 Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, Last night, President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacant seat left on the Supreme Court by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Barrett will be only the fifth woman to ever serve on the nation’s highest court, and will do so with great deference to the Constitution. A successful student, lawyer and judge throughout her legal career, along with her dedication to her family, Barrett has already shown Americans she is capable of it all. Democrats have tried for four years now to obstruct President Trump’s goals. Democrats in the Senate will try to hinder our democratic processes for their own gain. These are the same Democrats who, in the 2016 election year, supported President Obama’s own Supreme Court nominee. President Trump is following precedent by moving to fill the vacant seat, and Americans deserve a fully staffed court of nine as soon as possible. Ohioans can rely on Senator Portman to take Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination into thorough consideration, and with a Republican majority in the Senate, I look forward to the rest of his colleagues doing the same. Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
Portman Highlights OneFifteen’s Efforts to Help Those Recovering from Addiction On Monday, Senator Portman released a video discussing his recent participation in the ribbon cutting ceremony for OneFifteen Living, a residential housing facility in Dayton dedicated to help people suffering from addiction get their lives back on track. Click here to watch the video and learn more about how this organization is helping save lives in the Dayton region. Portman has been a leader in Congress fighting addiction. He is the author of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and recently introduced a new bill called the TREATS Act to make permanent some of the telehealth options that are being used now for treatment due to Covid-19.
Governor DeWine Announces Nursing Home Indoor Visitation Governor DeWine announced two new health orders that will allow for indoor visitation at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and intermediate care facilities in Ohio. Intermediate Care Facilities: The Ohio Department of Health issued the Director’s Order to Limit Access to Ohio’s Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and to Permit Visitation. Intermediate care facilities for Ohioans with developmental disabilities can resume indoor visitation beginning on Monday, September 28, if safety standards outlined in the order are met. Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can begin allowing indoor visitation on Monday, October 12. This date was selected to allow adequate time for the facilities to prepare their physical plants, adjust staffing levels, update visitation policies, and communicate expectations with residents and families. Indoor visitation at nursing homes and assisted living facilities should only resume if certain safety standards are met. These standards will be outlined in a forthcoming public health order. When visitation resumes, a Long-Term Care Facility Dashboard will be added to the COVID-19 data dashboard at coronavirus.ohio.gov where users can access facility-specific visitation information. Husted Announces 1,400 STEMM Choose Ohio First Scholarships Lt. Governor Jon Husted last week called for Ohio colleges and universities to submit proposals for the next round of Choose Ohio First Scholarships. The program, founded by Husted while serving as Speaker of the Ohio House, is designed to get more Ohio students skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine – all skills that are in high demand in today’s economy. The new round of scholarships will help 1,400 students fund studies in these growing fields. Yost Provides Resources to Help Women and Children of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Attorney General Dave Yost announced $59 million in grants was being provided to help women and children of domestic violence and sexual assault last week. General Yost made it a priority that the funds, mostly provided by the federal government, go to groups that have direct, frontline interactions with victims of crime, including domestic violence and sexual assaults. “The organizations receiving these grants provide vital resources to families during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Yost said. “It is important that every dollar go to support these victims and help them recover.” The federal grant money comes from the Victims of Crime Act of 1984. You can read more about the grants here.
LaRose Partners with Anheuser-Busch to Boost Voter and Election Worker Safety
To help make voting in person safe for voters and poll workers alike, Secretary LaRose joined Anheuser-Busch to announce their production and donation of hand sanitizer for county boards of elections. Close to 3,000 gallons are being distributed to boards throughout Ohio. LaRose has made it clear that in-person voting will be available and safe. “If you are comfortable going to your grocery store, you can go to your polling place” said LaRose.
Auditor Faber Speaks at Trump Rally This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber joined President Trump in Swanton to remind Ohioans how important it is to re-elect the president. President Trump has kept his promises to Ohioans. He’s cut taxes, reduced regulations, and appointed constitutionally conservative judges. President Trump will bring our economy back from the pandemic caused downturn and make America stronger than ever.
