Chairman’s Update 2-23-2020

Good Evening,
Last week’s Democrat debate revealed nothing new about the radical plans of socialists like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. The Democrats continued to tout out of touch proposals that will only raise taxes on the middle class. In contrast, President Trump has helped to lift Americans out of poverty and put money back in our pockets through tax cuts. Those achievements, in addition to our overall booming economy, are what Americans will remember when they cast their votes in November. The Democrats will completely destroy our way of life with their pie in the sky promises. They sit on their high horses talking down to Ohioans and people across the country about climate change and wealth inequality while jetting off in private planes and maintaining multiple homes. Ohioans don’t want a hypocritical Democrat with socialist tendencies to dictate where their money should go. We must continue working hard toward another four great years of President Trump’s leadership so we can continue to Keep America Great and out of socialism’s greedy hands.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
In Springfield, Portman Visits The Abilities Connection
Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman visited with leadership and employees from The Abilities Connection (TAC), a nonprofit in Springfield that employs, partners, and cares for people with developmental and physical disabilities, and learned about the services that they provide for the community.
Last month, Portman introduced the bipartisan Ensuring Access to Direct Support Professionals Act — bipartisan legislation that will extend coverage to professional caregiver’s services in hospital settings so that Medicaid beneficiaries can continue to receive the care that they need. In addition, last month, Portman introduced the bipartisan SENIOR CARE to lift the Ticket To Work Program’s Medicaid age restriction and to allow for seniors over the age of 65 to continue to work and keep their Medicaid coverage.
Watch WTDN Dayton’s news clip about the visit.
Governor DeWine Presents Ohio Distinguished Service Medal to Col. Guion Bluford
On Thursday, Governor DeWine and Ohio Adjutant General, Major General John C. Harris, Jr., presented the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal to Col. Guion Bluford, United States Air Force (Retired), for his lifetime achievements in service to the state and nation.
Col. Bluford, of Westlake, flew 144 combat missions in South Vietnam as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He went on to earn a master’s degree and doctorate degree in aerospace engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Col. Bluford later entered the space program at NASA and became first African American astronaut to travel to space in 1983.
Husted Awards “Ohio Cross” to National Guard Member
Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently spoke at the Ohio National Guard’s Senior Leader Conference where he talked about the role that good leaders play in their organizations. Following his remarks, the Lt. Governor was joined by the Adjutant General of Ohio, Major General John Harris, to present the Major General Wayt Leadership Award and the Ohio Cross to two members of the guard. The Ohio Cross is the highest award given in the Ohio National Guard.
AG Dave Yost Continues Fight To End Human Trafficking in Ohio
Attorney General Dave Yost continued his fight to end human trafficking last week, testifying at the Ohio Statehouse in support of Senate Bill 247. Among other things, the legislation would split the buying and selling of sex in Ohio into separate offenses, with buying being the more serious crime.
Yost also sat down with 10TV last week to talk about what trafficking looks like, and how Ohio can do more to combat it.
“Ohio needs to lead,” Yost said. “We’ve done a lot, but we still lag. Let’s create a future where no human being is bought or sold for sex or labor.”
LaRose Speaks Out Against Jane Fonda’s Upcoming Kent State Visit
This week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose called on Kent State University to reverse their decision to have controversial Hollywood activist Jane Fonda keynote their May 4th ceremony.
“The 50th anniversary of one of Ohio’s darkest days has the potential to serve as a moment of unity, understanding & healing in a nation that is deeply divided. However, Kent State’s decision to pay Jane Fonda $83,000 to speak at their commemoration event does the very opposite,”LaRose said. “I served 10 years in the US Army, and eight years in the Ohio Senate before becoming Secretary of State. I certainly understand that people disagree on policy issues, especially matters of war — and that’s ok. What’s not ok is providing aid and comfort to the enemy and willfully serving as a propaganda tool for those engaged in hostilities against the United States. And Ms. Fonda did that – the very definition of treason.”
Auditor of State Keith Faber Talks Fraud with Miami University Students
This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber gave a presentation to students at Miami University about how his office works every day to root out and prosecute corrupt public officials.
“The tax payers of Ohio place their trust in public officials to administer government services honestly,” said Faber, “it’s my office’s job to punish those who violate that trust.”
If you suspect public officials are lying, stealing or cheating you can reach out to the Auditor of State’s office at 1(866)372-8364 or by visiting
Sprague joins Santorum, Ohio Right to Life for legislative briefing
On Thursday, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague took part in the “Pro-Life & Pro-Family Issues in 2020” legislative briefing. The session was hosted by Ohio Right to Life, Citizens for Community Values, and the Ohio Family Network. Former United States Sen. Rick Santorum served as the event’s keynote speaker and spoke of the need to protect human life at all stages and preserve strong family values.
Since November, Treasurer Sprague has been advocating for his Family Forward initiative. Under the plan, reduced interest loans would be available to prospective parents who are navigating the adoption process.
Back from San Diego, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy Circles the State
Since coming back from teaching professionalism at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Justice Kennedy returned to the campaign trail like a whirlwind across the state. Touching voters in 14 counties, she blanketed the state. Visiting all regions of Ohio – from northwest to northeast, along the river from southeast to southwest and back to central – Sharon toured local businesses and a courthouse, attended a sportsman’s dinner, spoke to civic clubs, and engaged with students, educators, a faith based leader, and a cultural group.
Her week ended with two keynote speeches at Harrison and Carroll Counties’ Lincoln Day Dinners. While speaking about the life of President Lincoln, her message was one of hope and renewed sense of commitment to the principles that are uniquely Republican. Speaking about the American Dream that Lincoln chased and is promised to all of us, Lincoln’s deep abiding faith and the prominence of religious freedom in the Republican platform, and the importance of a strong, independent judiciary in our tripartite system of government.
“While some may view the judiciary as supporting the legislative branch, I categorically reject that notion,” Sharon said. “The judicial branch of our tripartite system of government is a separate, but co-equal branch of government. It is my duty and obligation to the people of Ohio, to interpret the law as it is written, not rewrite it or legislate from the bench. Equal to that commandment is my role to serve as the shield against the government stripping us of our God given rights, even if it is from a well meaning legislature. As a member of the judiciary, I am here to protect and defend your constitutional rights from government oppression. To protect the promise of America – your rights to free speech, to peaceably assemble, to practice your individual faith, to ensure your right to bear arms is not encroached upon and that you and your family live free and secure in your home against government intrusion.”
In concluding, she asked the voters of Harrison and Carroll counties for their vote on November 3rd.
Justice French Visited 9 Different Counties, Speaking at Rotaries, Chambers of Commerce, Lincoln Day Dinners and to a Local Farm Bureau
Justice French spoke to both the Newark Rotary Club and Licking County Chamber of Commerce about her role as a justice on the Supreme Court and why the Court matters. She also discussed her ongoing efforts to ensure that all Ohioans have equal access to the justice system.
Next week she’s schedule to speak at 3 Lincoln Day Dinners and is looking forward to seeing all of her Republican friends around the state.