Uber announcement good for job seekers

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I was thrilled to be part of a recent announcement at the Statehouse that takes another step toward providing job opportunities and financial flexibility to more people in Ohio. The ride-sharing company Uber announced last week a new effort to expand its number of drivers in Ohio by about 10,000 over the next year.

This is a great opportunity for job-seekers, by giving people an opportunity to attain economic independence, support their families, go back to school, and invest in their businesses. But the announcement is also positive news for consumers.

A company like Uber contributes a lot to our economy. First, it brings alternative choices into the marketplace, which benefits consumers by giving them a wealth of easily accessible options at their fingertips. Every time the app is used, Uber supplies a product to meet consumer demand, and it does so quickly and efficiently. Additionally, I would argue that that increased supply makes our roads safer by cutting down the number of drunk drivers on the roadways.

Earlier this year, the Ohio House passed a bill that would create uniform insurance standards for ride-sharing companies like Uber. House Bill 237, sponsored by Reps. Mike Duffey and Bob Hackett, addresses changes to the regulatory code that have been needed for many years and will ensure that drivers and passengers are protected from additional risk.

A spokesperson for Uber expressed support for the legislation during the jobs announcement last week. I am proud that the House has taken the lead on this, and I look forward to working on further improving the bill in the coming weeks.

This is another step in the right direction for Ohio’s economy. As companies like Uber become increasingly popular, I hope to someday see this useful service expand even further into rural areas around the state.

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By Cliff Rosenberger

Cliff Rosenberger is the Ohio House Speaker.

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