Senator O'Brien Transparency Bill Moves to Committee

COLUMBUS—Ohio Senate Bill 420, legislation sponsored by State Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula), has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee. The legislation would require JobsOhio to comply with various transparency laws and submit to a performance audit by the Auditor of State.

"JobsOhio was created by the government and is funded with public dollars," said Senator O'Brien. "If we're using public dollars to create jobs, shouldn't the public know what jobs were created and if the money was well spent?"

Senate Bill 420 would require that JobsOhio comply with the Open Meeting Law, which requires public bodies to conduct official business in meetings open to the public, with specific rules for notice, minutes, and limited executive sessions. Records created by JobsOhio will also be subject to public records requests under this legislation. Additionally, the Auditor of State shall be directed to perform performance audits on JobsOhio every two years.

"This unique operation was originally established that way as part of the Kasich Administration's strategy to recruit and secure major economic development projects," said Senator O'Brien. "Like every new idea it has run its course and we need to make sure the funding is being spent responsibly and efficiently with the results to show for it."

The agency operates under a 25 year contract established in 2013 that secures profits from Ohio's liquor sales.

Senate Bill 420 is now in the Senate Finance Committee and is awaiting further consideration.

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