Statement on the Ohio Democrats and League of Women Voters Attempts to Rig Ohio Elections 


Statement from ORP Communications Director Evan Machan on the Ohio Democrats and League of Women Voters Attempts to Rig Ohio Elections 

Columbus,OH – Ohio Republican Party Communications Director Evan Machan released the following statement regarding multiple attempts to rig Ohio elections:

“Today, both the Ohio Democrat Party and the League of Women Voters filed lawsuits challenging Ohio election laws. This is another desperate attempt to rig our elections by creating more vulnerabilities in our voting processes, which will lead to unsafe and unfair elections. The LWV wants to eliminate all signature matching requirements for absentee requests and ballots. The ODP wants electronic submission of absentee requests. These two lawsuits combined make it possible for anyone to request a ballot for another voter without their knowledge or consent and no way to check for fraud.”

“Free and fair elections should be a priority for both groups. Though their indifference to election security hardly comes as a surprise, it should infuriate Ohio voters.”

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Statement from ORP Chairman Jane Timken on the Removal of Larry Householder as Speaker, Election of New Speaker 

Statement from ORP Chairman Jane Timken on the Removal of Larry Householder as Speaker, Election of New Speaker 

Columbus,OH – Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken released the following statement regarding the removal of Larry Householder as speaker, election of new Speaker of the House:

“We are pleased with the swift action taken by the Ohio House GOP caucus to remove Larry Householder from his position as Speaker of the House. There is a responsibility that comes with holding such a title and leadership role, and I commend the House members for taking recent allegations seriously and moving quickly on this issue. Ohioans deserve representation that is not tainted by greed or deceit.”

“I would also like to congratulate Representative Bob Cupp, of District 4, for being elected Speaker of the House by his GOP peers. I am confident that Representative Cupp is the best person to unite the caucus. He will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the people of Ohio, and to the Ohio House of Representatives overall.”

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Chairman’s Update 7/26/2020

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Corruption of any kind must be rooted out and condemned, no matter who or what it involves. Unfortunately, greed and a thirst for power are not unique to any one political party. Everyone deserves the presumption of innocence, but holding a seat in public office is a privilege, not a right. That is why I called for the resignation of Larry Householder from his position as both legislator and Speaker of the House. Ohioans deserve better.

The charges against Matt Borges, former Chairman of the Ohio GOP, are similarly shocking, although not quite as surprising. Under Borges’s direction, the party endured several Federal Election Committee violations, including improperly funding a voter database. The issue has been resolved and the ORP is now in good standing with the FEC. It does not come as a surprise that Matt Borges proved to be irresponsible once again.

One thing we should all be able to unite in is the notion that people who break the law should be held accountable. I am confident that the FBI and DOJ will conduct a thorough review of all allegations against those involved, and that we will soon have more answers than questions.

On a positive note, we are officially 100 days out from the November election. I know Ohioans are fired up and ready to re-elect President Trump, who has fought for Americans throughout his first term. He kept the promises he made to people across the nation, and I am confident voters will turn out to support him strongly on November 3rd.

ICYMI: President Trump has put the health and safety of Americans ahead of political interests by canceling the 2020 Republican National Convention. Although we may not be able to celebrate in Jacksonville next month, we will continue working hard to ensure another victory!

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

Portman’s Restore Our Parks Act (ROPA) Heads to President Trump for Signature

This week, the House of Representatives passed Senator Portman’s Restore Our Parks Act, landmark legislation he has pushed for years to protect and preserve America’s national parks.  This bill passed the Senate in June and now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature.

The bill will support more than 100,000 jobs over the next five years by rebuilding critical park infrastructure to help address the more than $12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service (NPS). Notably, the measure would help tackle the more than $100 million maintenance backlog at Ohio’s eight national park sites. The Restore Our Parks Act is a part of a broader legislative package, the Great American Outdoors Act, that addresses the deferred maintenance backlog across federal land management agencies and provides permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Governor DeWine Issues Out-of-State Travel Advisory

Governor DeWine announced a travel advisory for all individuals coming into Ohio from states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher.

