57,700 local jobs lost to recession
But health care alone can’t make up for losses almost everywhere else by Lisa Bernard-Kuhn Mercy Health expects to hire 300 new doctors, nurses and staff this year on top of 400 added since 2009. The Christ Hospital is adding 150 workers, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare has hired 20 new employees to work a just-opened […]
Jobless rate falls; more stop searching
by Russ Zimmer The state’s unemployment rate dropped sharply for the second consecutive month, but, once again, it’s not all good news. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported the unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent in December. That’s down from 8.5 percent in November and a 28-year high of 10.6 percent in […]
Jobless rate plunges to lowest in 3 years
More Ohioans say they have stopped searching for jobs. By Randy Tucker Ohio’s unemployment rate nose-dived in December to its lowest level in three years, according to data released Friday by the Department of Job and Family Services. But the drop from 8.5 percent in November to 8.1 percent last month
Walmart launches free income tax return service, but it may not be free for many
By Teresa Dixon Murray The nation’s largest discount store chain is now offering low-cost help in filing income tax returns. Consumer advocates, however, caution that the offer is deceptive and say filers could end up with extra fees. Walmart is the first large, general merchandise retailer to tip-toe into tax preparation. Its stores nationwide, including […]
Ohio governor considers natural gas impact fee, higher severance tax
By Pam Kasey As the gas industry ramps up the extraction of gas from the Utica and Marcellus shales in Ohio, a proposal for increasing the natural gas severance tax in Ohio could come about in late winter. The subject was raised Dec. 19 by Policy Matters Ohio. “Part of preparation for the coming boom […]
Taxing the Fracking in Ohio
By Mary Kuhlman The oil and gas industry is anticipating a boom in natural gas and possibly oil production in Ohio, but a new report finds the state could lose out on a half-billion tax dollars that could help offset drilling-related costs. According to research by Policy Matters Ohio, if the state levied a severance […]
Fracking’s challenges
Commentary As Ohio seeks to cash in on expanded oil and natural-gas exploration and production, it needs stronger rules governing drilling procedures to protect Ohioans’ health and safety. Gov. John Kasich’s administration cannot dismiss new seismic evidence that draws potential links between the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and earthquakes. Nor can the […]
Lucas County residents offered free tax service
By Kate Giammarise Blade staff writer If you worked in 2011 and your household made less than $50,000, United Way of Greater Toledo wants to do your taxes for free. It’s part of a combined effort with Lucas County Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz and a number of social service […]
Prison sale’s fuzzy math
Editorial Gov. John Kasich believes the private sector does many things better than state government. That’s why he privatized the state’s economic-development efforts, and proposes leasing the Ohio Turnpike, privatizing management of liquor operations and the lottery, and selling off or privatizing some prisons. So far, the governor’s faith has reaped few rewards. Now, a […]
Tax dollars hidden in shale: Policy Matters says extra money would help budget
By Spencer Hunt Ohio could collect an additional $528 million over the next four years if it increased taxes on oil and natural-gas production to levels that Michigan and West Virginia charge energy companies, according to a new report. The money could help offset state budget cuts made to local governments and schools and ease […]
Jobs gap
Editorial On Friday, John Boehner applauded the decline in Ohio’s unemployment rate last month, from 9 percent in October to 8.5 percent. The U.S. House speaker attributed the steepest month-to-month drop in 28 years to “clear signs of progress being made in the Buckeye State under the leadership of Gov. [John] Kasich.” He argued that […]
Gov. John Kasich optimistic as Ohio unemployment rate drops
by Reginald Fields COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s unemployment rate in November posted its largest month-to-month drop in 28 years, a sign that the state’s efforts at job creation are working, said Gov. John Kasich. The November rate was 8.5 percent, down from 9 percent in October. The unemployment rate was 9.6 percent a year ago. […]