With 2012 under way, lawmakers have returned to Columbus committed to building on the recovery and reform measures of 2011.  Last year saw new, innovative approaches to job creation and a renewed effort to put the ‘Open for Business’ sign back on Ohio's front door.  While Ohio has embarked on a road to recovery, many challenges remain.  I embrace the hard work that is needed as we all strive together, to rebuild our great state.Ohio’s small business people and entrepreneurs know all too well that bureaucratic red tape and over-regulation have been main culprits in driving jobs away from the …

My first year serving our community in the Ohio Senate has taught me much, but perhaps the most important lesson was that many of the best ideas for Ohio’s future come from people like you. From suggestions on tax reform and job creation to common sense ideas for sparking our economy, the opinions that you share with me continue to shape the work I do for you in Columbus. An example of this came several months ago when a man from Ellet, in training to become a police officer, shared a thought on my Facebook page. Tim Sayre expressed his desire to better protect dash camera videos of officers …