Senator Cafaro Listens to Concerns from Auto Industry

LORAIN — Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) participated Tuesday, August 18th in a meeting of the Joint Select Committee on the Impact of the Changing Automobile Industry in Ohio. The bi-partisan legislative committee met at Lorain County Community College to discuss the automobile industry as it relates to manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and consumers.

“This hearing provided a variety of perspectives on the auto industry’s role in Ohio’s economy,” said Senator Cafaro. “Dealers, local government officials, educational professionals and others spoke of their needs and concerns. I’m confident the task force members will carry this information back to the General Assembly to make positive and proactive policy decisions to strengthen our local economies across Ohio”

The automotive industry touches every corner of the state accounting for 20% of all manufacturing activity in Ohio. Automotive related manufacturing businesses can be found in 76 of 88 counties.

The Joint Select Committee, created recently by the Ohio General Assembly, will make recommendations for laws regulating and supporting the automobile industry and submit a report to Governor Ted Strickland by September 30, 2009. The committee’s next meeting is Friday, August 21st, from 1pm to 4pm at Kent State’s Trumbull campus.