August 25

GOP leader says no chance Ohio legislature will repeal controversial collective bargaining law

Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 6:00 PM     Updated: Thursday, August 25, 2011, 7:28 AM

By Mark Naymik, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

Ohio Republican leaders have no plans to scrap a controversial collective bargaining law as a way to kick-start a compromise with the public sector unions trying to repeal it.

Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus said in an interview Wednesday with Plain Dealer editors and reporters that while he wants to avoid a costly and nasty fight over the law, pulling it and starting over is unnecessary because he believes voters will support the legislation, known as Senate Bill 5.
http://www.cleveland.com/naymik/index.ssf/2011/08/gop_leader_says_no_chance_ohio.html


Tax Study Committee Begins Hearings

Hannah Report

Lawmakers heard a briefing on the history of the 2005 tax overhaul as well as exhortations for simplicity, regionalism and relief for fuel retailers at the launch of the House Study Committee on Ohio's Tax Structure.

The committee, chaired by Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney), is one of three established by House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) to seek public input at hearings around the state on important topics lawmakers might act on this session. The other two committees are studying workforce development and the use of technology in state government.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=186908

HOUSE STUDY PANEL KICKS OFF REVIEW, GETS PRIMER ON CAT, OTHER TAXES

Gongwer

A series of House study committee hearings kicked off Wednesday with lawmakers taking a look back on the 2005 overhaul of the tax code and the creation of the commercial activity tax.
Members of the House Legislative Study Committee on Ohio's Tax Structure also heard presentations from the Department of Taxation on Ohio's sales and use taxes, and tax expenditures.
Chairman Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) said he planned six hearings over the late summer and early fall to garner input on Ohio's tax code with the goal of developing some policy recommendations to the full legislature. The tax study panel is one of three special committees set up by Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina), with the other two focusing on government technology and workforce issues.
http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news_articledisplay.cfm?article_ID=801640203&newsedition_id=8016402&locid=2