State Rep. Dennis Murray has been named Ohio Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Farmers Union
Monday, Jan 31, 2011
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) has been named Ohio Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Farmers Union. The award is presented to legislators that not only support Farmers Union positions, but also advocate on behalf of enhanced quality of life for all Ohioans.
“We are pleased to honor Representative Murray with the Ohio Farmers Union Legislator of the Year award. His, commitment to Ohio’s family farmers and rural residents, through his strong belief in public education, a clean environment and sustainable agriculture are exemplary,” said Roger Wise, President of the Ohio Farmers Union. “We look forward to a continued positive working relationship with Representative Murray for the benefit of a stronger Ohio.”
Rep. Murray told the group he was both “honored and humbled” by the award. “Through education of the public and its members, through scholarships, through its interest in lofty issues like renewable energy and down-to-earth issues like soil conservation for its members today and for future generations, the OFU has demonstrated to me that it serves as a true Steward of the Earth,” said Rep. Murray.
The Ohio Farmers Union is a family farm organization representing about 5,000 family farmers across the state.
“We are pleased to honor Representative Murray with the Ohio Farmers Union Legislator of the Year award. His, commitment to Ohio’s family farmers and rural residents, through his strong belief in public education, a clean environment and sustainable agriculture are exemplary,” said Roger Wise, President of the Ohio Farmers Union. “We look forward to a continued positive working relationship with Representative Murray for the benefit of a stronger Ohio.”
Rep. Murray told the group he was both “honored and humbled” by the award. “Through education of the public and its members, through scholarships, through its interest in lofty issues like renewable energy and down-to-earth issues like soil conservation for its members today and for future generations, the OFU has demonstrated to me that it serves as a true Steward of the Earth,” said Rep. Murray.
The Ohio Farmers Union is a family farm organization representing about 5,000 family farmers across the state.
Representative Dennis Murray Retains seat in Ohio House
Friday, Nov 5, 2010
Sandusky- State Representative Dennis Murray was able to retain his seat in the Ohio General Assembly. Dennis would like to thank the voters of Erie and Ottawa counties for giving him the chance to serve District 80 for another term. Dennis very much appreciated the support of his family and volunteers. He looks forward to hearing from you in Columbus.
Rep. Murray Encourages Use of Ohio New Markets Tax Credit Program
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010
COLUMBUS - A new program designed to create new jobs in Ohio is now in effect with the launch of the Ohio New Markets Tax Credit. State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) encouraged companies to look into this new incentive to grow and expand.
"This is a new and exciting tool for businesses to invest in emerging and developing areas in our community," Rep. Murray said. "I am proud that we were able to include this program in the budget and now it has the potential for real benefit to Sandusky neighborhoods."
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit was the initiative of Rep. Murray and members of the Ohio House Democrat caucus. It was approved and signed by Gov. Ted Strickland just over 1 year ago. The first application period is now open and runs through September 20, 2010.
The program helps finance business investments by providing state tax credits to investors for below market rate financial products for low-income community businesses. Business projects in much of the city of Sandusky qualify for the tax credits, which are reserved for development in low-income areas. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development Urban Development Division.
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program is one of the first state programs of its kind in the country, and leverages the successful Federal New Markets Tax Credit program to attract additional investment to Ohio. The federal program has created more than $26 billion in investments through the New Markets Tax Credit program and has awarded more the $1 billion to Ohio-based Community Development Entities.
Federal data shows that for every dollar of foregone tax revenues under the New Market Tax Credit, $12 of private investment is leveraged in distressed communities. Ohio organizations that have been allocated federal New Markets Tax Credits range from large financial institutions to small community development corporations.
For more information on the program and the application period, please visit
www.urban.development.ohio.gov
"This is a new and exciting tool for businesses to invest in emerging and developing areas in our community," Rep. Murray said. "I am proud that we were able to include this program in the budget and now it has the potential for real benefit to Sandusky neighborhoods."
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit was the initiative of Rep. Murray and members of the Ohio House Democrat caucus. It was approved and signed by Gov. Ted Strickland just over 1 year ago. The first application period is now open and runs through September 20, 2010.
The program helps finance business investments by providing state tax credits to investors for below market rate financial products for low-income community businesses. Business projects in much of the city of Sandusky qualify for the tax credits, which are reserved for development in low-income areas. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development Urban Development Division.
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program is one of the first state programs of its kind in the country, and leverages the successful Federal New Markets Tax Credit program to attract additional investment to Ohio. The federal program has created more than $26 billion in investments through the New Markets Tax Credit program and has awarded more the $1 billion to Ohio-based Community Development Entities.
Federal data shows that for every dollar of foregone tax revenues under the New Market Tax Credit, $12 of private investment is leveraged in distressed communities. Ohio organizations that have been allocated federal New Markets Tax Credits range from large financial institutions to small community development corporations.
For more information on the program and the application period, please visit
www.urban.development.ohio.gov
Rep. Murray Introduces Legislation for Public Libraries Bill allows county prosecutors to continue representation of public libraries
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2010
COLUMBUS- State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) today introduced legislation that clarifies the rights of public libraries. House Bill 566 guarantees libraries the right to representation by the county prosecuting attorney in the event of a legal dispute, a common practice that has been placed in jeopardy by a recent federal court ruling.
"As public libraries continue to face challenges, it is important that they have the stability and assurance that they will be supported by existing local resources," said Rep. Murray. "This bill clarifies the legislature's intent and removes any ambiguity that may exist in the current language. It allows prosecutor's offices across the state to continue providing the cost effective legal assistance that they have been offering for decades instead of having to seek more expensive private counsel."
Ohio law on this subject is loosely-worded and created an opportunity for alternative and unintended interpretations. A federal judge in Toledo recently ruled that Ohio law, as it is now worded, does not permit county prosecutors to represent public libraries. HB 566 clarifies the intent of the legislature so the relationship between county prosecutors and public libraries can continue to function as it has for decades.
The bill has received wide bi-partisan support with several co-sponsors from each side of the aisle. The legislation is endorsed by the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
HB 566 will be referred to the appropriate Ohio House committee for hearings.
"As public libraries continue to face challenges, it is important that they have the stability and assurance that they will be supported by existing local resources," said Rep. Murray. "This bill clarifies the legislature's intent and removes any ambiguity that may exist in the current language. It allows prosecutor's offices across the state to continue providing the cost effective legal assistance that they have been offering for decades instead of having to seek more expensive private counsel."
Ohio law on this subject is loosely-worded and created an opportunity for alternative and unintended interpretations. A federal judge in Toledo recently ruled that Ohio law, as it is now worded, does not permit county prosecutors to represent public libraries. HB 566 clarifies the intent of the legislature so the relationship between county prosecutors and public libraries can continue to function as it has for decades.
The bill has received wide bi-partisan support with several co-sponsors from each side of the aisle. The legislation is endorsed by the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
HB 566 will be referred to the appropriate Ohio House committee for hearings.