Those traveling from one of the following states should self-quarantine for 14 days at home or in a hotel.

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • South Carolina
  • Texas

The self-quarantine recommendation applies to those who live in Ohio and to people who are traveling into Ohio from any of these states.

“I know this will be hard and is a sacrifice, especially as summer vacations are in full force, but when we have a higher likelihood of being exposed, we should take precautions to limit the exposure of others,” said Governor DeWine.

Ohio’s positivity rate, which is an indicator of the percentage of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, has been around 6.2 percent.

Husted Advances Broadband Expansion Plan

Last week, Lt. Governor Husted announced the next steps being taken to advance Ohio’s Broadband Strategy, which was released through InnovateOhio in January. The Ohio Department of Transportation has fulfilled its commitment to streamline the permitting process for companies seeking to grow broadband infrastructure, and the DeWine-Husted Administration is now seeking funding to help get internet access to families across Ohio with no access to high speed internet to help them prepare for the coming school year in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. The move has garnered praise from businesses and local officials across the state.

Yost Discusses Police Reform, Protests & Constitutional Challenges 

Attorney General Dave Yost recently joined the National Constitution Center and National Association of Attorneys General for a bipartisan discussion on police reform, protests, and other constitutional challenges. Yost discussed Ohio’s efforts to bring increased training and oversight to the state, while denouncing the dangerous defund the police movement.

“The vast majority of officers are good-hearted, patient, disciplined professionals who are doing a very difficult and dangerous job,” Yost said. “At the end of the day, the most important thing we can do is get rid of the few bad actors so that the good actors can resume their day-to-day work.”

You can watch Yost’s full interview here.

LaRose Announces Initiative to Recruit Lawyer to Receive Continuing Education for Serving as Poll Workers

The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order allowing Ohio attorneys to receive required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for serving as precinct election officials on Election Day this fall. The decision supports the Secretary’s Ready for November initiative by recruiting new poll workers to ensure Ohio voters have a safe, secure and fair election.

“Safe and accessible in-person voting is essential, and that requires large numbers of dedicated poll workers who will deliver accurate, accessible, secure, elections for their fellow Ohioans,” Secretary LaRose said. “The smart, hard-working, patriotic men and women who practice law in our state are ideally suited for this crucial public service.”

Sign up to defend democracy as a poll worker at VoteOhio.gov/DefendDemocracy

Auditor of State Faber Hosts Roundtable in Akron

This week Auditor of State Keith Faber hosted a roundtable in Akron with citizens who have struggled with Ohio’s unemployment system. The pandemic has put incredible pressure on the state’s unemployment system, exposing problems and leaving thousands of Ohioans without the benefits they desperately need. Auditor Faber has been meeting with citizens to hear firsthand how the system is failing.

Treasurer Sprague Announces $161,000 in Savings for the City of Youngstown

On Friday, Treasurer Sprague announced that the City of Youngstown will save approximately $161,300 in interest costs by taking advantage of the Ohio Market Access Program (OMAP). Through the program, the city has refinanced two one-year notes that were issued to renovate its city hall annex and pay costs related to construction of its convocation center.
 
“During these challenging times, we should be using every tool we have to increase efficiencies and save taxpayer dollars – and we’re proud to help Youngstown do just that,” said Treasurer Sprague. “Through the Ohio Market Access Program, we’ve put the state’s high credit rating to work for the city and provided them with significant savings.”
Kennedy Meets with Cleveland Pastors

From the bench to meetings around the state – Justice Sharon L. Kennedy found time to knock doors, participate in meet-ups on Zoom, speak at a backyard community event, and meet with Pastors in Cleveland. While her meetings focused on the important work of the court, Sharon also addressed treatment in-lieu of incarceration and restorative justice through re-entry partnerships.

“Treatment and stopping the revolving door of detention and incarceration is a problem a community can address,” she said. “The faith based community have a deep understanding of what is needed in their communities and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge with them and bring partners who share their passion together.”

