In Case You Missed It: Updates from Representative Scott Oelslager
Over the past few weeks I’ve come across several things in the news that I wanted to share. A lot has been happening in the state of Ohio, including investing in our state parks and saving Ohioans time at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits: The Development Services Agency announces $24.6 million in historic tax credits for firms rehabbing historic buildings across the state. The credits are expected to leverage about $261 million in private investment. One of the recipients is Lehman High School, located in Canton, Ohio. Lehman High School served the community as a school until 2004, and has since sat vacant. Rehabilitation plans call for converting the school into 62 affordable senior apartments. Historic elements of the building will be retained and incorporated into the apartments. The project was granted a tax credit totaling $2,090,000.
National College Enrollment Decline Steeper than Ohio’s: Fall enrollment at the nation’s institutions of higher education was down 1.3% compared with 2018, while enrollment in Ohio dropped by less than 1%. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report estimated Ohio’s fall enrollment at 593,527. Fields that saw the biggest enrollment increases included transportation and materials moving, communications technologies, precision production, and computer and information sciences, while theology, liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and personal and culinary services saw the biggest drop offs.
Ohio Among Most Charitable States: Ohio was recently named the fifth most charitable state, according to WalletHub. The rankings were based on two dimensions, “volunteering and service” and “charitable giving.”
ODNR to Invest in Salt Fork Lodge: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources received State Controlling Board approval to invest $3 million for improvements at Salt Fork Lodge in Cambridge, Ohio. Funding will be used to replace the lodge’s roof, as well as address several structural needs. The goal is to offer first-rate, overnight accommodations at Ohio’s state parks.
BMV Queuing System to Expand Statewide: A Bureau of Motor Vehicles pilot program allowing customers to check in online before arriving will expand statewide. On average, customers using the “Get In Line, Online” system spent 15 fewer minutes waiting in person during the pilot program. As this program expands across the state, it will save Ohioans time and ensure efficiency at the BMV.
I, along with the Ohio Legislature, will continue to work for the citizens of our state and foster an environment in which our business communities can thrive. As always, I am eager to hear your ideas on how to better serve Stark County. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 S. High St., 13th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.