“Representative Rosenberger has been an asset to the Ohio House,” Speaker Batchelder said. “He has done some terrific things in the committees he has served on during this General Assembly, and I am confident that he will continue to serve Ohio well in his new role within the Finance and Appropriations Committee.”

“I’m honored to be serving on the Finance Committee and as chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee,” Representative Rosenberger said. “The work that these committees do is very important to Ohio’s future, and I’m pleased that Speaker Batchelder thought of me for these committees.”

Representative Rosenberger will also continue to serve on the Public Utilities, Veterans’ Affairs, Economic and Small Business Development, and Policy committees.

Rosenberger and Adams worked to organize the visit along with the Israel Leadership Institute, an organization based in Sderot, Israel that aims to identify, train, and equip young Israeli leaders to meet the changing needs of its society through government and community interaction. The visit was a follow-up from a trade mission lead by Representative Rosenberger & Representative Adams in May of last year in addition to the visit by Consul General Daniel Kutner to the Wilmington area at the beginning of this month.

In his address to a joint special session of the General Assembly, Silvan Shalom discussed Israel’s relations with Iran and his stance on Iran’s intent to develop nuclear weapons. “They believe they get an insurance policy for their regime to stay in power forever,” he said.

Shalom, who has served as vice prime minister and minister of regional development since 2009, said it is an international responsibility to combat Iran’s nuclear efforts.  Shalom said, “The time has come to impose more sanctions on Iran. Tougher sanctions dramatically change the balance of power (in the Middle East).”

Shalom also called attention to the economic development progress between Israel and Ohio and the recent trade mission in May of last year.

Rosenberger commenting on the countries’ relationship said, “Israel and the United States, especially Ohio, have had a long-existing relationship. Our communities have many things in common; from our economies to our strong commitment to democracy in the world. It is crucial for Ohio and the United States to embrace this connection and continue to further build this mutually beneficial relationship. I consider this a very encouraging step for Vice-Prime Minister Shalom to address our lawmakers on the significance of Israel, and the importance of our support for a strong Israel.”

In his first trip to Ohio since 1990, Shalom had a full schedule which included; a meeting with Gov. John Kasich and Representative Rosenberger, a formal signing of agreement between the Israel Leadership Institute and Wright State University, as well as an event supporting the Israel Leadership Institute in Columbus. At the Statehouse, Shalom was accompanied by co-founder and executive director of the Israel Leadership Institute, Eeki Elner and Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Region, Daniel Kutner.

Shalom was appointed vice prime minister and minister for regional development and development of the Negev and the Galilee in March 2009, after having held numerous government and community positions previously. He holds degrees in economics and accounting from Ben-Gurion University, as well as a law degree and masters in public policy from Tel Aviv University. He is a journalist by profession.

Raw Data: Press Release

Representative Rosenberger was invited to the event as the keynote speaker in which he addressed the importance of activism and ABATE’s role as purveyors of good policy. “I strongly believe that, in the long run, good ideas win. Simply making it known what your organization is about – personal choice – will garner support…politicians will listen.”

After his speech, Scott “Woody” Wood ABATE’s Legislative Director, presented Rosenberger with an embroidered club jacket reading, “2011 Legislator of the Year.”

ABATE chose Representative Rosenberger for his legislative contributions in the 2011 and also for his help with current legislation to revise Ohio’s motorcycle handlebar height. Currently the statute requires handlebars to be no higher than 15 inches from the ground. HB 316 would allow for handlebars that are shoulder height as the rider is seated in the saddle.

“House Bill 316 is an important piece of legislation not only for the safety of our riders, but also for the wellness of the motorcycle economy.” Representative Rosenberger said. “Currently, one of the most prolific bikes in recent times is technically illegal to ride. By amending the law to a measure of functionality, rather than a measure of aesthetic continues to keep the riders safe and legal. “

House Bill 316 is awaiting its second hearing in the House Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Committee.

Raw Data: Press Release

The economic mission led the group through the country beginning in Istanbul and continuing through Ankara, Kayseri, and Izmir. The specific goal was to highlight the Wilmington Airpark’s ability to serve as the regional export hub for agricultural products.  The representatives were assisted by Janelle Mead with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Tim Sword of the Ohio Department of Development, Highland County Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer, Clinton County Economic Development Director Bret Dixon, and Ben Webb, legislative aide to Representative Rosenberger.

“This mission gave us an important opportunity to sell our great state and, most importantly, our region and our workforce,” said Representative Rosenberger. “We’ve got to compete in a global market, and that requires that we step up and sell our area, our goods, and the importance of our regional location being within 61 percent of the United States and Canadian manufacturing base.”

The trade delegation met with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Science and Technology, along with other government officials at the provincial and local level. The group visited with the country’s major news outlets, both print and television. Representatives Rosenberger, Beck and Peterson were interviewed on the Samanyolu Television Network, the Turkish equivalent to our major television news networks.

“In meeting with the companies and government officials, we were able to gain a better understanding of ways in which both Turkey and Ohio can foster mutually friendly trade relations and gained valuable contacts,” said Commissioner Shaffer. Shaffer joined the mission because part of the export process between the United States and Turkey involves operations in Highland County.

The delegation also met with companies interested in furthering trade relations in Ohio and the United States market. Seventeen companies representing 50 different businesses sat down with the delegation to discuss trade opportunities in the aerospace, automotive, agricultural, machinery, and defense industries. Onecompany has identified itself as an interested party to utilize the livestock export abilities of the Wilmington Airpark.

