Economist

State of Ohio•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legislative Service Commission (LSC) is a nonpartisan agency providing the Ohio General Assembly with drafting, research, budget and fiscal analysis, training, and other services. We serve all members of the General Assembly and are trusted to provide objective, nonbiased, and confidential answers to questions covering all of state government so that members can make informed policy decisions. We foster a professional work atmosphere that includes a system of review, collaboration, and support to help employees meet our commitment to excellence in the services we offer to the General Assembly. LSC's Legislative Budget Office (LBO) is seeking an economist to join our team. Economists work in one of six groups organized by subject and are assigned various state agencies that become the focus of their work. The day-to-day duties of an economist vary considerably depending on the activity of the General Assembly.

Requirements

Graduate degree in economics or a related field
Experience in conducting research and writing papers in a school or work environment
Demonstrated ability to use mathematical reasoning and to think analytically
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely
Willingness to limit public activity to not give any appearance of bias in work

Nice To Haves

Strong interest in non-partisan public service
Preference for a variety of work assignments
Desire to always be learning new things
Ambition to become an expert on a topic of importance to the state of Ohio
Wish to make a difference in state government in a "behind-the-scenes" role
Pride in being part of the legislative process

Responsibilities

Researching topics on behalf of a legislator and providing written or verbal summaries to the member or their staff
Analyzing bills for potential fiscal effects on state and local government budgets and preparing fiscal notes
Forecasting state tax revenues and Medicaid caseloads and costs
Preparing extensive analyses of the executive's proposed and the final enacted agency operating budgets at the beginning and end of the biennial budget process
Following assigned agencies throughout the budget process, including amendment drafting, research, preparing analysis pieces, and estimating the fiscal effect of proposed state tax and Medicaid policy changes
Drafting appropriation and related language to be incorporated into legislation
Creating written resources for the General Assembly on topics of interest