THE OHIO Department of Development is in line for much credit for its tax-credit program that has fulfilled almost all of its job-creating expectations.

Records unveiled this week support the success of the program implemented in 1993 which gives tax-break incentives to companies in the Buckeye State which creates jobs.

The program is playing out to near perfection levels.

Funds have been distributed to 955 projects. Of that number, 875 have surpassed the three-year period during which companies promise to meet certain job and investment goals.

Overall, 91 percent of the promised jobs have come to fruition; of the 875 past the three-year point, 92 percent of promised jobs have been realized.

We view that as a great return on the state’s investment.

State development officials draw more praise for taking action against the initiated 182 enforcement procedures against such firms in 2009. Moreover, the state is attempting to recover more than $10 million from 70 projects that ceased operations before fulfilling their obligations.

The program, while quite successful, isn’t full proof. It has encountered is share of speed bumps.

More than 100 projects yielded fewer jobs than promised without any reported ramifications. Taking it a step further, Ford Motor Co. received more than $1 million in tax breaks for an Avon Lake project. Ford did nothing to create jobs in Ohio before relocating to Missouri.

With that said, the tax-break program has been a resounding success and many job-seekers as well as companies have benefitted. We believe it is a program that is worthwhile for the long haul.