“Turkey is a large growing economy and desires the high quality meat products, animals, and machinery that we in Ohio produce,” said Representative Peterson. “I am very optimistic that Ohio will be able to increase our exports to Turkey.”

“This was a unique opportunity as it was the first time a delegation from Ohio was able to meet with Turkish officials and business leaders to discuss job creation and expanded trade between our states,” said Representative Beck.

“One of the key components was to identify backhaul opportunities to compliment Ohio’s livestock export operations,”Director Dixon said. “Representative Rosenberger pulled together an incredible team where doors were opened in the Turkish business community and government, which otherwise would have never been possible.”

Representatives Rosenberger, Beck, and Peterson are dedicated to creating job growth in Ohio and are committed to travel anywhere to encourage and grow business in Ohio.

The Niagara Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to improving relations between Turkey and the United States, sponsored the trade delegation.

All four elected officials and the legislative staffer paid their own airfare and traveled at no expense to the taxpayers.

During his first term Rosenberger has helped to kill Ohio’s death tax on Ohioans and fill an $8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes, in addition to supporting the creation of a lean, responsive economic development entity designed to aggressively seek out and retain jobs. Recognizing that businesses were also hindered by overregulation and red tape, he supported the creation of the Common Sense Initiative that will cut through the bureaucracy that obstructs job creation.

Rosenberger has zeroed in on job creation for the region. Recently he has worked to facilitate economic opportunities at the Wilmington Airpark, which was devastated by the loss of thousands of jobs in 2008.

“This fall, we were able to announce the addition of 260 future jobs to the airpark through the construction of a JUMP hangar, which will be leased to Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services,” Rosenberger said. “This is a great step in turning the wheels of commerce for our area, and I hope to have the ability to continue fighting to bring jobs back to this hard-hit region of our district.”

Rosenberger has been able to focus on moving at the speed of business for area jobs as well. Recently he assisted in directing the right assets needed to help close a deal with Highland County commissioners on the expansion of PAS Industries in Hillsboro. He also has brought attention and light to the Greenfield railroad project. “Our infrastructure is a crucial and vital to the environment of job creation and retention for our region, tools we have to maintain,” Rosenberger said. “The Greenfield railroad repairs and the Hobart drive expansions are critical projects that will help grow and sustain jobs.”

Additionally, Rosenberger sponsored House Bill 81 to require performance budgeting by state agencies to help increase government efficiency. He also sponsored House Bill 121 to prohibit child custody orders from being altered simply because of a service member’s active duty or deployment.

“There cannot be a busier or more energetic person in the entire state of Ohio, and I am extremely honored to work with Cliff. We need him in Columbus,” said Clinton County commissioner Randy Riley.

“Cliff isn’t afraid to make hard decisions and stand on principle,” said Highland County commissioner Jeremy Shaffer. “He understands the importance of revitalizing our local economy, and I believe under his leadership, we will continue to accomplish this.”

Rosenberger is a U.S. Air Force veteran with 12 years of service. He obtained a position with the White House in February 2007 and later served as Special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. He helped to establish a village planning commission for Clarksville and also led a movement to establish a Clinton County Veterans’ Memorial in Wilmington. He values giving back to his local community, state, and country.

Currently in the House, he serves as vice chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee and also as a member of the Economic and Small Business Development, Public Utilities, and Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security committees.

He was passionate about the issues and his community. Bill was alwaysfriendly and civil in our ideological disagreements. This is truly asad day as we lose a friend and a strong voice of the people.

My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the staff ofthe Highland County Press & Southern State Community College in thistrying time. Godspeed, Bill.

Rosenberger Wins 86th District Statehouse Seat – Hillsboro Times-Gazette

Rosenberger Headed to Columbus – Wilmington News Journal

It will be my honor to represent you and our great state in the Ohio House of Representatives. As we move forward I will be reminded daily of where it is I came from, the values and virtues I have been taught and the many people who have touched my life during this campaign.

Now we move on to the great task at hand. Restoring Ohio’s place in our great nation and making sure everyone knows Ohio is open for business.

I couldn’t have done this without you!

ARTICLE FROM THE HILLSBORO TIMES GAZETTE:

Talking about a need for change in Washington and in Ohio’s statehouse, Congressman Jim Jordan addressed a group of people Friday morning at a fundraiser for state representative candidate Cliff Rosenberger at the Ponderosa Banquet Center in Hillsboro…Read More.

4/1/2010 – Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC endorsed Cliff

Rosenberger’s candidacy to represent Ohio’s 86th district in the Ohio House of

Representatives.

“Cliff was a trusted staffer on my 2008 campaign and his strong work ethic and

can-do attitude is just what Ohio needs. Cliff will bring the same energy and

enthusiasm toward working to get Ohio’s economy moving again, and that is why I am

delighted to endorse his candidacy,” said Romney.

Romney’s PAC also has sent Rosenberger’s campaign a $500 contribution.

Free and Strong America PAC:

Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC (www.FreeStrongAmerica.com)

supports officeholders and candidates who are dedicated to advancing social, fiscal

and foreign policies that will strengthen America at this critical time in the nation’s

history. The guiding focus is on the core principles that have built and nurtured America

since its founding – uncompromised military strength, a belief in the power of free

markets and that a competitive America is one where taxes are low and government is

small, an emphasis on strong families and a federalist approach to government that

leaves decision-making as close to the people as possible.

Raw Data: Romney Free and Strong America PAC Press Release