Ohio House Republicans Lay Out Priorities for 131st General Assembly, Long-Term Visions for Ohio
In a press conference at the Statehouse this morning, Speaker Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) and members of the Ohio House Republican caucus discussed the priorities that will guide the 131st General Assembly.
“We’ve taken great strides in recent general assemblies to improve the quality of life for Ohioans, but there is still much more to be done,” Rosenberger said. “We believe it is important as a caucus to lay out our long-term vision for keeping our state moving in the right direction.”
Rosenberger introduced “Ohio 2020,” a member-driven series of long-term objectives focused on four policy areas: Competitiveness, Energy, Education and Health. Ohio 2020 provides a framework for members of the caucus to work together and to introduce ideas that will make Ohio stronger.
One of the first bills introduced will center around making Ohio more economically competitive, including reducing the new-business filing fee placed on entrepreneurs and finding ways to improve upon the economic development program “OhioMeansJobs".
The caucus will place strong emphasis on the Higher Education Workforce Grant Program, which is designed to strengthen the link between students and the job market. This will allow for those students to get experience in the workplace so that they are better prepared for graduation.
Charter school reform is also an important area of focus, namely increasing transparency and accountability. Furthermore, the goal is to strengthen oversight by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of sponsors, schools and management organizations.
To address concerns pertaining to water quality, the House will build on progress that was made during the previous legislative term and work with the agriculture community and regulatory agencies. The House Agriculture & Rural Development Committee is holding its first hearing tomorrow in Van Wert, where it will discuss water quality and nutrient management practices.
Regarding energy, the House will focus on approving measures that ensure Ohioans have access to energy that is safe, reliable and affordable. Also important is adopting policies that establish Ohio as an energy-producing state, as well as a hub for energy companies to locate and expand their operations.
Finally, one of the top priorities centers on ensuring Ohioans have access to affordable health care. Besides access, the goals of the Republican caucus during the 131st General Assembly will focus on allowing people to receive the highest quality of care for what they pay and to ensure Ohioans understand the costs associated with care. House Republicans will also look to put in place protocols for Naloxone, a life-saving drug that has the potential to reverse an opioid-related overdose.
The press conference can be viewed in its entirety by going to http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=145714.