“Restoring fiscal discipline to Ohio’s government is crucial,” Daniels said. “Not only has the government been spending beyond its means, but it has been soaking families and businesses instead of reducing waste. If we hope to revitalize the economy and create jobs, we need to first look inward at how Ohio’s government is operating. Just as families are reducing their spending during this difficult economy, the government should do the same.” 

The award was presented at a breakfast ceremony in Columbus, held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The United Conservatives of Ohio supports the responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and the free-market system of competition among private sector firms. Representative Daniels is a three-time ‘Watchdog’ honoree, having not only won the award in the 127^th General Assembly, but also the 125^th and 126^th General Assemblies.

In addition to my work in the Statehouse, I am also a member of the Wilmington Economic Task Force, which strives to create and retain local jobs while seeking viable solutions to our region’s economic crisis. This bipartisan collaboration of local, state and federal leaders demonstrates our commitment to addressing the issues at hand. With the loss of more than 8,000 local jobs after the closure of Wilmington Air Park, I am proud to serve on this task force to bring jobs and revenue back to southwest Ohio.

As I work toward sustainable economic solutions both in Columbus and here at home, I’d like to bring to your attention various resources that are available as you seek your next career. In an increasingly competitive job market, it is vital that job seekers utilize the tools and resources right in front of them.

The One-Stop Highland County Employment Center is one such resource that offers various programs and services to job seekers. You may search job postings, research job and labor information, learn about unemployment compensation, or use the Resource Room to update your résumé. You may also explore career descriptions and different training programs. There is also a Jobs Club program, which is a four-week series to help job seekers improve their skills as they search for employment. For links to classified ads, a State of Ohio job search site, and Highland Sun help wanted ads, you may visit the employment center’s web site at www.highlandcountyworks.com. You may also visit the center located at 1575 North High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio, 45122 or call (937) 393-1933.

Workforce Connections of Pike County is another valuable resource to help you find your next job at no cost and with no income requirements. It is a fully staffed career center to assist you with career planning and community resource information. The center has access to local and regional newspapers, as well as college catalogs, financial aid and grant applications, and Labor Market Information. There is also standard office equipment on site, including computers with Internet access and phones. For more information about the Workforce Connections of Pike County, you may call (740) 289-2371 or stop in the office at 941 Market Street, Piketon, Ohio, 45661.

These are just a few of the options available to you. You can contact your local elected officials for options not listed. I hope you find this information helpful as you pursue a rewarding career. If you have any questions or concerns about statewide issues, I encourage you to contact my office by calling (614) 466-3506 or by mail at State Representative David T. Daniels, 77 S. High Street, 10^th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. You may also email me at District86@ohr.state.oh.us.

Falling Behind

With 2.1 million hunting and fishing licenses sold annually, and about 1,300 licensing agents statewide, Ohio is an established hotbed for hunting and fishing. The current POS system was implanted with a life expectancy of 5-7 years. 11 years later, this software system is failing and becoming increasingly unreliable. The customer’s experience in Ohio is beginning to feel the negative effect of the expiring system. Currently, when a license is purchased in a store or online, the purchase generally does not register for as many as two weeks. During those two weeks, it becomes a hassle for both you and a game warden if asked to verify proof that you’ve purchased a license.

The Solution

The Wild Ohio Customer Relationship Management System (WOCRMS) is the next step in providing Ohio’s sportsmen and women with updated services that make the outdoors as accessible, fair, and user-friendly as possible. It integrates 9 different business areas into a single database so that 21st century conveniences are delivered to the customers. With this new technology in place, all transactions (license sales, game checks, etc.) will occur in real time, as the entire system will be internet based. Law Enforcement Officers in the field will have remote access to all of this real time data, allowing them to check licenses and respond to daily issues as quickly and effectively as possible. Most importantly, perhaps, is that WOCRMS is a responsible use of sportsmen’s dollars. There is no anticipated increase in license fees, and customer service will improve immensely.

