Economic Development
By Admin
COLUMBUS- State Representative Raymond A. Pryor (D-Chillicothe) released the following statement regarding Gov. Strickland’s State of the State address:
“I believe Ohio is in the beginning stages of an economic upturn, and I am proud to be part of Ohio’s rise to the top. Governor Strickland’s State of the State Address was very encouraging, not only for me as a legislator but for all of Ohio and its bright future. It is encouraging to see the progress that Ohio has made over the past few years, such as ranking first among 50 states in renewable and advanced energy manufacturing projects, and the recent announcement by DuPont in Pickaway County that they will invest $175 million into a facility that will make solar panels in Ohio. I also look forward to upcoming projects such as the Ohio Neighborhood Harvest. This program will greatly impact our district by ensuring that Ohioan’s have access to affordable, healthy and locally grown food. In addition I sincerely look forward to programs such as the Energy Gateway Fund, the Build Your Own Business program, and The Small Business Growth Partnership program. Each of the programs that Gov. Strickland announced today will be significantly effective in transforming Ohio’s economy. I too, believe in Ohio. I believe that if we as legislators can reach across the aisle and work successfully within both chambers we can put Ohio on the ‘road’ to success.”
Members of the media can also contact Representative Pryor at his Columbus office by calling his Legislative Aide, Alexandra Bonnell at 614.644.7928 or by emailing district85@ohr.state.oh.us.
A text of the Governor’s remarks is available at http://www.governor.ohio.gov/2010StateoftheStateAddress.aspx
Filed in: Economic Development, Notes from Representative Ray Pryor
By Ray
Representative Pryor introduced his Work Share legislation (H.B. 432) last week. This legislation will work to keep jobs at Ohio companies, and in turn will also save the State of Ohio money in unemployment compensation. Below is a summary of the details of the legislation.
· Creates the Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program.
· Allows an employer who wishes to participate in the Program to submit a shared work plan to the Director of Job and Family Services for approval.
· Lists requirements that an employer must satisfy to have an approved shared work plan, including that the plan must reduce the normal weekly hours of work for an employee in the affected unit identified in the plan by at least 10% but not more than 40%.
· Specifies that a shared work plan takes effect on the date the Director approves the plan and expires on the last day of the 12th calendar month beginning after the effective date of the plan.
· Prohibits an employer that traditionally has used part-time employees or a seasonal employer from implementing a shared work plan to subsidize the employer’s employees.
· Lists eligibility requirements for employees to receive shared work benefits.
· Limits the amount of shared work benefits an employee may receive to 26 weeks, regardless of whether the employee has exhausted the employee’s total benefit amount for the employee’s benefit year.
Please check back later this week for more information on this legislation, or contact Rep. Pryor’s office at 614.644.7928.
Filed in: Economic Development, Legislation
By Admin
Rep. Ray Pryor’s Report to the People
“Ohio is the top state for alternative energy investment” – The Conway New Plant Report
And fortunately, enterprising leaders around the state aren’t stopping at number one. American Electric Power <www.aep.com> plans to add 1,000 megawatts of new wind energy by 2011. And one of their subsidiaries, Appalachian Power Co. <www.appalachianpower.com> has forged a 20-year agreement <www.aep.com/newsroom/newsreleases/?id=1489> to purchase renewable wind energy from a wind farm, Beech Ridge Energy, LLC. They will purchase between 100 and 147 megawatts in the first phase from the wind farm, which is expected to be up and running by March 31, 2010. AEP has additional requests out for up to 600 megawatts of renewable energy.
Additionally, Rotek Incorporated’s <www.rotek-inc.com/> Aurora, Ohio plant will undergo $82 million in expansion. This is expected to add 150 new jobs in the plant that manufactures slewing ring bearings, which is used in the wind industry.
These initiatives are strongly supported by our government leaders in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Energy Office <www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/> administers $3.5 million in state grants for solar hot water systems and wind technologies, under what is called the Advanced Energy Fund <development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/GrantsLoans.htm>. The grants provide support for the distribution and advancement of energy technologies in the service areas of one of Ohio’s four participating electric distribution companies. These grants are for smaller-scale consumers in an effort to stimulate Ohio’s market for smaller wind and solar thermal industries. They complement the manufacturing efforts across Ohio, aiming to attract the high-skilled jobs of a new energy economy.
In a time when the national dialogue is so focused on how we will develop for a sustainable future, Ohio is primed to be a longtime leader. Attention to these efforts has paid off so far, and there is still opportunity to do much more. Ohio has long been known for producing people and ideas that lead the nation and the world, and these accomplishments are proof that Ohio’s future holds promise and innovation for generations to come.
The national economy is struggling, and too many Ohioans are struggling as well. These tough times require the use of every resource we have to jumpstart our economy and create jobs. If we don’t take action and work to move our economy forward, we risk putting Ohio further behind once the national recession lifts.
