Political parties trade accusations

By Marc Kovac

GOP and Democrats blasted away at each other over legislation to aid the economy.

COLUMBUS — Republicans in the Ohio House are criticizing the Democrat-controlled chamber for not doing enough to boost economic development in the state.

During a series of press conferences Monday, the minority party said House Democrats have failed to conduct public hearings on bills they’ve offered that would create jobs.

In particular, they said, the House’s Economic Development Committee has met only four times since the start of the session for a total of about two hours. The committee has not had a meeting since late March.

“Economic development deserves much more” said Rep. Cheryl Grossman, a Republican from Grove City, speaking during a Statehouse press conference Monday. She added that the lack of meetings was “inexcusable [and] irresponsible when you look at so many people that are out of jobs.”

Economic development-related legislation being pushed by Republicans include a tax credit for employers who hire unemployed Ohioans, state-sponsored capital loans for small businesses, tax credits for college graduates who stay in the state and small business regulatory reforms.

House Democrats were quick to quash Republicans’ criticism.

House Speaker Pro Tem Matt Szollosi, a Democrat from Toledo, said in a released statement, “Today’s announcement by House GOP members is a positive sign that they have decided to reverse their opposition to the job-creation initiatives we’ve put forth and start joining our efforts to help get Ohio’s economy moving again.”