What is Issue 1?

Issue 1 is a statewide ballot measure that would authorize renewal and continuation of the highly successful Ohio Third Frontier economic development and jobs program. Through this program, Ohio’s investment in technology, research, innovation and entrepreneurs has resulted in more than 571 new companies, the expansion of many other existing companies, and more than 48,000 new jobs for Ohioans.

The bond funding mechanism for Third Frontier, approved by Ohio voters in 2005, expires in 2012. Voter approval of Issue 1 will extend funding of this highly successful program through 2016, at a level of $700 million over four years - paving the way for even more job creation and economic development in Ohio in the years to come.

What is Ohio Third Frontier?

Ohio Third Frontier is a visionary public-private partnership that fosters innovation, generates economic activity, creates companies and jobs in high-tech industries in Ohio, and supports expansion of existing companies in all sectors of the state's economy.

Created in 2002 with widespread and bipartisan support from public- and private-sector individuals and organizations across Ohio, Third Frontier is designed to establish Ohio as a global innovation leader and fuel economic growth and job creation in our state.

Third Frontier provides state investment to promising industries, technologies and entrepreneurs. Funds are awarded through a competitive process in which independent experts review proposals and assure a base level of excellence for all projects.

Third Frontier has received national acclaim from respected organizations such as the National Governors Association and Pew Center for the States, which calls it "a comprehensive, professionally run effort to build world-class research capacity, promote interaction between research and industry, and commercialize R&D."

The latest Restoring Prosperity report released on Feb. 22, 2010, by the Greater Ohio Policy Center and the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program had this to say about the Ohio Third Frontier initiative:

"In the short term, Ohio must protect the Third Frontier. The state's premier technology based innovation program prepares Ohio for the next economy by strengthening innovation; it also supports research and commercialization in fuel cells, photovoltaics, and other forms of advanced energy that will help Ohio in a lower carbon economy."

Click here to learn specific details about the many ways Ohio has benefited from Ohio Third Frontier investments.

Key Documents

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