* Last week, the non-partisan Tax Foundation released its 2016 State Business Tax Climate Index and Ohio was ranked in the bottom 10, at 42nd. Ohio cut its individual tax rate after the snapshot date, and will be reflected in its 2017 ranking. Americans for Prosperity Ohio advocated for the income tax cut and is confident this will greatly affect next year’s rank.

“These numbers are concerning for Ohio,” said AFP Ohio Deputy State Director Baylor Myers. He continued, “Our organization works hard to educate Ohioans about how restraining government spending and reforming our tax code will result in more prosperity for all Ohioans. Although we are confident this year’s income tax cut will help next year’s ranking, we know there is more to be done. We are disappointed in these numbers and we must continue to curb our tax burden at the local and state level. AFP Ohio’s 2016 Agenda will reflect this task.”

Americans for Prosperity Ohio is the state’s foremost group of grassroots activists advocating for limited government and economic freedom. By advancing these ideals, Ohio will make it to the top of these national rankings.

* Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) have partnered during this holiday season to raise awareness and support life-saving research and care at Nationwide Children’s. Mazda’s annual Mazda Drive for Good winter event is a national fundraising and volunteer campaign which has partnered with four national nonprofits and 42 local nonprofits to help give to those in need during this holiday season. The event begins Nov. 23 and will run through Jan. 4, 2016.

“Mazda Drive for Good isn’t about selling cars. It is about giving back and building awareness,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Many people may think that we are building awareness for Mazda, but part of our goal is to build awareness for our nonprofit partners, that helps them long term, not just during the Mazda Drive for Good event.”

As in the previous two years, Mazda customers will continue to direct the $150 donation for the purchase or lease of a new Mazda to one of four national nonprofits or one or more local nonprofit options specific to their area. Mazda will also continue to pledge one hour of service for every test drive taken during the Mazda Drive for Good event time. Giving Mazda customers a local nonprofit option helps bring Mazda’s philanthropy efforts to the local communities.