Team French Meets Voters Around Ohio

Social distancing didn’t keep Judi and her team from connecting with Ohio voters. With both virtual and in-person meetings, Team French spread the message of just how important her re-election is.

Chairman’s Update 7/19/20

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Last week, the ORP held various press conferences across the state. I traveled across Ohio with fellow Republicans and small business owners to bring light to the hypocrisy of the Ohio Democrat Party. Many of you may know that the ODP accepted nearly $334,000 in Paycheck Protection Program funds, only to later criticize the program for not being accessible to small business owners. The program was meant to help those struggling to keep their small businesses afloat during difficult times. It was never intended to help partisan political organizations with campaign activities.

DNC Chair Tom Perez even came out saying he thought it was the right thing for Democrats in Florida to return PPP money they had accepted, voicing support for all political parties to return the money including Ohio Democrats, who have been trying to divert attention to the issue since it emerged. It was illegal to accept the money in Florida and it should be no different in our state.

The hypocrisy of Democrats is not unique to Ohio. With less than four months until Election Day, it is critical that we continue fighting to retain conservative values in the White House. President Trump has kept the promises he made to Americans, but we cannot trust a Democrat to do the same. We must continue working to Keep America Great.

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

Portman Tours Battelle’s Critical Care Decontamination System and COVID-19 Research Lab 

Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman toured Battelle’s Critical Care Decontamination System and COVID-19 research lab. In April, Portman praised the Trump administration for awarding a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle’s decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country. Portman worked with Battelle and the appropriate contacts at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the White House to help secure the necessary federal funding.

Governor DeWine: Ohio at Critical Point in COVID-19 Pandemic 

On Wednesday, in a statewide address from his office in the Statehouse, Governor DeWine said that the state is at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic and implored Ohioans to take appropriate action to reverse the rapidly increasing spread of the virus.

“Today, more Ohioans are getting sick than at any previous point in this pandemic. We are sliding down a very dangerous path, with our once flattened-curve starting to sharpen and spike,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a worrisome, disturbing reversal of our progress — a jarring reminder of just how quickly our fate can change.”

Governor DeWine commended Ohioans for doing their part at the beginning of the pandemic. However, with positive cases increasing, he reminded Ohioans that the choices they make today will impact the spread of the virus in the coming weeks. During the speech, grounded in scientific evidence and data, Governor DeWine reminded Ohioans about the efficacy of facial coverings to protect themselves, loved ones, friends, neighbors and other citizens. He also renewed the call to socially distance and limit public gatherings.

“I am calling on all Ohioans to once again unite. We must work together, support each other, and help each other through this challenging time. I’ve seen you do this. I know you can do this. Ohioans can continue to help our most vulnerable, while also protecting ourselves and our families. Together, we can be the Ohio where our hospitals are not overwhelmed, where our schools can open, where sports can start, and where our economy can continue to grow, Governor DeWine added.

A video of the address is available on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.

Husted Announces Workforce Program to Get Ohio Back to Work

Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently announced the launch of Ohio’s Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP), which is a new, $2.5 million grant program to help Ohioans upskill their abilities and prepare themselves for a career in growing industries. Training providers are currently being linked into the program, which will be open for individuals to apply in the near future. There are currently approximately 120,000 jobs available at OhioMeansJobs.com, about half of which pay over $50,000 a year. Visit IMAP.Development.Ohio.gov to learn more about the program.

Yost Holds Pharmacy Middlemen Accountable, Seeks to Recoup Millions

Attorney General Dave Yost continued his fight to hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable last week by filing a lawsuit against Express Scripts for silently pocketing millions of dollars in overcharges to the state. Express Scripts is accused of multiple contract breaches, which helped the PBM overcharge the Ohio Highway Patrol Retirement System.

This is Yost’s second lawsuit against a PBM amidst ongoing investigations. In 2019, Yost sued OptumRx for overcharging the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by $16 million.

