 Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, On Friday, the May jobs report was announced, indicating a promising economic future for Americans. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, Americans witnessed an amazing economy before COVID-19 disrupted our lives. Now, we are seeing a revival of that great economy. The unemployment rate dropped to 13.3% and payroll rose by 2.5 million. These numbers thoroughly beat economists’ expectations. It is great news for all Americans. The strength of President Trump’s economic record cannot be disputed. Americans can truly count on President Trump’s leadership to get us through tough times. After such an uncertain time, this is welcome news. America is open for business once again! Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
On Senate Floor, Portman Urges All Americans to Listen to the Pain Felt Across the County & Work Together to Address Racial Disparities & Injustices Last week on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman addressed the hurt and anger being felt across the country in response to egregious examples of injustice and violence against African-Americans. He highlighted the need to work together to address the long-standing racial disparities and injustices that continue to occur in our country. Portman strongly supports the right of those who are peacefully protesting and shining the light on the outrageous killing of George Floyd. Portman also made clear that those rioting, looting, and destroying businesses and other property are co-opting the moment of pain in our country and that even the family of George Floyd has called for protests to remain peaceful. A video of the remarks can be found here. Governor DeWine Announces Entertainment Reopenings On Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine continued Responsible ReopenOhio announcements with news that day camps and residential camps may open at any time. Entertainment venues listed below may open beginning Wednesday, June 10th if they are able to follow Retail, Consumer, Service & Entertainment Guidelines and other applicable additional guidance:
On Friday, Governor DeWine announced that the following sectors have the ability to reopen on Friday, June 19, 2020:
Governor DeWine also announced the Memorial Golf Tournament will be open and held from July 13th to 19th. Lt. Gov. Husted Highlights Job Opportunities Across Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted highlighted the state’s pandemic job board last week, which features employers who have an increased need for workers, even as the state continues to fight the coronavirus. Ohioans looking for work can search those opportunities at Coronavirus.Ohio.gov/JobSearch. The Lt. Governor also joined Governor DeWine in announcing additional re-openings in the economy as public places continue to safely restart operations. Yost Leads National Coalition Against Robocalls Attorney General Dave Yost led a national coalition of attorneys general law week, urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to drive collaboration between states and telecom companies to help trace robocalls. Tracing robocalls – which is key to enforcing laws against illegal robocalls – requires a working relationship between telecom companies and state attorneys general. “Every spear needs a tip,” Yost said. “A call-tracing collaboration between state attorneys general and the telecom players who route the traffic will sharpen our ability to protect Ohioans.” In March, Yost announced his office created a Robocall Enforcement Unit to combat the issue. Ohioans can report robocalls by texting “ROBO” to 888111, or by visiting OhioProtects.org or calling 1-800-282-0515. LaRose Forms Ready for November Task Force To ensure Ohio is prepared for the election this fall, LaRose announced the formation of the Ready for November Task Force. The mission of the task force is to provide updates from the field on the challenges and needs of our county boards of elections to administer a safe, secure, and accessible election, and how the state can help support their efforts. The boards members include officers from the Ohio Association of Election Officials and Secretary LaRose. Watch the first meeting here. Auditor of State Keith Faber Uncovers $300,000 in Fraud This week Auditor of State Keith Faber released a special audit detailing $334,270 in fraud by the former chief deputy clerk of the Lima municipal court. The issue was first brought to light by current Clerk of Court, Jim Link, who worked with the Auditor’s team to uncover the fraud. Auditor Faber’s team worked to ensure the former chief deputy clerk was prosecuted and is now in prison for her crimes against the citizens of Lima.
Treasurer Sprague Adds Support to Davidson-led Effort to Create CARES Flexibility Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague recently placed his support behind U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson’s (R-OH.8) proposal to create more flexibility for how state and local governments can access funding through the CARES Act. Rep. Davidson’s plan, titled “The Flexibility for States and Localities Act,” was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on Thursday of last week.
“Before Congress considers spending trillions of more dollars through additional stimulus bills, it’s imperative to ensure that the funds already appropriated are able to be accessed by our state and local government partners,” said Treasurer Sprague. “By creating greater flexibility in how the CARES Act funds are used and distributed, Rep. Davidson’s proposal aims to provide governments with the support they need during these trying times.”
Justice Kennedy Builds Out Internship Program
Gearing up for summer, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy met with recent Ohio State University graduate, Megan Ryser, who was recently brought on board as an intern for Kennedy for Ohio. They discussed each other’s backgrounds, Megan’s long term goals, along expectations and what this summer will look like on the campaign trail. “To the voter, November 3rd feels like a lifetime away, but for the campaign it is right around the corner,” said Sharon. “We have a lot of work to do and ground to cover before Election Day. And with traditional methods of outreach dwindling we have to get especially creative when it comes to engaging voters. I look forward to hearing your ideas and working side-by-side to implementing those ideas. We have a long road ahead of us, and I am grateful to have young Ohioans like you on my team.” Justice French Calls Ohio Lawyers to Action
As crises have unfolded across Ohio, Justice Judi French has been speaking to Ohio lawyers and law students about opportunities for their service. “Now, more than ever, low-income and underserved Ohioans need lawyers to help them. The current health crisis threatens their ability to remain safely housed, to remain free from domestic violence, and to access the financial supports they need.” It’s lawyers, she said, who often serve as leaders in our communities and as volunteers when help is needed. As Ohio recovers, their help will be crucial for many Ohio families.
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