Recently Congressman John Boccieri (Democrat - Alliance) appeared in Alliance before a group of citizens. In an exchange with a constituent who wanted the Congressman to explain why Ohio, and by implication the 16th Congressional District, could not stop the loss of manufacturing jobs and, in fact, attract new jobs.In the video below, see Boccieri blame the loss of manufacturing jobs on "unfair" trade policies.
Is Boccieri correct in his analysis?
Look at the charts above showing Ohio 47th out of the 50 states in achieving a "business-friendly" tax policy. Note how Ohio is a disadvantage to all of its neighbors except perennially high-tax New York.
Also noteworthy (not shown on chart) shortly after the Ohio Republican controlled legislator (in concert with Republican governor Bob Taft) passed tax reform to make Ohio more "business-friendly," Ohio was ranked 47th.
Governor Strickland took a wait and see posture on the "tax reform" when he took office in January, 2007.
Well, has Congressman Boccieri's close friend Ted Strickland seen enough? Did the tax reform effort change anything?
Maybe, just maybe John Boccieri is on the wrong track on blaming trade policy.
All 50 states have the same problem when it comes to trade policy.
But, on a relative basis, isn't the main problem with Ohio attracting and keeping jobs (obviously, including manufacturing jobs) due to Ohio's tax policy?
For all the hoopla that the Republicans made back in 2005 on trimming Ohio's business tax, to what effect? Forty-seventh then, 47th now. And Boccieri was part of the Ohio Legislature that supposedly made Ohio more business friendly.
Here's the video of Boccieri at Alliance.
Part of John's problem is that he is totally out of touch with reality.
ReplyDeleteI have worked in manufacturing as both and hourly (union) employee and also in management for over 40 years. I have degrees in business management and accounting.
Follow the money, John!!!!!
Trade policy is way down the list.
Taxes (Federal, state, local) are the number one business killer.
Unions - Idiotic work rules and demands are a second. Included in that is the unwillingness to
Local, state and federal laws and regulations are also a major killer. (As an example, the RAMPANT abuse of FMLA is a major factor) Then add on all of the environmental, safety and similar regulations and soon you are out of business.
Next on the list is utilities ... and these have gone sour due, let's guess, more government regualtions, taxes, etc.
47th place means Ohio is DONE for a long time.