“It’s no secret that PBMs have been keeping secret their prescription pricing in order to evade public scrutiny and rake in revenue,” Yost said. “I intend to shed light on their business model and bring true transparency to the process – they need to answer the tough questions and repay what is owed.”

LaRose Calls on Ohioans to Celebrate Independence Day with Active Citizenship

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, Secretary LaRose, in a recent OpEd, called on each Ohioan to recommit themselves to active citizenship by being a voter and considering serving as a poll worker.
 
“This nation is not perfect, but there is no nation on earth that has done more than America has to advance the cause of human freedom – and we have the power to make it more perfect,” said LaRose. “Celebrate America by recommitting to active citizenship! Social media posts alone won’t do it – be a voter and be a poll worker. Get started by visiting VoteOhio.gov!”
 

Auditor Faber Meets with Southwest Ohio Business Leaders

This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber held a teleconference with chamber leaders from across Southwest Ohio. Auditor Faber discussed how his office has been operating throughout the pandemic and heard from business leaders some of the struggles they have been experiencing through the shut down and subsequent reopening.

Sprague Announces New All-Time High for STAR Ohio 

Last week, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that the STAR Ohio investment pool has hit an all-time high of $15 billion. With nearly 1,700 entities participating, STAR Ohio allows government subdivisions—from municipalities to school districts—to invest in high-grade, short-term securities, while offering safety, penalty-free liquidity, and comparatively higher yields.

“STAR Ohio continues to be a sound and trusted investment option for local governments as they battle unforeseen financial challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Treasurer Sprague. “With its high rating and decades-long track record of success, STAR Ohio plays a vital role in helping local fiscal officers manage public resources.”

Additionally, Treasurer Sprague announced that the investment pool distributed nearly $217 million in interest earnings to Ohio government subdivisions in FY 2020.

 

Touching Nine Counties Kennedy Continues to Travel Ohio
Continuing her travels across the highways and byways of Ohio, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy touched 9 counties spanning our great state. From walking door-to-door to numerous Zoom meetings with business groups to speaking to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and the Putnam County Women’s Republican Club, it was a packed week.
“It is always great to hit the bricks and walk door-to-door,” said Kennedy.  “The voters seem really grateful for the opportunity to talk to someone and it was an amazing opportunity to speak at the first in-person Putnam County Chamber of Commerce meeting which allowed me to discuss how the rule of law – property rights, judicial effectiveness and government integrity impact economic freedom and growth,” she remarked.  But Kennedy stressed that “nothing is more fun than speaking about the founding of America – the originating documents – and the limited role in government that members of the third branch of government play.  The great civic education is about why the protection of liberty and preservation of the Republic requires those who choose to wear robes must honor their limited role in government – judicial restraint.”
French Travels to Putnam County to Meet Voters

French traveled to Putnam County this week to meet with local voters. Thanks to the organizing by chairman tony Schroeder and the Putnam Republican Women’s Club, French attended a meet and greet reception and a community event in Ottawa. Her message continues to be one focused on the importance of the 2020 Supreme Court races and the need for conservative justices.

Chairman’s Update 7/12/20

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Although Ohio unemployment claims remain higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, they are on the decline for the 10th straight week in a row. As Americans across the nation continue to confront this virus, this is great news for Ohioans. This indicates that people are heading back to work once again, and gives us hope for a path forward.

Yesterday, I was joined by Governor DeWine and Justices French and Kennedy at the annual convention, this year virtual, for the Ohio Young Republicans. It is so encouraging to see how passionate younger generations are about politics and conservative values. Not only are they excited to elect Ohio Republicans, but they are so enthusiastic about re-electing President Trump in November. The President has such widespread support because of the results he has gained for Americans, even in hard times, and we won’t forget that.

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

In Youngstown, Portman Visits the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, Sees Firsthand How Federal COVID-19 Response Legislation Has Helped Food Access & Distribution 

Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman visited the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. In addition, Portman met with the organization’s leadership to discuss Portman’s support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, which provided funding for nutrition programs and additional flexibilities to allow food to be distributed efficiently and with social distancing.

