Recently, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 213, legislation I introduced that would protect Ohio small businesses participating in the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation group rating programs from further “rate shock” during one of the worst economic climates in Ohio history.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is in the process of addressing disparity in rates paid by different Ohio businesses to ensure the long-term solvency of the state’s injured workers’ fund. At present, the Bureau intends to move forward with plans to reduce the level of discounts long-afforded to Ohio group-rated companies beginning on July 1, 2010. This is on top of already approved discount reductions and added surcharges since 2005, and will result in significant premium increases for many small businesses at a time when many are struggling to make their payrolls and keep their doors open.

Senate Bill 213 would freeze maximum premium discounts at the level they will be on July 1st for two years, eliminate an added surcharge approved by the BWC and require the Bureau to conduct a thorough study of the premium rating system to determine the best course of action in the future. SB 213 was also amended while in committee to keep politics out of the process by ensuring that any rebates offered to employees in election years must be approved by the Ohio General Assembly. (more)

With the beginning to a new year among us, it is important to keep in mind our priorities as state legislators. There are many pressing issues and pieces of legislation coming before us in the coming months which will have serious impacts on Ohio’s jobs, businesses and economy.

Among my top priorities for the year is continuing to improve Ohio’s economy by creating more jobs and working with businesses, small and large. Many businesses are looking to establish themselves in some way whether it be by locating, expanding or simply continuing to do business here in Ohio and it is essential that state agencies are working with these businesses and not against them. I have long been an advocate for small businesses and will continue to do so this year. A bill that I proposed, Senate Bill 3, which was passed back in March, would crucially help small businesses. It is critical that the House passes this bill in order to require a rule-making agency to prepare a cost-benefit report for small businesses. Another bill which I sponsored, Senate Bill 213, would freeze the line on rate increases for small businesses who are in the group rating system who have increasingly seen their rates go up. (more)

If you have visited our nation’s Capitol Building, you may have wandered through Statuary Hall on your way from the magnificent Rotunda to the House wing of the building. Back in 1864, Congress authorized each of the states to furnish statues in either marble or bronze to commemorate the civic or military achievements of two individuals who hail from that state. Since the 1880s, Ohio has been represented by marble likenesses of former President of the United States and congressman from Ohio James Garfield, and former congressman and Ohio Governor William Allen. (more)