NU Online News Service, Jan. 11, 2:39 p.m. EST

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has appointed Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor to be director of the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Ms. Taylor replaces Mary Jo Hudson, who resigned from the post on Jan. 10.

Ms. Taylor was the state's auditor for four years before becoming lieutenant governor. Previously, she served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives and was a member of the House Finance, Ways and Means, and Education committees.

An announcement from the governor said Ms. Taylor's appointment is part of an initiative to revamp Ohio's regulatory policies, called the "Common Sense Initiative." Ms. Taylor will be leading this initiative.

According to an executive order implementing the initiative, the goal is to "tear down any obstacles that make it more difficult for businesses to operate in Ohio."

The order explained that regulations play an important role in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers, but it noted that small businesses are "disproportionately impacted by regulations, particularly those that are unclear or overly restrictive."

As such, the order empowers the lieutenant governor to independently evaluate the economic impact of agency rules and regulations on small businesses in Ohio.

A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Insurance referred questions to the governor's office. A request to the governor's office was not returned.