Gov. DeWine Issues Guidance for Reopening K-12 Schools

The Ohio Department of Higher Education, in consultation with Ohio colleges, universities, the Ohio Department of Health, and health experts across the state have developed guidance to help campuses safely reopen.

The Responsible RestartOhio guidance for Institutions of Higher Education includes minimum operating standards for all campuses, as well as best practices to further enhance those standards.

Because each campus must develop policies and procedures related to COVID-19 testing, new Guidance for COVID-19 Testing at Institutions of Higher Education was also released to help institutions tailor their testing plan to their community and develop policies related to the isolation of symptomatic students, faculty, and staff members.

K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING 

To help K-12 schools and institutions of higher education address increasing costs associated with the COVID-19 safety measures, Governor DeWine and leaders of the Ohio General Assembly are requesting that the Ohio Controlling Board approve an initial request on Monday to allocate $200 million for higher education and $100 million for K-12 schools from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

“This funding comes from federal CARES Act dollars to help schools meet their unique individual needs,” said Governor DeWine. “We intend for this funding to be very flexible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The funding would be available to all public and private schools and for all two and four-year colleges and universities, both public and private, including adult career tech providers.

The funding request is in addition to the more than $440 million in direct federal CARES Act funding that Ohio K-12 schools are receiving and the more than $190 million in direct federal funding provided to Ohio’s colleges and universities.

Lt. Governor Husted Launches #IWantASeason Campaign

Lt. Governor Jon Husted this week launched the #IWantASeason campaign, which aims to reach young Ohioans and sports fans and encourage them to practice safe practices to slow the spread of the global coronavirus pandemic. The Lt. Governor, a former All-American football player and National Champion with the Dayton Flyers’ football team, encourages those who “want a season” to do what they can to slow the spread so that everyone can enjoy the next season of their favorite sport. Many professional, college, and high school athletes, along with their families, have already participated in the campaign.

AG Yost Offers Help with Canceled Ticket Refunds 

Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging Ohioans to notify his office is they have not received ticket refunds for events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the cancellation and refund policies in place at the time of purchase, Ohio’s consumer protection laws may provide an avenue to obtain refunds, and the Attorney General’s office is here to help.

“We’re ready to go to bat for you if you’re stuck in refund limbo,” Yost said. “Give us a call because we might be able to help get your money back.”

Ohioans who purchased tickets for events that were canceled due to the pandemic, should first contact the ticket seller to request a refund. If those attempts are unsuccessful, consumers can submit complaints to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-282-0515 or OhioProtects.org.

Businesses Join the Fight to Defend Democracy

This week, Secretary LaRose hosted an event with the Hamilton County Board of Elections and Western & Southern Financial to highlight the public/private partnership to recruit poll workers for the upcoming election. Western & Southern has agreed to give their employees a paid day off for election day if they serve as a poll worker and is encouraging other businesses across the state to do the same.

Sign up to defend democracy as a poll worker at VoteOhio.gov/DefendDemocracy.

Auditor Faber Visits the Holocaust and Humanity Center

This week, Auditor of a State Keith Faber visited the Holocaust and Humanity Center in Cincinnati. The museum’s stands as a reminder the horrors that took place just 80 years ago and it’s mission is to ensure that we never allow it to happen again.
“At a time in our nation where anti-semitism is on the rise,” Faber said, “places like the Holocaust and Humanity Center exist to remind us where these insidious ideas lead. It’s our duty to reject this vile hatred wherever it appears.”
The Holocaust and Humanity Center is located at the old Union Terminal and reopens to the public on July 17th.

Sprague Touts Second Conservative Record-Breaking Month for STABLE

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that his office’s STABLE Account program saw a second consecutive month of record-setting growth in the month of June. New accounts in June totaled 839, well surpassing the previous record of 542 set just one month prior.
 
Since the onset of COVID-19, Treasurer Sprague‘s staff has successfully transitioned much of their outreach efforts to virtual avenues which have further broadened their reach in connecting with individuals and families who may benefit from the program. 
 
