As I visited with people during county fairs and local festivals in the 17th District this summer, as well as open door sessions over the past several weeks, it was clear that the No. 1 issue in Southern Ohio is jobs and the economy.

Many workers in our region have lost their jobs or are worried about being laid-off. Also, there is a great deal of concern about the role that the federal government is playing in the national economy. I spoke with many folks who are very angry with our leaders in Washington, and that sentiment has carried over to our state and local governments.

Economic development and job creation is one of the main reasons I have dedicated my career to public service. As a child, I heard my grandparents talk about the Depression and about the 1950s, when times were good. I also grew up watching my aunts and uncles leave to go to Columbus and Dayton to get good-paying jobs. Unfortunately, now they are going to other states to find work.

The state of Ohio is currently collecting more than 10 percent less in tax revenue because of the unemployment situation. While we are not the only state that is struggling, the impact of the economic downturn on Ohio has been heightened because of our state's dependency on the auto industry and heavy manufacturing. We must refocus our economy in order to recover and become more competitive.

Amid this gloomy economic forecast, however, there are signs of better days ahead. There are a number of companies in Southern Ohio and other parts of the state that are developing innovative products, which could lead to investment, expansion and job growth. In addition, an auto supplier in our region was recently purchased by a new group. This is an example of investors partnering to take advantage of the opportunities available in this economy.

I am often asked: What can you do as a state legislator to help improve Ohio's economic situation?

First, I serve as a resource for individuals and businesses to help identify private and public assistance that may help move development projects forward. I also work to promote a free market-friendly atmosphere in the state. This includes meeting with and being available to people who are working on job-creating projects, as well as trying to make sure agencies move expeditiously and practice common sense in interpreting state regulations. The government does not create jobs directly, but it can help promote an atmosphere conducive to job growth through support for transportation, education and a fair tax structure.

Although there has been a lot of economic and human pain in the 17th Senate District over the past several months, I am optimistic about the long-term future of our region. One reason is that we have a tremendous work force. I have talked to the heads of many companies in Southern Ohio, and without fail, they always point to our area's workers as being the best.

In addition, the 17th District has an abundance of natural resources, including water, timber and coal, which will become increasingly more valuable in the coming years. Therefore, we must make sure that Congress does not cut us off from the use of these resources.

I don't have space to share with you all of the efforts that are being made by entrepreneurs in Ohio, but I will say that I do see brighter days ahead. I will be there to help when asked and do my best to better opportunities in our state, because I know how important it is to have a job and be able to take care of your family.

Along those lines, the Ohio Senate recently approved Senate Resolution 108, a proposal I sponsored, which calls on President Barack Obama to direct the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to support a $2 billion federal loan guarantee that is needed for construction to continue on the United States Enrichment Corporation's (USEC) American Centrifuge facility in Piketon. Over the summer, the Obama Administration announced that they were postponing a final review of USEC's loan application for six months.

Over the past several weeks, I have been contacted by several folks who have been laid-off from the Piketon plant or have family members who have lost their jobs because of the delay in USEC's loan application. Many other workers expressed concerns that their job could be next.

SR 108 also encourages the federal government to assist the Southern Ohio Clean Energy Park Alliance, which includes USEC, the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative and several other Ohio energy companies, with their plan to develop America's first clean energy park in Pike County. The DOE is currently considering a request for funding assistance with the early phases of the project, which could eventually bring hundreds of jobs and development to our region.

There is a lot of work left to be done to get Ohio's economy back on track, but I remain committed, in good times and bad, to do all I can to foster a business-friendly environment in the state, create jobs and better opportunities for all Ohioans.

I welcome your views on other state issues. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, or if you need assistance working with a state government agency, please write to me: Senator John A. Carey, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or call my office at 614-466-8156. I also encourage you to visit my page on the new Ohio Senate website at www.ohiosenate.gov/john-carey.

National Video