Senator Larry Mumper

It is often easy to focus on the "little pictures" of life. For example, every day we Ohioans must pay a few more cents per gallon to fill our gas tanks and ever-changing price tags in grocery stores make putting food on the table a little more expensive. It therefore comes as no surprise when we hear constant news reports that the "big picture" of the economy might lead to tougher days ahead for our nation. (Audio interview included.)

In light of this, the Ohio General Assembly has been continually working to ensure our state's economic security and, in turn, to maintain and improve Ohioans' quality of life. Of course, because much of our legislation has assisted individual residents or particular businesses, it can be seen as a collection of smaller pieces designed to fit together to provide improvements for the many. Two recent announcements have recognized exciting accomplishments in Ohio. By being awarded the Governor's Cup for economic advancement and receiving a lower tax burden ranking, is proof of the legislature's efforts for overall economic success and improvement in the lives of hard-working Ohioans.

As a part of the legislature's 2005 tax relief package, Ohioans have been receiving a 4.2 percent reduction on their income taxes each year. In 2010, this program will culminate in an overall 21 percent tax cut, and residents have begun to experience the benefits, namely being able to keep more of the money they have worked so hard to earn.

In addition, new legislation and programs are geared toward assisting businesses and encouraging their development. For instance, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 24, the Job Ready Sites Program, which created an equal opportunity for counties to receive funds to attract business and manufacturing facilities to their areas. Meanwhile, the Ohio Treasurer's GrowNOW program helps small businesses acquire below-market rate operating loans in order to expand their enterprises.

While these provisions have created a more attractive business environment and new jobs in Ohio, others are helping to ensure that the businesses that do enter our state can rely on an educated and highly trained workforce. The most recent state budget focused in part on making higher education more affordable to Ohio residents. By freezing state universities' tuition rates and providing millions of dollars in financial aid, the legislature hoped not only to encourage students to further their education, but also to allow more Ohioans to attend a college or university, thereby increasing the chances they will successfully fill one of the many good Ohio jobs that are now available. Ultimately, they will be part of the state's economic growth.

The overall success these pieces of legislation and programs have achieved has gained national notoriety. First of all, thanks to the tax relief package, Ohio was recently recognized by the Federation of Tax Administrators as having a significantly lower tax burden ranking since 2005, dropping 11 spots from 27th to 38th in the nation. As a result, Ohio now outranks all of its neighboring states when it comes to decreasing financial pressure on taxpayers.

Another noteworthy award, the 2007 Governor's Cup, was presented to Ohio because of its effort to encourage business investment and expansion in the state. The Governor's Cup goes to the state who has undertaken the most new or expanded capital projects. And, with nearly 400 projects underway and even more in the works, Ohio outpaced states like Illinois and Michigan to win the Governor's Cup for the second year in a row. This award exemplifies the fact that businesses are interested in operating in Ohio and, perhaps more importantly, shows that with each capital project, new jobs are created and more economic opportunities occur.

The work of the General Assembly has played an important role in maintaining Ohio as a major economic force, and Ohioans can be proud of their state's achievements and enjoy the resulting benefits. Nevertheless, as there is still work to be done, we in the legislature will build on what we've accomplished so far - a more favorable tax climate, help for businesses and a strong workforce - so that Ohio will continue its economic development.

As always, I welcome your views on state issues. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, or if you need assistance working with a state government agency, please write to me:  Senator Larry A. Mumper, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or call my office at (614) 466-8049.

Senator Mumper was featured on yesterday's "Zell on the Bell" Show on WBLL.

The conservative talked with host Will Zell about many issues, including the economy in Ohio and across the nation.

He also explained some recent legislation in Florida that he supports.

There is a law called the Castle Doctrine, which determines how much force we can use to defend ourselves when an intruder enters our home. Mumper discussed the new law in Florida.

Listen to his comments.

You can hear Mumper once a month on "Zell on the Bell".

The show airs each Friday morning at nine on 1390 WBLL.