Ohio Senator Keith Faber...
Recovery and Growth Starts with Our Local Communities 
March 21, 2012 

With March nearing its end, the effects of Ohio’s economic rebound continue to resonate throughout our state.  Just a week ago, we received welcomed news when the bond-rating agency Moody’s upgraded our state’s credit outlook from “negative” to “stable” in a move that was very similar to the boost we received in July from Standard & Poor’s.  Most impressively, however, is the fact that Ohio has solidified its spot on the national stage by ranking fifth in the country in terms of job creation – a marked improvement from our previous ranking of 48th at the beginning of last year. At the same time, Ohio is now ranked number one in the Midwest for job creation – Number One! 

News like this illustrates that Ohio is on its way back and is committed to providing new opportunities to its hard-working residents.  Clearly, the reforms we put in place over the past year are starting to payoff. 

While job creation and economic development are at the forefront of our state’s success, the ongoing efforts to streamline government and better utilize your tax dollars remain critical pieces of Ohio’s comeback.  In fact, the need to continue such work is the driving force behind the Local Government Innovation Fund (LGIF).  By way of this new program, Ohio is beginning to promote the benefits of collaboration, greater efficiency, and shared services among its local governments.  Grants and loans valued between $100,000 and $500,000 will be made available through the LGIF to local projects that successfully demonstrate such characteristics. 

Earlier this month, it was announced that nearly 80 communities across the state have already shown interest in reducing their community planning costs.  In total, applications for 115 projects from 50 Ohio counties have been received by the Department of Development for review.  Announcements regarding approved projects are expected to come during the Local Government Innovation Council Meeting on June 1. 

Although much progress has been made since the start of 2011, a number of challenges remain for our great state.  However, our work must move forward.  Innovative, new ways of thinking combined with concerted campaigns at the local level are helping to rebuild Ohio’s economy and revitalize its communities.  By working to ensure efficiency and restraint at all levels of government, each of us can play a vital role in cultivating a more prosperous future for Ohio. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any of the matters we are considering at the Statehouse.  I can be reached by phone at (614) 466-7584, by e-mail at SD12@ohiosenate.gov or by writing me at State Senator Keith Faber, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Senator Faber represents Ohio’s 12th Senate District which includes Allen, Champaign, Mercer, Preble, and Shelby Counties, as well as portions of Auglaize and Darke Counties.  He currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Ohio Senate.