Sprague’s Small Business Grant Proposal Draws Support from Across Ohio Business leaders, community advocates, and policymakers continue to place their support behind Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague‘s proposal to create a statewide small business grant program by leveraging $100 million of the state’s remaining CARES Act allocation. Last week saw several county and regional chambers of commerce and economic development organizations come out in support of the proposal, as well as Congressmen Troy Balderson (OH-12) and Anthony Gonzales (OH-16).
Funds made available through the CARES Act must be allocated and spent by December 30.
Kennedy Continues to Travel Ohio Touching 9 Counties This Week
With only 37 days left until Election Day, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy continues to criss-cross the state. Visiting 9 counties this week, beginning in Northwest Ohio at a church service in Trumbull, ending in Southern Ohio with stops at the Vinton and Hocking Republican victory centers, and finding time in between to knock doors in Lake and Muskingum, and attend events in Cuyahoga, Marion, Hamilton, and Jackson. Sharon also participated in multiple virtual forums and meetings which included speaking to the Urbana Rotary, the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals’ Ohio chapter, and a UC Clermont College politics class.
While visiting the victory center in Hocking, Sharon thanked the volunteers for their efforts.
“These volunteers work tirelessly,” said Sharon. “And their only reward is a sense of giving for the greater good and words of gratitude from candidates. I was grateful for the opportunity to stop by, thank them, and meet a steady stream of voters.”
Justice French Visits Gallia County GOP Fall Rally
Justice French spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at the Gallia GOP Fall Rally this week. The crowd gathered for food, fun, and rousing speeches from 2020 candidates. Judi thanked the crowd and party volunteers for their support and tremendous efforts on her behalf. She asked them to keep up their energetic support for early voting and Election Day. |
Month: September 2020
Statement from ORP Chairman on Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination to the Supreme Court
Statement from ORP Chairman Jane Timken on President Trump’s Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court
Columbus,OH – Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken released the following statement regarding Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the court:
“President Trump has officially nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Those who know her are confident she will uphold, respect and defend the Constitution as originally intended.”
“As a wife and mother of seven children, Barrett is proof that women can accomplish anything they choose. Filling Justice Ginsburg’s vacant seat will be an ambitious task, but I look forward to another pioneering woman sitting on our country’s highest court.”
“Ohio Senator Rob Portman has expressed his readiness to take President Trump’s choice into consideration. It is imperative that other Senate Republicans follow suit. The Democrats hoping to block Barrett’s nomination are the very same ones who ardently supported President Obama’s nominee in 2016. The Constitution is clear, and U.S. Senators are duty bound to follow it.”
“I look forward to the Senate confirming Amy Coney Barrett as the next Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Chairman’s Update 9.20.20
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Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Vice President Mike Pence in Zanesville to celebrate Ohio workers. The crowd was filled with Ohio’s working men and women, many of them employed by the energy industry and likely to lose their jobs under a Biden Administration. Joe Biden’s policies will put millions of Americans in the unemployment line as he plans to raise taxes, eliminate private health insurance, and seeks more government intervention in all of our lives. The Vice President made it clear that Americans need another Four More Years of our incredible president, who has cut taxes, provided help for small businesses and families in tough times, and who is working to make our economy stronger than ever once again. On Friday, I was saddened to learn of the passing of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She spent much of her life working toward gender equality within the law, fighting for equal pay and equality in the workplace. Justice Ginsburg was a force, and she leaves behind a great legacy. Below, you can find links to RSVP to Team Trump Bus Tour events in your county: Thursday, September 24th Friday, September 25th Saturday, September 26th Cleveland Black Voices for Trump Event Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
Portman Statement on Supreme Court Vacancy WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s vacancy: “In the more than two dozen vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court during a presidential election year in our nation’s history, the sitting president made a nomination in every single case. Leader McConnell has said that he will hold a vote on any nominee President Trump sends to the Senate, and I intend to fulfill my role as a U.S. Senator and judge that nominee based on his or her merits. The president was elected in 2016, in part, based on a commitment to nominate men and women to the judiciary who would fairly and impartially apply the law and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, not advance public policy goals by legislating from the bench. Likewise, in both 2016 and 2018, the American people have re-elected a Republican Senate majority to help President Trump fulfill that commitment. “In 2016, when the vacancy occurred following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, I said ‘the president has every right to nominate a Supreme Court justice … But the founders also gave the Senate the exclusive right to decide whether to move forward on that nominee.’ Since the 1880s, no Senate has confirmed an opposing-party president’s Supreme Court nominee in a presidential election year. In contrast, when the presidency and the Senate are controlled by the same party, the precedent is for the president’s nominees to get confirmed. In the 19 occasions that a vacancy has occurred when the President and the Senate are of the same party, the Senate has confirmed the nominee and filled the seat in every instance but one. I look forward to seeing who President Trump plans to nominate and thoroughly assessing his or her qualifications for this important role.” ###
Governor DeWine Signs COVID-19 Liability Protection Bill On Monday, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 606 into law. House Bill 606, sponsored by Representative Diane Grendell, ensures civil immunity to individuals, schools, health care providers, businesses, and other entities from lawsuits arising from exposure, transmission, or contraction of COVID-19, or any mutation of the virus, as long as they were not showing reckless, intentional, or willful misconduct. It also shields health care providers from liability in tort actions regarding the care and services they provide during this pandemic unless they were acting recklessly or displaying intentional misconduct. House Bill 606 was supported by several associations, including the AICUO, CCAO, Inter-University Council of Ohio, NFIB, Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio’s Superintendent Association and Ohio Township Association among others. Lt. Governor Husted Focuses on Expanding High Speed Internet Lt. Governor Jon Husted continues to press for expanded access to high-speed, broadband internet for more Ohioans. With hundreds of thousands of Ohio households left behind, the DeWine-Husted Administration has made expanding broadband a top priority. The issue has been further brought to light during the COVID-19 crisis as many students are learning from home and may fall behind without access to online lessons. The new broadband grant, announced by the Lt. Governor, is giving districts, many of them in rural Ohio, a boost to ensure continued learning opportunities for Ohio kids. Yost Requests the Removal of “Cuties” from Netflix Attorney General Dave Yost, along with attorneys general from three other states, sent a letter to the CEO of Netflix last week requesting the removal of the controversial film “Cuties” from the streaming service. The film repeatedly shows children in a sexualized manner, even showing the creation and publication of child pornography. “In this era where we are fighting a seemingly never-ending battle against human trafficking, this film is counterproductive – it whets the appetites of those who wish to harm our children in the most unimaginable ways,” Yost said. “I vehemently opposed the continued streaming of the movie and request that it is voluntarily removed.” You can read the full letter here, and learn more about Yost’s ongoing fight against trafficking and exploitation here.
LaRose Recruits Fellow Veterans to Serve a Second Call to Duty
This week, Secretary LaRose was proud to host an event with leaders of Ohio Veteran’s Service Organizations to announce a special poll worker recruitment initiative called ‘A Second Call to Duty’. With this innovative recruiting program LaRose calls on his fellow veterans to continue keeping their oath of enlistment to “Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” by serving Ohio and America in a new way — as an Election Day poll worker! Sign up to be a poll worker today at VoteOhio.gov/DefendDemocracy!
Auditor Faber Rallies with Party Faithful in Ashland Auditor of State Keith Faber joined with volunteers in Ashland to remind them of the importance of re-electing Donald Trump And our Supreme Court Justices this November. The stakes are high and Auditor Faber knows that we can rely on President Trump to promote the economy, cut taxes, and appoint conservative judges to the courts.
Treasurer Sprague Calls Additional Support for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 On Thursday, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague called for at least $100 million in Ohio’s remaining CARES Act allocation to be used for the creation of small business grants. The grants would provide much-needed support and relief to Ohio’s job creators severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
“For more than six months now, Ohioans have confronted COVID-19 with courage and resolve – two characteristics indelible to the Buckeye State,” said Treasurer Sprague. “However, the long-term effects this pandemic has on our economy remain unpredictable. With thousands of small businesses across the state closed or operating at a limited capacity, now is the time to utilize this federal relief to support Ohio’s small businesses and the families who depend on them.”
The proposal has already garnered support from several of Ohio’s leading business associations, including: the National Federation of Independent Business (Ohio), the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and the Ohio Restaurant Association
Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio Treasurer Proposing $100 Million in Small Business Pandemic Relief Grants
Kennedy Touches 10 More Counties This Week
Justice Sharon L. Kennedy spent another great week traveling Ohio – touching 10 counties and heading into the final stretch of touching all 88 for a second time in 2020.