The goal of the ODNR is to have the WOCRMS system completely phased-in on March 1, 2011. If you have further questions regarding WOCRMS, or any other wildlife concern, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 2045 Morse Rd., Building G, Columbus, OH 43229-6693. You can also reach the Division of Wildlife by calling toll-free to 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Benefits of the New System

• License sales and game-check transactions would be performed in real time and available during the holidays when many sales outlets are closed
• Would allow biologists and law enforcement to electronically gather data to manage wildlife and enforce Ohio’s hunting regulations.
• Will save hunters and anglers on fuel costs, time, and frustrations with closed license sales outlets/check stations, which equates to more time in the field!

Created by the Ohio Legislature in 1949, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) owns and manages more than 590,000 acres of land including 74 state parks, 20 state forests, 134 state nature preserves and 138 wildlife areas. Under the Division of Wildlife, all revenue is used to preserve and protect Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all Ohioans.

The IRS estimates that 20 percent of Ohioans who are eligible for EITC do not claim it. To find out how you can enjoy the benefits of this program, visit the EITC website.

Here are the annual earnings maximums for Tax Year 2009:

• Individuals:  $18,440
• Individual with 1 child: $35,463
• Individual with 2 children: $40,295
• Individual with 3 or more children: $43,279
• Married couple: $18,440
• Married couple with 1 child: $40,463
• Married couple with 2 children: $45,295
• Married couple with 3 or more children: $48,279

The homestead exemption offers property tax relief to eligible senior citizens and disabled Ohioans. It provides the opportunity for homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of the market value of their home from property taxes, regardless of income. Therefore, a home with a market value of $100,000 would be taxed as if it is worth $75,000.

In today’s difficult economic climate, this exemption helps eligible homeowners save an average of about $400 annually.

Seniors and disabled Ohioans must apply with their local county auditor in order to take advantage of the homestead exemption. During 2010, county auditors will be accepting applications from January 5 through June 7.

For more information about eligibility or how to apply for the exemption, you may contact your local county auditor’s office, or the Ohio Department of Taxation at (800) 282-1780.

Any Ohio homeowner is eligible if he or she is:

• At least 65 years old or turns 65 in the year they apply
• Totally and permanently disabled as of January 1 of the year they apply, as certified by a licensed physician, psychologist, or a state or federal agency
• Is the surviving spouse of a person who was receiving the previous homestead exemption at the time of death and where the surviving spouse was at least 59 years old on the date of death

These times call for immediate action, yet the combination of an unbalanced budget and the continuing decline of revenue has led to our current  deficit of nearly $900 million. As we reflect on the accomplishments of the first year in the 128th General Assembly, it is miniscule in comparison to what could have been done. With that, I’d like to take a moment to touch on some significant pieces of legislation that passed from the Ohio House in 2009, and then look at additional ideas that could benefit our fellow Ohioans.

State Operating Budget

Unlike the federal government, Ohio is constitutionally obligated to balance revenues and expenditures on a biennial basis. House Bill 1 was the state operating budget, a 3,500-page, $50.5 billion budget that passed the Legislature in July. Some of the key issues that arose during budget discussions were the allocation of federal stimulus dollars, education reforms, funding for higher education, and strategies to promote economic development and create jobs in Ohio.

The bill succeeded in including the reauthorization of four existing tax credits for Ohioans:  job retention, job creation, technology investment and venture capital credits. It also established new tax credits to draw Hollywood film production and sporting events to our state.

While the budget did not impose any new taxes on Ohioans, it initiated more than $1 billion in fees, fines and penalties as a fundraiser for the state.

Additional Legislation

The Ohio Legislature made some positive steps this General Assembly in recognizing groups worthy of acknowledgment. Through the passage of House Bill 150, August was designated as Ohio Military Family Month for all families who selflessly sacrifice for the sake of their country.

Additionally, moving Ohio away from stereotypes and into a new age of acceptance, the Ohio House voted positively on Senate Bill 79 to remove “Mental Retardation” from the name of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. In the midst of a blood shortage this summer, the Legislature marked House Bill 67 as high priority to allow 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent.

Current Proposals

The most recently introduced bill in “The Future of Ohio” jobs package proposal, House Bill 388 would require any legislation that appropriates money or raises taxes to be made publicly available for at least 48 hours prior to consideration by the House or Senate.

House Bills 144 and 360 are similar pieces of legislation that would implement income tax credits for college graduates and those who obtain journeyperson status in a trade, to encourage residency in Ohio.

