Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced Ohioans as witnesses before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee during a hearing on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, according to an April 17 announcement.
The hearing focused on efforts to protect the Great Lakes, which are a significant source of jobs and economic activity for the region. Husted said, “I firmly believe that the Great Lakes fishing industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to our regional economy.”
During his remarks, Husted highlighted his recently signed legislation, the Great Lakes Fishery Reauthorization Act. He said this law reauthorizes a key program that funds research supporting commercial fishing throughout the region. “Healthy fisheries mean healthy ecosystems, and healthy ecosystems mean healthy economies,” Husted said.
Husted also introduced Mary Mertz, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, noting her experience as former chair of the Great Lakes Commission. He thanked Dr. Christopher Winslow from Ohio State University for testifying about ongoing research into Lake Erie’s ecosystem.
Husted emphasized that more than 1.5 million American jobs are directly connected to the Great Lakes and they generate $62 billion in annual wages. He described them as both an environmental and economic asset for both countries: “The lakes fuel a $6 trillion regional economy and hold 90% of the U.S. supply of surface fresh water and provide drinking water to more than 40 million people.”
He called attention to ongoing threats such as invasive species: “I’ll reiterate that we must stay vigilant against invasive species, which pose a constant and serious threat to [the] Great Lakes ecosystem.”
According to the official website, Husted serves on several Senate committees including environment and public works; health; education; labor; pensions; small business; entrepreneurship; and aging. Before joining the U.S. Senate he held positions as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, secretary of state, lieutenant governor—and ran on platforms emphasizing tax reductions and educational choice scholarships.
Husted earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Dayton according to his official biography. He has three children with his wife Tina whom he raised in Columbus.
In closing remarks at the hearing Husted said he will continue working for reauthorization: “That’s why [the] Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is important… And it remains an important federal commitment to [the] Great Lakes.”
