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Ohio AG Debt Collections Set Record
COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Attorney General Jim Petro's Collections Enforcement Section brought in a record $177 million in the last year. The section is responsible for collecting past due debts owed to the state of Ohio and collects everything from unpaid tax bills and fraudulent workers' compensation and unemployment claims to debts owed to state colleges and universities.For fiscal year 2004, the section brought in $177 million, up from $157 million in 2003 and $127 million in 2002. The jump in revenue was achieved because the staff - smaller in number than in 2002 - has been given extensive customer service and new technology training, Petro says.The section brought in more money than ever for the Victims of Crime Compensation fund, which is paid by persons convicted of certain crimes for the benefit of crime victims, he adds. "We have upgraded the computer system, reorganized the collections section to promote efficiency, and developed stronger relationships within state government to ensure accurate information is transmitted by our statutory clients," Petro notes.By working more closely with other state agencies, the number of accounts certified for collections has jumped. Petro also credits improved technology training and staff restructuring for the increase in collections.Technological advances also are making it easier for citizens to check their accounts and make payments through a secure, online connection. Beginning in late July, those owing money can pay online by check and credit card."