The Ohio House <www.house.state.oh.us/> has taken action to use federal stimulus money to immediately begin creating jobs and positioning our economy for long-term growth. Ohio is getting $5.8 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - a shot in the arm to our ailing economy – a bold move to get it healthy again.
These dollars are about jobs. By attracting industry to our state, the free market can promote a healthy economy as we come out on the other side of this recession. Sustainable growth and prosperity begins with the action we take now.
There are a few major ways the federal funds will come to Ohio. For one, the stimulus bill includes money for federally guaranteed loans under the Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Loans backed by the government help in an economic climate where credit is still frozen for too many businesses. The loans will go toward businesses that invest in emerging technologies. New industries not only create jobs in the short-term, but they also help other businesses to grow alongside them, providing long-term economic development.
We are also using federal funds to invest in infrastructure. $1.1 billion of our transportation budget went toward keeping our roadways safe. Good roads also allow small businesses to move their goods and industry to develop along transportation corridors. The jobs created as a result can invigorate communities. We’ve pulled down $629 million for energy efficiency, green technologies, and weatherization. These are investments that reap lasting benefits. For example, weatherizing our buildings decreases energy use and increases cost savings. When people save money on energy, they invest it back into the economy.
There are many opportunities for investments now that save money later. $26 million will support preventive health care services. Countless studies show that the more we invest in preventive measures like wellness and regular doctor visits, the more long-term costs we save. And we’ve also used stimulus funds to support vital services in Ohio, such as Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and school lunches. In tough times, when more and more Ohioans are in need, it is critical to maintain our social safety net. We’ve also invested $38 million from the federal government to uphold our police forces to help keep citizens safe.
These are unique times. With major layoffs and foreclosures in the news, we must act to put Ohio back on the road to prosperity. The investments we are making will help get Ohio’s economy moving again and improve our financial position for tomorrow.
Filed in: Economic Development, General, Notes from Representative Ray Pryor
By Admin
To the editor:
As the State Representative of the 85th House District, it has been my pleasure to meet with and hear from constituents throughout the district. Since being elected in November, I have had numerous opportunities to assist citizens and learn more about the needs of Ohio and the 85th
District. I would like to review some of what has been accomplished so far.
My office has been working with constituents on a daily basis since we began. Many
constituents come for assistance, and many others come with ideas for making change in Ohio. I was happy to meet with citizens in Circleville, Washington Court House, and Chillicothe.
“Town Hall” style meetings have also been a way for me to meet constituents, keep them
informed, and address their concerns.
My office has created a Veterans Advisory Group, Education Advisory Group, Economic
Development and an Agriculture Group as a resource in the district to came back to with and for
ideas. One of the many pieces of legislation is the veterans’ bonus resolution that is now part of Ohio law.
The State budget, of course, is a top priority. We are working within committees to meet the
needs of the State in a responsible way. As it is early in the process, there are still many
unanswered questions regarding the budget and I welcome any input from constituents. I will
continue to provide information as it becomes available.
At the web site www.recovery.ohio.gov , the public can find updated information on the
stimulus package from the Federal Government to the State of Ohio. Monitoring this website
will allow constituents to stay aware of the current availability and how the stimulus money is
being used in Ohio.
Community organizations, local governments, and individuals can submit requests for stimulus
grants. As the grants are very competitive, we advise monitoring the website for updates and
submission deadlines. For assistance in applying, please contact my office. It is my intention
that the 85th District will receive an equitable amount of the stimulus money.
Community input is always welcome. Citizens can contact my office by phone at 614.644.7928,
email at district85@ohr.state.oh.us. or mail at any time.
Sincerely,
Representative Ray Pryor
Ohio 85th House District
Filed in: Economic Development, General, Notes from Representative Ray Pryor
By Admin
Representative Raymond Pryor announces that The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $150,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Fayette County Museum. “I want
to thank The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission for investing the Fayette County Museum and in the Cultural of Fayette County,” commented the Representative, “The funding will allow the museum to do several upgrades, and make visits to the museum a better experience.”
Representative Pryor went on to say, “The Victorian-Italianate mansion is a piece of history that
Fayette County is proud to home, and now with the funds allowed by The Ohio Cultural Facilities
Commission, this museum will help to make Fayette County a better place to live for all of it’s citizens.”
This museum was a 3,600-square-foot home, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; its presence in Fayette County provides the history of its area to all residents, and will now be a more beautiful place to visit. “Congratulations to the museum and I look forward to seeing the results of the new constructions.”
Filed in: Economic Development
By Admin
For nearly 30 years, I have worked to provide assistance to people seeking employment. My perspective from the trenches illustrated for me how important it is to have a state that is friendly to both employees and employers. We must help our current businesses grow so they are capable of hiring more employees. We must provide new workers with the skills these businesses need to succeed. Under the current Representative’s watch, many manufacturing businesses have left and not been replaced. Along with those businesses went good paying jobs that fed families and provided the economic resources for entire communities. My number one priority is to insure our current employers have opportunities to grow and to focus on attracting new industries.
Filed in: Economic Development