Sharon began her week doing something she loves – shooting trap at the beautiful Cardinal Center in Morrow County. After that it was a whirlwind week of: emphasizing the importance of voting down the ticket at home in Butler; rallying Lincoln Day Dinner guests in Darke; urging supporters in Logan County to tell their family and friends about the importance of this year’s race; speaking to Rotarians at the Northeast Cincinnati Rotary Club about the Ohio Judicial System And You; and addressing the current JoAnn Davidson Institute Leadership Class about the W5-H formula for success. In between she stopped to thank volunteers in Greene County and knocked doors in Preble, Hardin, and Darke Counties.
“One of the best parts of my job is traveling our beautiful state – seeing old friends and making new ones, but it’s always special to come home,” said Sharon as she addressed the Butler County rally attendees. “As I look into this crowd, I see family. People that have stood beside me since my first campaign in 1998 for the trial court. I am humbled by the support and love I have received from all of you over the past 20+ years. Now, I ask for your help once again. To share my story of service, tell your loved ones just how important this Supreme Court race is and remind them to vote all the way down the ballot – whether from their kitchen table or their polling location – for a Kennedy on November 3rd.”
Justice French Visits 14 Counties, Celebrates Ohio Businesses
While campaigning across the state this week, Judi found time to visit and celebrate Ohio businesses. Whether visiting a raceway, a bison ranch or an HVAC service company, Judi understands the importance of learning about the issues Ohio businesses face and the impacts of judicial rulings and procedures. In just a week, Judi visited 14 counties scattered throughout the state. She’ll keep up that pace all the way to Election Day 2020. |
Chairman’s Update 9/13/20
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Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, With only 50 days left to go until Election Day, it is important we continue fighting to re-elect President Trump. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem visited our great state last week, and I had the privilege of attending several events with her throughout Ohio. The purpose of her visit was to help campaign for the president and to see the strong support he has right here in the Buckeye state. From a Westerville Women for Trump event to a Cleveland economic roundtable discussion, Governor Noem saw just how enthusiastic Ohioans are about re-electing President Trump and how his policies have positively impacted our communities. The support for him out here could not be more apparent. Americans have a choice in November between a President who continues to lead our Great American Comeback and who has proven he will always put America First, and a candidate whose radical policies will cripple our economy. We must continue reminding Ohioans about what that choice truly means for the future of this country, and how it will affect all of our lives. Let’s keep working full steam ahead to re-elect President Trump for Four More Years. Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
On CNBC, Portman Discusses Support for Targeted COVID-19 Relief Package Last week on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Senator Portman discussed his support for the targeted COVID-19 relief package. While Senate Democrats voted to block and refused to even debate this bill, Portman voted for the targeted legislation because it is focused on the areas of agreement between Republicans and Democrats: increased testing, additional funding for schools and universities, and restarting the Payment Protection Program, which has saved countless small businesses. The interview can be found here.
Governor, First Lady DeWine Promote Flu Shots With flu season approaching, Governor Mike DeWine reminded Ohioans of the importance of getting a flu shot this year. The Governor, along with First Lady Fran DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, all received their flu shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual flu shot, with rare exception. The recommendation includes flu shots for pregnant women, whose vaccinations can protect their babies after birth. “While the flu can be deadly on its own, we also are concerned that Ohioans who get both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could become severely, if not fatally, ill,” said Governor DeWine. “Our youngest and oldest Ohioans, those who are pregnant, those in long-term care facilities, and those with chronic health conditions may be especially susceptible to severe illness or complications from the flu.” Those who are elderly and need help getting to their physician’s office can contact their local Area Agency on Aging at 866-243-5678 to access transportation resources and other services. Anyone without a primary healthcare provider can visit vaccinefinder.org to find nearby pharmacies and other healthcare locations offering the flu vaccine. Husted Announces Award-Winning Customer Service Improvements Lt. Governor Jon Husted last week announced the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has received the “Customer Convenience Award” for the BMV “Get In Line – Online” system, which was spearheaded by InnovateOhio. The system allows Ohioans to check in to the BMV online before arriving to reduce the time they have to spend physically in line at the BMV. The project is part of the Lt. Governor’s and InnovateOhio’s mission to provide better services to Ohioans through state services. Yost Discusses Possible Legal Action Against Big Ten If the Big Ten does not play football this fall, Attorney General Dave Yost said he will recommend that Ohio State University file a lawsuit against the conference and its schools for tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue. “I think we have a cause of action” for violating contracts between the Big Ten and Ohio State for illegal interference in a business relationship, Yost said last week. “If these negotiations fall apart, we will be recommending legal action to our client, Ohio State University,” he said, adding that his office believes the Big Ten lacked the legal authority to cancel the football season. You can learn more about the potential lawsuit here.