STABLE accounts are specialized savings and investment accounts for people with disabilities that allows them to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefits.

Kennedy Continues Campaigning Across Ohio

When not hearing oral arguments or writing opinions, Justice Kennedy traveled our beautiful Ohio with stops in Clark, Morgan, Licking, and Washington. Throughout her week, she had multiple events, including a hat trick by speaking at the sunrise Newark Heath Rotary Club, presenting a Zoom continuing legal education program for more than 300 lawyers from around the state, and ending her day by speaking to the Avon Lake Republican Club via zoom.
Before knocking some doors in Marietta Sharon thanked the volunteers for their time and support.
“In 116 days voters will go to the polls and elect our next President.  As they cast their ballot it is vitally important that they vote all the way down the ticket and vote for a Kennedy,” she said. “And while you’re out knocking today, I challenge you to make a friend, to inspire just one person to join our efforts to ensure that a person committed to the rule of law and judicial restraint remains at the court.  We cannot win without good people like you.  Thank you for being here, for caring about the court races, and for rallying our voters.”
Justice French Delivers Yard Signs Across Ohio

Judi and Team French were crisscrossing Ohio delivering yard signs this past week. We’ve been to more than a dozen counties and will continue traveling this week to make deliveries throughout Ohio. Please contact the campaign if you need signs and we’ll make every effort to deliver them. Judi’s success as a candidate is a direct result of the hard work of so many volunteers across Ohio and we’re grateful for your continued support.

Chairman’s Update 7/05/20

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Independence Day festivities may have looked a bit different this year, but I hope you all had the chance to enjoy a lovely holiday spent with friends and family celebrating our nation’s independence.

We live in a great country, and as President Trump said in his speech at Mount Rushmore, the best is yet to come. We have had four great years of President Trump’s leadership, and I look forward to another four when we re-elect him in November.

Doubling what was added in May, an incredible 4.8 million jobs were added in June surpassing all expectations. The manufacturing and construction industries saw the greatest gains, and the unemployment rate dropped to 11% as states across the country began reopening. President Trump has built a strong economy for Americans that continues to bounce back even after the tough times we have witnessed. Let’s continue working to re-elect President Trump and to Keep America Great.

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

VIDEO: Portman Visits Tipp City Business Kept Afloat By Paycheck Protection Program

In a new video, Senator Portman highlights his recent visit to Bruns General Contracting, where he met with company leadership and employees and learned that their Paycheck Protection Program loan kept the business afloat so workers stayed on payroll and operations continued at their Bruns General Contracting division and area job sites. The PPP loan was made possible thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and President Trump signed into law.

The video can be found here.

Gov. DeWine Issues Guidance for Reopening K-12 Schools

On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced new guidance for resuming school in the fall.

The newly issued guidance report advises schools to vigilantly assess symptoms, wash and sanitize hands to prevent spread, thoroughly clean and sanitize the school environment to limit spread on shared surfaces, practice social distancing, and implement a face coverings policy.

Details on the new school guidance are available on coronavirus.ohio.gov.

To assist schools in their efforts to implement the guidance, the Ohio Department of Education has created a document titled, “The Reset and Restart Education Planning Guide for Ohio Schools and Districts,” which is designed to help teachers, principals, and administrators with solutions to safety challenges.  The document provides resources and information for community decision-makers as they contemplate how to reopen safely.

The guidance was developed in consultation with school superintendents, teachers, and parents.

Governor DeWine also committed to working with the Ohio General Assembly on a plan to ensure that federal CARES Act dollars are made available to Ohio’s school districts for unforeseen expenses associated with creating a safe environment.

Lt. Governor Husted Touts Start of USMCA with Trump Administration

Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted celebrated the launch of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USCMA) with U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia during his trip to Ohio. Lt. Governor Hustedwas an early supporter of President Trump’s USMCA in order to obtain a better deal for Ohio and American innovators, job creators, farmers, and workers. The Lt. Governor joined a small roundtable with the Secretary at JobsOhio, the state’s non-profit, economic development organization.

