Ohio State Senator Sandra O’Brien announced on April 15 that Senate Bill 420, which she sponsors, has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill seeks to require JobsOhio, an economic development agency, to follow transparency laws and undergo regular performance audits by the Auditor of State.
The legislation aims to ensure public oversight of how state funds are used for job creation efforts. “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?”
If enacted, Senate Bill 420 would mandate that JobsOhio comply with Ohio’s Open Meeting Law and make its records available for public requests. The proposal also calls for a performance audit every two years by the Auditor of State. O’Brien said, “This unique operation was originally established that way as part of the Kasich Administration’s strategy to recruit and secure major economic development projects. 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 contract set in 2013 that secures profits from Ohio’s liquor sales for a period of twenty-five years.
O’Brien has held several roles in public service including serving three terms as Ashtabula County Auditor and teaching at both elementary and college levels according to her official biography. She also led the Senate Local Government Committee according to her biography.
Her background includes living on a small farm in Ashtabula County with her husband, raising four children, and having five grandchildren according to her official biography. She earned an education degree from Bowling Green State University as well as a master’s degree in educational administration from Edinboro University according to her official biography. O’Brien previously supported Senate Bill 11 which aimed at establishing universal EdChoice scholarships according to her official biography.
Senate Bill 420 remains under consideration in committee before any further action is taken.
