What is economic freedom? It’s the ability to decide how to produce, sell and consume without unnecessary government interference. Economic freedom powers prosperity and is the key to greater opportunity, more jobs and a better quality of life for all Ohioans.
Since 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce has been aggressively championing free enterprise, economic competitiveness and growth for the benefit of all Ohioans. Our united voice in the state’s legislative matters speaks for the thousands of individual businesses that we represent, thus strengthening the business climate in Ohio.
At the beginning of each new General Assembly, the Ohio Chamber crafts a legislative agenda. These are the goals that our governmental affairs team will strive to achieve in the next two years. These goals help us to fulfill our mission of improving our state for the benefit of all Ohioans.
With an unwavering focus on improving Ohio’s economy and a thorough understanding of the need for public policy supporting business growth and job creation, policymakers tackled many long-ignored problems in state government during 2011-12. And the result has been an improving business climate, a healthier economy and fewer unemployed Ohioans.
Now, we must build upon this positive momentum to further boost Ohio’s economic recovery. More still needs to be done to enhance the ability of Ohio businesses to compete, and we must not allow the state government to return to the old ways of doing business.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s 2013-14 public policy priorities reflect an emphasis on these goals, and all our priorities serve to advance the important objective of fostering economic freedom. We are committed to working with lawmakers and Gov. John Kasich’s administration during the 130th Ohio General Assembly to achieve an enduring economic renewal through the following:
Affordable energy
Maximize the economic potential of Ohio’s domestic energy resources and cultivate a diverse portfolio of energy sources and technologies.
Business costs
Unleash the job-creating potential of Ohio employers by reducing the cost and complexity of doing business in the state.
Government mandates
Provide businesses with the freedom and flexibility to operate and innovate without intrusive government mandates.
Government red tape
Maximize regulatory benefits in the most cost-effective manner.
Legal environment
Enhance and protect a fair and predictable civil justice system with common-sense reforms that control litigation costs and eliminate lawsuit abuse.
State constitutional reform
Modernize Ohio’s system of government and safeguard the Ohio Constitution from abuse by special interests.
Tax climate
Foster a more competitive tax system that encourages business investment, expansion and location.
Transforming government
Improve government efficiency, effectiveness and accountability to achieve better results at a lower cost to taxpayers.
Workforce excellence
Strengthen the link between education and workforce development programs and the skills needed by employers in today’s competitive, mobile and high-tech economy.
As the voice for business in Ohio and the state’s most diverse business advocacy group, the Ohio Chamber has several information outlets. Follow the Ohio Chamber of Commerce on Facebook (search Ohio Chamber), Twitter @OhioChamber and on the Web at www.ohiochamber.com. The Chamber’s blog “Talking Policy” reports on legislative and regulatory issues that impact Ohio’s business community. The “Ohio Pro-Biz Politics” blog follows Ohio’s political happenings. ●
Keith Lake is the vice president of government affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the Ohio Chamber’s legislative advocacy program, directs the activities of the lobbying team, follows health care legislation and oversees the political and grassroots programs. Lake is also the principal contact for members of the Ohio House and Senate. He can be reached at [email protected] or (614) 228-4201.
