An Ernest Look at 2009 by Ohio House Republicans
ByCOLUMBUS — House Republicans today highlighted the 2009 legislative year with the following solutions as offered by the caucus throughout the year.
“I am honored and humbled to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives,” said House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “Throughout 2009, I welcomed the opportunity to work in a bipartisan manner with members from across Ohio. However, many Republican-offered solutions were either silenced or ignored completely throughout the process. It is my hope that the New Year will encourage an open and honest discussion.”
House Republicans faced a unique situation in 2009 they had not experienced in more than 14 years: serving as the minority party. Throughout the year the caucus offered numerous viable, alternative solutions to the irresponsible policies proposed by the Democratic majority. There are many examples of House Republicans providing solutions in 2009—here are 10 examples.
10. House Republican Leader Batchelder predicts on the eve of the 2009 State of the State address that Governor Strickland’s budget will face many shortfalls and without reforms, tax increases will be forced onto the backs of hard-working Ohioans. With this in mind, Leader Batchelder introduces a plan to “beat the government bloat,” through restructuring state government, reforming how Ohio does business. [Read More]
9. House Republicans call for the resignation of the OMB Budget Director after numerous failed budget numbers and misinformation. [Read More]
8. In House Bill 260 the majority party attempts to hi-jack elections from the local clerks and centralize power under the Secretary of State. More than 20 Republican solutions were silenced while the bill was debated. [Read More]
7. House Republicans hold Governor Strickland accountable and stand up for government transparency when they sued for the alleged “Evidence Based” Education Plan. After the lawsuit was filed with the Ohio Supreme Court, Governor Strickland reluctantly shared some of the details of his education plan that he had previously not made public. [Read More]
6. Freedom is what this country is based on and freedom is what all Ohioans will receive under the GOP caucus’ sponsored House Joint Resolution 3; the Ohio Healthcare Freedom Act. This act encourages protection from universal mandates that may be more harmful than helpful to Ohioans. [Read More]
5. While unemployment sky-rocketed, Governor Strickland assisted House Democrats in passing a retroactive tax increase: The Republican caucus introduced a plan to phase out the income tax with a goal of creating more jobs and deterring the populous drain caused by the unattractive tax climate. [Read More]
4. House Republicans examined all issues and topics on a microscopic level; an example is the House policy committee that unveiled a package of 10 bills to reform government through three simple words: Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency. [Read More]
3. Republicans from across Ohio united in efforts throughout the summer to interact with real business owners and struggling families to launch the “Future of Ohio” jobs package. This package was unified by one goal: Fight the out-of-control skyrocketing unemployment. All 10 bills were aimed at increasing our workforce in OUR state. [Read More]
2. Leader Batchelder was joined by the caucus in proposing to bring back the Legislative Budget Office, a separate non-partisan entity that would ensure politics would not find their way into budget numbers by the party in the majority when balancing the state budget. [Read More]
1. Finally, the caucus offered a plan that would save nearly $1 billion dollars when fully enacted. House Bill 25 is a complete restructuring of how Ohio’s government operates by reducing state agencies from 24 down to 11 and reorganizing the departments so they perform their services more efficiently. Although the bill was introduced in January it was silenced for nearly 11 months before sponsor testimony was heard. This vital piece of legislation remains in the House State Government Committee, anxiously awaiting a vote. [Read More]
