DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Democrats officially took control of the Ohio House for the first time in 14 years on Monday, Jan. 5, and new House Speaker Armond Budish wasted no time outlining his vision for turning Ohio into a leader of "entrepreneurial capitalism."

Budish, a lawyer from the Cleveland suburb of Beachwood, was sworn in along with other members of the House and Senate on the first day of the 128th General Assembly. The emphasis was on bipartisanship.

Democrat Budish and Senate President Bill Harris, an Ashland Republican, both were selected leaders on unanimous votes.

Democrats control the House 53-46; Republicans control the Senate, 21-12.

Budish, who made history as the first Jewish Speaker, outlined a four-point plan for "remaking Ohio in the spirit of the great entrepreneurs of our history":

• Expanding programs such as the Technology Investment Tax credit and creating new targeted tax credits and incentives, including an income tax break for Ohioans working in startup companies.

• Creating a "compact with Ohio cities." This would include waiving income taxes for several years on new jobs and free broadband services. Cities, in turn, would waive municipal income taxes on projects subject to the state income tax waiver and study delivering services such as fire protection and waste collection regionally.

• Making Ohio a center for "green-collar jobs," starting with retrofitting public buildings to save energy and money.

• Giving all students access to high-quality education by conducting interactive classes over television and the Internet.

Even with a looming $7 billion budget deficit over the next two years, Ohio can rise to the occasion, Budish said.

"While we may face a budget deficit, there is no deficit in the spirit and creativity of Ohioans," he said. "And it is that indomitable spirit that I hope to engage so that our children and grandchildren can take pride in our accomplishments."

The Montgomery County delegation in the House has a new look with only Democrat Clayton Luckie of Dayton returning. New Montgomery County members include: Republicans Peggy Lehner of Kettering, Seth Morgan of Huber Heights and Terry Blair of Washington Twp. and Democrat Roland Winburn of Harrison Twp.

In the Senate, former House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, and former House member Chris Widener, R-Springfield, were sworn in as new members.

Husted also presided in the House before passing the gavel to Budish. Husted's parting words:

"Good luck."

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or whershey@DaytonDailyNews.com.