Taft Delivers Sixth State-of-the-State Address
COLUMBUS, OHIO (January 28, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today delivered the State of the State address, outlining a pro-jobs agenda. Taft appointed a Jobs Cabinet, called for passage of a Jobs Bill, and urged legislators to work with him to reform Ohio's tax code.
"My New Year's resolution is to spend every day doing all I can to help create jobs for Ohioans," Taft said. "Everything depends on a good job - strong families, strong communities, the pursuit of the American dream, and a tax base to support schools for our kids and services for our seniors."
The Jobs Cabinet, chaired by Development Director Bruce Johnson, will work to help those who have lost jobs, enable companies to find the skilled workers they need to succeed, and cut red tape through regulatory reform.
Taft's Jobs Bill will:
? Sustain the Third Frontier Project through the tobacco budget and capital bill, and redirect additional dollars to protect investments already made;
? Invest in training Ohio's workforce by redirecting funding to double our commitment to job-training programs that match company training initiatives, and create the Worker Guarantee Program to recruit, train and screen workers for companies that create at least 100 new jobs;
? Extend the Ohio Enterprise Zone Program and expand the Job Creation Tax Credit to provide new economic development tools to keep Ohio competitive with other states; and,
? Protect Ohio's defense jobs by providing an additional $1 million to fully fund local community efforts to fight the federal base closure process.
Taft strongly renewed his call for tax reform. "Last year I proposed a sweeping plan to lower rates, broaden the base and treat taxpayers fairly. We're all on record in supporting tax reform. Let's roll up our sleeves and get it done this year."
To ensure the long-term vitality of the manufacturing sector, Taft asked the legislature to pass comprehensive tort reform legislation and workers' compensation reform. He also identified agriculture as a key to Ohio's future, and committed to continue to promote agricultural exports and to work to break ground on an ethanol plant in Ohio this year.
Throughout the speech, Taft focused on Ohio's strengths, and contended that we need to promote the state more effectively to attract and retain good jobs. Taft announced that this year the administration will partner with foundations, businesses and local economic development groups to create a non-profit marketing organization that will promote Ohio's economic assets.
"Let's make sure that the rest of the world knows what you and I already know, that Ohio is the best place in America to live, to work and raise a family."
