CEA Legislative Update Week in Review - November 3, 2017

Intro
The Ohio Legislature has six or so legislative and committee days scheduled in the month of November.  Both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly have continued with a steady workload.  The County Council has focused heavily on budget deliberations with agencies testifying before Council.  The Council also continues to work on legislation that contains construction related topics. For your review, here are issues CEA is tracking.  

STATE GOVERNMENT

Unemployment Compensation Legislation Introduced Again

A fourth version of unemployment compensation legislation has made its way to the Statehouse. 
HB 382 (Schuring) Unemployment Compensation had its third hearing in the House Government Accountability & Oversight Committee on November 1, 2017.

The bill has not secured support from either business or labor.   Rep. Schuring has indicated he intends this to be a starting point for conversations.   At the most recent hearing, Zach Schiller of Policy Matters Ohio stated the bill relies too much on cuts to worker benefits.
The Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, the Ohio Chamber of Retail Merchants, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the NFIB commented in written testimony that they are not able to support the bill yet.   The groups felt both spending and revenue should be looked at.  In testimony, the group stated they would oppose any tax on employees because of perceived administrative costs and burdens.
CEA continues to attend hearings, monitor the legislation, and work with legislators and those in the construction industry to help craft a solution that makes sense for Ohio and the construction industry. 

HJR 4 Schuring (Unemployment Compensation Bonds)
The sponsor feels this resolution is part of the solution to funding the system.   The resolution would provide for the issuance of bonds to pay unemployment compensation benefits when the fund created for that purpose is or will be depleted or to repay outstanding advances made by the federal government to the unemployment compensation program.  The House Government Accountability & Oversight Committee has held three hearings on the resolution. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
 
Cuyahoga County Passes Contracting Ordinance And Sustainability Department Plan
 
Ord. O2017-0004 To modify the requirements of contractors - The ordinance made changes to NON public improvement contracting.  CEA’s request in testimony to the Public Works Committee was to preserve the strong protections in current law for quality contracting.  CEA is thankful these provisions were maintained in the final legislation. The bill was voted out of full Council on October 24th. 

Res. 2017‐0168 Adopting the 2017 Cuyahoga County Sustainability Plan – The resolution contains a goal to measure all greenhouse gases in the County by 2018.  
It also looks to:
Discuss creating a tax as a funding stream
Track equity and inclusion and speak out on state and federal issues
Consider sustainability as measure for County vendors
Use land for solar, look to build micro grid, enhance land use
The bill was voted out of full Council at the October 24th Council meeting. 

Motor Vehicle License Tax Continues to Make Its Way Through The Legislative Process 

Ord. 2017-0003 Motor Vehicle License Tax – CEA testified at County Council supporting the bill. The legislation allows the County to levy an additional $5 tax per motor vehicle.   On October 24th the bill had its second reading with no comment.  It will most likely be up for a final vote at the November 14th Council meeting.  The legislation will produce an extra $ 4-5 million a year to be used for road and bridge projects starting in 2019.  

Mayors Support Construction Jobs at CEA Events
CEA wants to thank Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers, Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, Parma Heights Mayor Mike Byrne and Seven Hills Mayor Richard Dell’Aquila for hosting events in Lakewood and Parma to promote entering people into the construction field. The ability to have the Mayors take time out of their busy schedules to help promote our industry is very much appreciated. 

ENDORSEMENTS
CEA and its legislative committee have endorsed these issues and candidates. 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
http://forabettercleveland.com/