From the Statehouse

By Jennifer Garrison

March 5, 2010

Recently, the Ohio House passed a number of measures that impact local governments and other local authorities. Ohio has a long-standing tradition of dividing power among state, local and county governments that allows for efficiency at all levels. I am a strong supporter of local autonomy, and the bills approved by the House will set statewide guidelines and parameters so all levels of government can carry out their roles effectively. 

House Bill 166 creates transportation innovation authorities (TIA) that will provide localities with new tools to address their transportation and planning needs.

TIA’s allow these new local partnerships to plan and fund regional transportation projects. Counties, townships, and municipal corporations can partner and coordinate through a TIA a specific regionally-significant transportation project.

The state would require the authorities to adhere to certain rules designed to promote transparency and accountability within the projects including following zoning guidelines and staying within well-defined plans. 

In return, ODOT will work to direct planning and project development funds, favorable financing, and improved scheduling to these projects.  Under the plan, TIAs can request funding assistance from ODOT’s State Infrastructure Bank.  The bank offers low interest loans for roadway and bridge projects.

I voted “yes” on HB 166 as it passed out of the House with bipartisan support.  The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 330 will save our local school districts money by allowing them to participate in ODOT contracts for the purchase of machinery, materials, supplies, and other items.  Under current law, ODOT allows the Ohio Turnpike Commission, political subdivisions, and state universities to participate in these contracts.  This legislation adds “school district” to this list.

This bill will save school districts money by giving them access to bulk prices the state receives for equipment and materials schools already need to purchase. I co-sponsored and voted “yes” on HB 330 as it passed out of the House unanimously. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 35 updates the rules for establishing a Mosquito Abatement District (MAD).  The bill requires a potential MAD to gather signatures from registered voters, and, therefore, allows for direct accountability for local taxpayers.   Current law does not guarantee that all residents get a say on the creation of these Mosquito Abatement Districts (MAD), which can cause property taxes to increase for everyone in the area.

I voted “yes” as the bill passed out of the House. It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Bill 271 expands to township fire departments the right to collectively bargain their salaries and benefits.   Current law excludes firemen in townships with a population of less than 5,000 from collectively bargaining their pay and benefits.

This bill will affect fire departments in 13 different townships with mostly suburban populations across the state whose firefighters are not volunteers.  I voted “yes” on HB 271 as it passed out of the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

You can reach Jennifer Garrison in her Columbus office at (614)644-8728, in the district at (740)373-2414 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Her website is www.jennifergarrison.com.