Yost Demands GM Pay Back $60 Million to Ohio for Breaking Promises

Attorney General Dave Yost sent a brief to the Ohio Tax Credit Authority last week, demanding General Motors (GM) return the $60 million it received in state tax credits after breaking its promise to the state and the Mahoning Valley. GM took $60 million in tax credits from the state of Ohio after promising to maintain its Lordstown plant through 2028 and retain 3,700 jobs through 2040. GM reneged on its promise by closing the Lordstown plant in 2019.

“Accountability is the key to good business and we’re holding GM accountable for not living up to its end of the contract,” Yost said. “We demand the money that is rightfully owed to Ohio – no more, no less.”

LaRose Calls on Ohioans to Celebrate Independence Day with Active Citizenship

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, Secretary LaRose, in a recent OpEd, called on each Ohioan to recommit themselves to active citizenship by being a voter and considering serving as a poll worker.
 
“This nation is not perfect, but there is no nation on earth that has done more than America has to advance the cause of human freedom – and we have the power to make it more perfect,” said LaRose. “Celebrate America by recommitting to active citizenship! Social media posts alone won’t do it – be a voter and be a poll worker. Get started by visiting VoteOhio.gov!”
 

Auditor Faber Finds Over $800,000 in Misused Taxpayer Dollars

This week Auditor of State Keith Faber announced more than $800,000 in findings for recovery at Richard Allen Schools, a charter school in the Dayton area. “The law is straightforward – Richard Allen Schools chose to ignore their legal obligations and instead improperly spend hundreds of thousands of dollars intended for the education of our children,” said Auditor Faber. “We will continue to audit to the law and call out those that choose to manipulate for personal gain.” The school overpaid members of their board and failed to fulfill contractual obligations with vendors leading to the findings. Auditor Faber has zero tolerance for those misusing and abusing taxpayer dollars. His office has referred the findings for collection.

Sprague, Husted Unveil the New OhioCheckbook.gov

On Tuesday, Treasurer Robert Sprague and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced the completion of a months-long project to merge Ohio’s two government transparency websites into an all-in-one online portal. OhioCheckbook.gov combines the best features of its predecessor websites — OhioCheckbook.com and Ohio’s Interactive Budget — into a single resource that includes financial data about the State of Ohio, as well as hundreds of participating local governments. Moving forward, the merger of the two websites is expected to save the state approximately $900,000 per year.
 

“By working together, we’ve delivered a better, more transparent service for Ohioans and the media, while also doing it at a lower cost. Using technology and collaboration to improve customer service has been a goal of InnovateOhio and this is another positive example of how you can achieve that success,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted.

“When government works together, it serves its people better,” said Treasurer Sprague. “We’re proud to partner with the DeWine-Husted Administration to increase government transparency while saving taxpayer dollars.”

Release – Husted, Sprague Unveil the New OhioCheckbook.gov
Cleveland.com – Ohio Merges Dueling State Websites that Detail Government Spending

Kennedy Touches All 88 Counties Again

This week, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy rounded out her 88 county tour, with her final touch ending in Crawford County. Her stops this year included business tours, Lincoln Day Dinners, and speaking to a wide variety of organizations and schools, along with countless events – and she’s already back on the road to do it all again!

“I am so fortunate that serving as a Justice affords me the opportunity to crisscross our great state,” said Sharon. “Stumbling upon old time diners, breathtaking views, both natural and man-made, and many other amazing attractions, but the best part about my travels are the people I meet along the way. For it’s the people in our small towns, and our big cities that make Ohio so wonderful, and I am blessed to have friends in all parts of it. It is an honor to serve each and every one of you. Thank you for making my work so special.”

French Travels Ohio to Visit Local Courts and Judges

Justice French traveled the state this week to visit local courts and judges. As courts throughout Ohio reopened after the shutdown, they have made innovative technological changes and upgrades that keep the public safe. WFMJ in Youngstown covered Judi’s visit to the Mahoning County court to see the new technology in action.