When enacted, the proposals would  work to create jobs, reduce wasteful government spending and increase accountability to contribute to Ohio’s economic recovery.

With 2009 behind us, my colleagues and I are looking forward to many bipartisan conversations in 2010. There is much work to be done and viable initiatives to be explored, so we may begin to work to ensure Ohio’s future

“I am disappointed that the State of the State message fell short in providing hope to many citizens of Ohio. While there was some discussion of new initiatives and incentives, there was very little to assure us that the Administration would work to reduce the size of government and reign in state spending. It is no secret that the next biennial budget will be difficult to balance without a combination of both job growth and reduced spending. I stand ready to work with anyone interested in an honest discussion as to where we can reduce our spending, lessen regulatory burdens on small businesses, and make Ohio attractive to those that create jobs.”

Winter Reconnect Order

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio began its annual winter reconnect order just a few months ago. The service allows residential customers who have had their home heating service disconnected or received a disconnection notice an opportunity to restore service with their natural gas or electric company. The customer pays $175 or the amount owed, whichever is less, plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36. This service may be used once during the winter season until April 15, 2010. There is no income eligibility requirement to use the reconnection program, but participants must enroll in a payment plan in order to pay the past-due balance on their utility bill.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

This program helps homeowners with incomes at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty line who have been disconnected from their heating or received a disconnection notice to pay their heating bills. Customers can use HEAP one time per heating season.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

An extended payment program is available for consumers with incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line. Most electric and natural gas companies are required to accept payment based on a percentage of an eligible household’s income. Consumers are responsible for payment of the remaining balance when they leave the program. A consumer can join PIPP at any time during the year.  

For more information about any of these programs, contact your local utility provider, or call PUCO at 1-800-686-7826

Energy Conservation Tips To Utilize This Winter

 Electric Conservation:

• Operate the dishwasher with a full load and use the energy-saving cycle whenever possible.
• Have the air conditioning system checked by a professional to ensure that it is working at peak efficiency.

 Natural Gas Conservation:

• Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when you are not at home.
• Seal drafty windows with plastic.
• Check the furnace filter monthly and change it when necessary.

 Water Conservation:

• Install a low-flow showerhead and take only 5-minute showers or 3-inch baths.
• Do not overuse detergent because additional rinsing may be required

These scholarships are provided by the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools without any cost to the state. The primary objective of these selected programs is to prepare individuals for a career in one of Ohio’s businesses or industries.

Students from the graduating class of 2010 may wish to contact Representative Daniels’ office at (614) 466-3506, or their guidance counselor for more details concerning these scholarships.

Representative Daniels indicates that this is a real opportunity for the class of 2010 to further their education during or after high school in one of Ohio’s trade or business schools at little or no cost.

“Ohio’s budget problems will only get worse as a result of the passage of House Bill 318,” Daniels said. “The deficit we are facing currently is only a glimpse of things to come in the next biennial budget and the passage of this bill does nothing to address the problems we will face in the next budget process. Though the problems Ohioans will face in the next budget will not be solved unless we are willing to find viable ways to deliver the essential services that are required, many long-term solutions put forth by my colleagues were rejected.”

House Republicans have maintained steadfast opposition to the tax increase included in the House Bill 318 because it failed to accompany any cost-containment measures, thereby disproportionately growing the size of state government. Governor Strickland and House Democrats supported the retroactive 4.2 percent tax increase while disregarding all House Republican initiatives to reduce wasteful government spending.

“This tax increase will become clear to the residents of Ohio as they prepare to file their tax forms next year,” Daniels said. “Employers have been withholding taxes on employees in 2009 based on the lower rate. Many Ohioans will find that they have not met their tax liability through withholding as is most often the case.” Daniels added that increasing the tax rate will hit small business hard in Ohio because many small businesses pay business taxes based on the Ohio personal income tax schedule. “If we are to increase job opportunities in southern Ohio, raising taxes on those most likely to create jobs is not the answer.”

“I voted no on HB 318 because it failed to do anything to address the long-term problems we are facing in Ohio, and because it will create obstacles for the small businesses that are our best hope for economic growth in our region of the state and damage our ability to provide a job-friendly environment.”