Please ask your Ohio legislators to support a Business Friendly environment

[jodyNcolumbus]

find your legislator: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/

Dear Hon Senator David Goodman and Hon Representative Kevin Bacon,

I am active in the local technology community and was dismayed to read the recent report that Ohio ranked so low in the recent New Economy Index:

The recently released 2008 State New Economy Index measures factors such as entrepreneurship, the number of inventor patents, work-force education and other indicators to determine a state's progress toward a more dynamic economy. Ohio ranked 30th this year, about the same as in previous years. One of the areas in particular in which the state lagged was entrepreneurial activity, something the Ohio Department of Development says it is working to change.
http://columbustech.blogspot.com/2008/12/study-ohio-mired-in-old-ec...
I urge you to consider supporting Senate Bill 305 and House Bill 502. "We can help the Ohio economy by being open and inclusive," Miller said. "Many people in the gay and lesbian community have the creative and entrepreneurial skills our economy needs. You don't want to send a message that you're not welcome in Ohio."

Ohio has the ability to show it has a business-friendly, open-minded environment and distinguish itself from other mid-western states.

Please support : Senate Bill 305 and House Bill 502
http://www.dowhatsrightohio.com/


Be Well!
Jody Dzuranin

[jodyNcolumbus]

National Broadband Initiative

[jodyNcolumbus]

I followed up with the Ohio Department of Development...
Jody –
Thanks for your note. I checked on the status of the two bills. Senate Bill 305 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary & Civil Justice Committee; House Bill 502 has been referred to the House State Government and Elections Committee. As you may be aware, the General Assembly is only scheduled to be in session until December 18th, at the latest, so it does not appear likely that there will be action on these bills this session.
Ed Jerse
Government Relations Office
======
Ed,
I appreciate your response. My question for you, does the Department of Development take steps to advocate for this initiative?

There is much hope that the new Ohio Assembly will be more open to a non-discrimiation law. I understand the House has just passed a tax credit to appeal to the film industry. I am uncertain whether this is helpful to our economy or not, however it seems to me that a credit to the film industry without protection on discrimination on our LGBT citizens would be an empty gesture. (We are not going to attract the employers who draw from folks in the creative industry). My understanding is that the governor may veto the film credit anyway (if it passes) in favor of a more holistic job and industry stimulus plan, which is probably good thinking.

For my 2 cents, I think investment in efforts like ConnectOhio and statewide fast broadband is crucial to attracting the high tech jobs we say we want. I am aware that Obama may be proposing a national broadband initiative, but Ohio should get it done now so we can be on the forefront to be a more attractive home for high tech industry.

Be Well!
Jody Dzuranin