State Senator Jay Hottinger

With a new page and a new year on the calendar, 2006 is already underway. In just a few days, the Ohio Senate will convene its first sessions and committee meetings of the new year. Like 2005, during the year 2006 my legislative colleagues and I will be addressing a number of issues important to the future of Ohio and its families.

While 2005 saw the passage of the state's biennial operating budget, 2006 will see passage of a capital budget. In order to help with the cost of making improvements and renovations to public facilities, or "bricks and mortar" projects, the state performs this separate capital budgeting process that includes allocating state funds to counties and local communities. Funded through the proceeds from state bonds, capital dollars have helped to build new schools and university buildings, to make improvements to our cityscapes and to preserve historical landmarks, among other things.

Toward the end of last year, the General Assembly began hearings on legislation addressing predatory lending and 2006 will most likely see continued discussions and possible action on this issue. Recent news reports have pointed to high rates of foreclosures and bankruptcies in Ohio. The legislature will review the causes of these problems and consider ways to further protect homebuyers from deceptive lenders and make sure consumers are informed about all aspects of their home loans. Another issue of concern to many Ohioans, especially with winter heating bills arriving in the mail, is energy costs. The Senate will be working toward development of a state energy policy with the goal of bringing stability to rising energy prices. Legislators will be studying alternative fuel sources and reasons for rising costs in an effort to determine how to best bring relief to residential and business consumers. Our state must do all it can to ensure utilities are affordable and businesses will be attracted to Ohio. In 2006 the legislature will also continue work on an important effort to protect private property owners. In a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Kelo v. New London, justices upheld the ability of government to seize private property in order to make way for growth by commercial industries in the name of economic development. Senate Bill 167 enacted a statewide moratorium on eminent domain actions by local governments until December 31, 2006. Under the bill, this year a task force will study the use of eminent domain during the moratorium. The task force will look at the impact that the Kelo ruling will have on Ohio while also studying the overall impact of eminent domain and land use planning on Ohio's communities.

Another priority for this year will be continuing to create new jobs and economic development in our state. Building on the tax reforms enacted in the budget last year, we will work on ways to bring additional business incentives and new technology to Ohio. Economic development is also tied closely with another goal for this year, which is improving access to higher education. By creating more affordable and quality educational opportunities, we can train Ohioans for higher paying jobs and thus create a stronger economy.

This year I will also continue work on the legislation I am sponsoring, which includes cracking down on drunk drivers who refuse alcohol tests, helping small businesses better afford health care, and strengthening marriages and families by creating the option of a covenant marriage. Between the legislation I am sponsoring and the hundreds of other bills that will be considered this year, I'm sure 2006 will prove to be another busy and exciting year in the Ohio Senate. I look forward to a new year and the new opportunities it brings to improve our great state.

As always, I welcome your questions, comments and input on state government issues. Please feel free to contact me by mail (State Senator Jay Hottinger, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, OH 43215), by email (sd31@mailr.sen.state.oh.us) or by phone (614-466-5838).