Chairman’s Update 1-05-2020

Portman Highlights Support for USMCA

Click here to watch U.S. Senator Rob Portman’s interview on Lima News Now highlighting his support for the USMCA, which the House passed in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion last month. This much-needed trade agreement with our neighbors, Canada & Mexico will provide a replacement to the 25-year-old NAFTA.

Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted Speak at Fair Managers Meeting

On Friday, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted spoke at the Ohio Fair Managers Annual Meeting. In attendance were over 800 fair board members, volunteers, and 4-H leaders from around the state. Earlier Friday, DeWine also spoke at the Ohio Auctioneers 2020 Conference.

Husted Announces Application Period for TechCred

Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the next open application period for the TechCred Program. The initiative was founded by the DeWine-Husted Administration in order to help businesses having trouble finding workers and give them a tool to train the next generation of their workforce. Businesses wishing to apply can learn more in the Lt. Governor’s announcement here, or by visiting TechCred.Ohio.gov.

AG Dave Yost Continues Fight Against Robocalls

Attorney General Dave Yost last week applauded President Trump’s signing of the Telehope Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. The legislation, which was passed out of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, targets illegal robocalls by requiring service providers to offer free, automatic call-blocking technology to consumers. This ensures that phone calls originate from secure, verified numbers, and not spoofed sources.

“I applaud the president and a nearly unanimous Congress for creating and signing into law the most important new tool in a generation to fight robocalls and fraud,” Yost said. “The bipartisan support of this measure reflects just how widespread this nuisance has become. It’s time for these scammers to get the message—enough is enough.”

Last year, Yost and other state attorneys general sent a letter to the U.S. Senate in support of the TRACED Act.

LaRose Keynotes Naturalization Ceremony

This week Secretary LaRose spoke to 79 individuals becoming legal citizens during a naturalization ceremony in Cleveland. He took this opportunity to inspire this group of new patriots to take the next step by contributing to the economic and civic live of this state and nation.

To help them achieve this, LaRose teamed up with the local board of elections to register them to vote, encourage them to be a poll worker and learn how to start a business.

“For these people that have made the difficult journey to come to this country and become a United States citizen — they are truly a part of a great tradition,” said LaRose. “As successive waves of immigrants have done, they will contribute richly to the cultural, economic and civic life of our state.”

Check out what Secretary LaRose had to say about the experience here.

Auditor of State Keith Faber Meets with Ohio Fair Managers

This week Auditor of State Keith Faber addressed nearly 1,000 members of the agriculture community in Ohio. Faber thanked the fair managers for all they do for the communities they serve – from the county fair to the local events they host. Additionally, he outlined steps his office is taking to bring down audit costs for local fairs. Faber is continuing to fight for more efficient, effective, and transparent government at all levels.

Sprague Touts Strong STABLE Growth to Close 2019

As the year ended, Treasurer Sprague reported unprecedented growth for his office’s STABLE Account program. The program, which provides specialized savings and investment accounts to individuals living with disabilities, saw participation grow by more than 40% over the 12 month span. Additionally, overall STABLE contributions crossed the $100 million mark in November. Throughout 2019, Sprague oversaw innovative new partnerships with public and private employers to allow eligible employees to directly deposit portions of their paycheck into STABLE accounts either for themselves or a loved one.

Justice Kennedy Wishes You and Your Family A Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year

Over the holidays, I hope you and your family had time to celebrate and reconnect. As we look ahead to 2020, we know we have a big year ahead of us!

I can hardly believe that it is finally here! With 303days until Election Day, November 3rd, I am excited to continue my travels across Ohio.

As in years past, traveling the highways, byways, and backroads – visiting all 88 counties – multiple times – I look forward to being in all corners of our state. Having the the opportunity to talk to voters about my diverse 34 years of service in the justice system and why they should continue to trust me.

I ask you to join me. Engage the court races, speak up and speak out about the court races, and help propel victory on November 3rd. Together, we will be victorious!

I look forward to seeing you soon. May you and your family have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!