Legislative Update

Today we hosted the Ohio Chamber for our Local Leaders Luncheon. Our panelists included:

Tony Fiore, Director of Labor and Human Resources Policy

Carrie Haughawout, Director of the Ohio Small Business Council (OSBC)

Jennifer Klein, Director of Energy & Environmental Policy

They each gave an update on legislation that is currently before the Statehouse and Congress. Unfortunately it wasn't a positive message. Between the 1 billion dollar debt Ohio owes to the federal government for unemployment compensation to the state minimum wage at $7.30 which puts Ohio as the 13th highest in the nation, the climate in Ohio and the U.S. is not one of 'business friendly'.

And then there is the wonderful concept of National Health Care Reform. Scary. Although there are several different versions of the bill in the House and Senate, they all have "pay or play" mandates requiring employers to pay for health insurance for employees or pay a penalty. And individuals must also have insurance or pay a penalty.

Please, please, please take time to let your Representatives know how you feel about this issue. It is not too late to make your voice be heard. For Licking County, here are your representatives and their contact information:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
202.456.1414
president@whitehouse.gov

Congressman Zack Space - 18th District
315 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3518
202.225.6265
www.space.house.gov

Local Office:
137 E. Iron Avenue
Dover, OH 44622
866.910.7577

Congressman Pat Tiberi - 12th District
113 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3512
202.225.5355
www.tiberi.house.gov

Local Office:
3000 Corporate Exchange Dr.
Columbus, OH 43231
614.523.2555

U.S. Senator Sharrod Brown
140 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510-3503
202.224.2315
www.brown.senate.gov

Local Office:
600 E. Superior Avenue
Suite 2450
Cleveland, OH 43215

U.S. Senator George Voinovich
524 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510-3504
202.224.3353
www.voinovich.senate.gov

Local Office:
37 W. Broad Street
Suite 301
Columbus, OH 43231
614.523.2555