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Portman's Contradictory Record on Economic Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator Rob Portman's recent "Making a Difference Tour" in Ohio highlights the senator's claims of supporting economic development, but his voting record paints a different picture. Despite taking credit for an economic development grant at Ohio Christian University, Portman has voted three times to abolish the U.S. Commerce Department agency that provided the grant. Furthermore, his support for free trade agreements has led to the loss of over 1,000 jobs in Ross County, Ohio.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Rob Portman voted three times to abolish the U.S. Commerce Department agency that provided the grant to Ohio Christian University, despite taking credit for it.
  • The economic development grant was provided through the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration, which Portman voted to eliminate.
  • In 2011, Portman voted against reauthorizing the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration, which would have continued funding for the grant.
  • In 1994, Portman voted against reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration and also voted for an amendment to terminate the agency.
  • Ross County, Ohio has lost an estimated 1,052 jobs to outsourcing and imports supported by Portman's free trade agreements.
  • The Trade Adjustment Assistance numbers from Public Citizen indicate a significant loss of jobs in Ross County due to Portman's policies.
  • Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Jennifer Donohue criticized Portman's actions, stating that his words do not match his voting record, and that he is prioritizing special interest donors over Ohio's economic development.

Statistics:

  • $2,454,800: the amount of public works funds provided to Ohio Christian University for the Southern Gateway Economic Innovation Development Center.
  • 3: the number of times Portman voted to abolish the U.S. Commerce Department agency that provided the grant to Ohio Christian University.
  • 1,052: the estimated number of jobs lost in Ross County due to outsourcing and imports supported by Portman's free trade agreements.
  • 2011: the year in which Portman voted against reauthorizing the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration.
  • 1994: the year in which Portman voted against reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration and voted for an amendment to terminate the agency.

Sources:

  • U.S. Economic Development Administration, accessed 8/24/15
  • Ohio Christian University Press Release, accessed 8/24/15
  • CQ, 6/21/11
  • S. 782, Vote 94, 6/21/11
  • CQ, 5/12/94
  • H.R. 2442, Vote 168, 5/12/94
  • H.R. 2442, Vote 164, 5/12/94
  • Public Citizen, TAA Database, accessed 8/24/15

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