Public Policy Advocates

House Committee Schedule

Senate Committee Schedule

Governor, Legislature Unable to Establish Definite Timeline for Budget Corrections

The Governor announced last week his proposal to delay the final phase of the state income tax reduction.  The Governor called on the Legislature to act on this issue as quickly as possible, in order to close the anticipated $850 million gap caused by the loss in expected slot machine revenue.  However, the Governor and the Legislature were unable to establish a timeline for when this legislative action might take place.  Both Senate President Harris and House Speaker Budish said they were considering the Governor’s plan in addition to other possible ways to correct the budget.  However, they have told the Governor they are not confident they will be able to meet his timetable for beginning the process in the next two weeks.  Legislative leaders did receive positive news this week, when the Office of Budget and Management announced that September tax revenues were almost $40 million above estimates.  Much of the increase was credited to increased automotive sales, bolstered by the federal “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Payday Lending Regulation Bill Gains Momentum

The House Financial Institutions, Real Estate, and Securities Committee met this week to discuss HB 209, legislation aimed at further regulating the short-term lending industry.  The General Assembly passed HB 545 last year, which put an end to the 391% APR charged by payday lending institutions.  However,Rep. Matt Lundy (D-Elyria) has introduced this new legislation seeking to “close loopholes” in last year’s legislation, which he believes have allowed payday lenders to continue to offer loan products at an unfair interest rate.

Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Lowers Premiums for Public Employers

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced reduced premiums for Public Employer Taxing Districts by an average of 17 percent.  BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan said, “At a time when public employers are working with very limited resources and revenue, I’m pleased we are able to provide some economic relief by lowering their workers’ compensation costs.”

In addition to these changes, the BWC Board of Directors also announced rules aimed at leveling the playing field for BWC group rating sponsors.  The Board determined that some group rating sponsors advertise much higher discount rates than can realistically be achieved, and issued tighter limitations on how these groups can be advertised.

Ohio Department of Commerce Releases 2010 Minimum Wage

The Ohio Department of Commerce announced the minimum wage in Ohio would remain at $7.30 per hour for non-tipped employees during tax year 2010.  In 2006, the state of Ohio passed a constitutional amendment which mandated that the minimum wage be tied directly to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and increase or decrease accordingly each year.  This is the first time the minimum wage has not increased since the amendment passed, as the CPI did not increase over last year.