Rep. Pizzulli Introduces JobsOhio Transparency Act

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) recently introduced the JobsOhio Transparency Act, legislation aimed at increasing transparency and holding JobsOhio accountable for how it spends funds and carries out economic development projects.

This bill follows the resignation of The Ohio State University's former president and subsequent questions around a JobsOhio-sponsored podcast. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Requires the State Auditor to audit JobsOhio and its subsidiaries every two fiscal years, examining financial accuracy, legal compliance, and internal practices;
• Allows the State Controlling Board to cut off state funding to JobsOhio by a two-thirds vote if it fails to comply with the transparency and reporting requirements established in the bill;
• Requires JobsOhio to annually post on its public website a list of all sponsored corporations and media partnerships;
• Requires JobsOhio's Chief Investment Officer to annually testify before the House and Senate finance committees and submit written reports detailing each funded project, including its funding amount and county location; and
• Requires a public hearing and an independent fair market valuation for any extension of the enterprise acquisition project.

"The people of Southern Ohio and other communities throughout the state deserve a fair shake from JobsOhio, and even after a years-long relationship full of promises, communities like mine have yet to see the job creation or investment they deserve," said Rep. Pizzulli. "There must be public accountability and real transparency to deliver results for our constituents."

JobsOhio is a state-created entity that oversees Ohio's liquor profits to finance economic development projects.

The legislation awaits a bill number and House Committee assignment.