohio.  I am committed to support the efforts of endohioestatetax.com as we fight to eliminate this economic burden on Ohio families.

• Consolidating State Government:  I am also proud to support House Bill 25 which is an effort, authored by Representative John Adams, to reduce, reorganize and remove duplicative services in our state government.  Facing large budget deficits, government must tighten its belt and reduce expenses rather than raise taxes and fees on Ohio families and businesses.  Estimates show that by consolidating state agencies, Ohio could save over $1 billion dollars annually.  In this tough economic environment, families and individuals are tightening their belts and our state government should do the same.

• Standing up for Seniors and Retirees:  When I learned that changes to the tax code by Congress and the IRS were going to cause unexpected end-of-year tax bills for Ohio’s seniors and retirees, I introduced a resolution calling on the federal government to correct its error.  I’m proud to say, working with State Senator Jimmy Stewart, and because of the leadership of Congressmen Jim Jordan and Pat Tiberi, this problem was resolved.  Ohio’s seniors dedicated their lives to their state and community and I’m proud to fight for them at the Statehouse.  

• Growing Ohio’s Economy through Independence from Foreign Oil:  I am a strong co-sponsor of House Bill 107 which is a measure to allow Ohioans to drill for oil and gas on state lands.  This legislation would empower Ohioans to maximize the natural resources within our borders in order to create jobs, promote economic activity and foster independence from foreign oil.  I believe responsible exploration of oil and gas in Ohio will help drive down energy prices for Ohio families and businesses and contribute to our nation’s fight against terrorism.  I am also proud to support efforts underway to build a coal gasification plant in Ohio, which would utilize Ohio coal to create Ohio jobs and foster independence from foreign oil.

These are just a handful of the issues on which I am working to improve the lives of Ohioans and reverse the exodus of jobs, young people and retirees from Ohio.  Through countless hours at the Statehouse and by traveling 61,323 miles throughout the state, I have heard from thousands of people and the message is clear – Ohio needs new leadership.  I am ready to provide Ohio with the leadership it needs in order to improve our economy through economic freedom, limited government and fiscal responsibility.  

Your support has given my candidacy for State Treasurer incredible momentum heading into 2010 and we need to keep that momentum growing.  If you have not already done so, please be sure to support me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and tell your friends about my candidacy.  Also, please consider making a contribution to help me spread my message across Ohio.  

Thank you again for your continued support and best wishes to you and your family for a peaceful and fruitful finish to 2009.
 
Josh

 
P.S. I would greatly appreciate your making an end-of-year contribution to my campaign.  Your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, or even more will help us finish the year strong!  As you may know, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar Ohio tax credit of up to $50 per individual and $100 per couple by contributing to my campaign.  Please also consider signing up on my website to make a recurring monthly contribution and ensure that you get your tax credit for 2010!