(The Center Square) – As a new General Assembly begins its legislative session, an Ohio business group wants lawmakers to keep the focus on low taxes and less regulation.
After lawmakers and new leadership were sworn in Monday, the National Association of Independent Business outlined what it believes should be priorities as the 136th General Assembly begins work.
“Ohio’s small businesses throughout the state benefit from the General Assembly keeping taxes low and regulations at a minimum,” NFIB Ohio State Director Chris Ferruso said. “As the 136th Ohio General Assembly begins, we look forward to working with new and returning lawmakers on advancing pro-small business policies that keep Ohio a great state to own and operate a small business. We especially look forward to working with the 29 NFIB members and small business owners serving in the 136th session.”
NFIB’s research showed small business optimism rose to its highest level in December since June 2021, and 36% of small business owners expect the economy to improve – the highest reading since June 2020.
Both the House and Senate, majorities Republicans, opened the session with new leadership.
Former Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, takes over as the new speaker of the House, ending a two-year run for Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, and two years of controversy and in-fighting for House Republicans.
Stephens won the gavel over former Rep. Derrick Merrin with the help of House Democrats and worked with the minority on several issues during the session.
Sen. Rob McColley, R-Napolean, is the Senate president after working closely with Huffman over the past four years.
McColley highlighted his First Senate District, using a gavel made by students at the Vantage Career Center.
“I am so thankful for the great people and successful companies that have built a legacy of achievement,” McColley said. “From Spangler Candy’s ‘Dum Dum’ Lollipops to the strong hands that make Wilson footballs, we need to remember that small businesses in Ohio set the standard for the hard work that helps make our neighborhoods great places to call home.”
Huffman presided over McColley’s Senate election and then took the gavel to preside over the House as speaker, the first time in state history one person presided over both Houses of the Legislature on the same day.