LaRose Fights Against Ohio Democratic Party Efforts to Weaken Election Security With monumental steps taken by Secretary LaRose, Ohio has become the nationally recognized leader in election security. The Ohio Democratic Party, however, have attempted to dismantle this work through litigation. Their efforts would roll out the red carpet to hackers just three weeks before early voting begins. Although the Franklin County Judge ruled in their favor, Secretary LaRose appealed to a higher court and this reckless, partisan effort has been temporarily halted. It is clear that the Democratic Party is not interested in election security and will, in fact, go to great lengths to create an unsafe cyber infrastructure.
Auditor Faber Stumps for Trump in Tiffin This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber was in Tiffin Ohio with more than 500 people who came out to open the Local GOP Headquarters. The enthusiasm among Ohioans to re-elect President Trump is high. Auditor Faber plans to spend the next 2 months reminding Ohioans of the economic victories that Trump has won and reminding people how important it is that we have a President who will appoint judges who will defend the constitution to courts throughout the country.
Treasurer Sprague Announces September Compass Award Nominees On Wednesday, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced the latest round of Compass Award honorees. The monthly recognition program commends organizations, programs, and individuals across the state who are working to guide Ohioans toward financial literacy and empowerment. September’s honorees included the University of Akron, the University of Akron’s Adult Focus Office, and the University of Cincinnati’s $martpath program. “Innovative and effective financial literacy education plays a critical role in preparing our young people for success later in life,” said Treasurer Sprague. “The Compass Award program recognizes the people and organizations across Ohio who are working tirelessly to ensure the next generation of Ohioans are headed toward a bright financial future.” Kennedy Continues Criss Crossing Ohio
With fifty days to go before Election Day last week – Justice Sharon L. Kennedy continued her pursuit of touching all of Ohio’s 88 counties for a second time in 2020. She started and ended the week in Pickaway County.
On Labor Day – she attended the Lincoln Day and Fall Roundup Lunch at the new Pickaway County Fairgrounds. Then worked her way through Champaign, Delaware, Cuyahoga, Medina, and back to Pickaway. From rallying attendees to vote down the ticket at the opening of the Victory Center in Champaign and the Delaware County Lincoln Day Dinner to discussing the importance of the third branch of government in our tripartite system of government and why it matters who serves as a justice at the Supreme court of Ohio at Cleveland’s Black Voices for Trump event and the Medina County Friends And Neighbors meeting. Sharon rounded out the week with knocking doors in Circleville.
“I love to open Victory Centers. It gives me the opportunity to thank the many volunteers working across Ohio on my behalf and to inspire them to make one more call or knock on one more door,” Kennedy said. And this year what has been the best part of campaigning -knocking doors. “People are very engaged. Voters are thirsty for a conversation about the upcoming election and welcome the opportunity to share their perspective on what will happen in November.”
French Goes Door-to-Door in Franklin County, Visits 15 Others
Justice French and her volunteers teamed up this week with Judge Lisa Sadler and her volunteers for some door-to-door campaigning in Franklin County. Judi also made stops this week in 15 counties all around the state. Her aggressive campaign includes business visits, campaign rallies, and even church services, all in an effort to meet as many Ohio voters as possible. |
Chairman’s Update 9/06/20
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Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, The August jobs report was recently released indicating that our Great American Comeback is truly well on its way thanks to President Trump. Throughout the month, 1.4 million jobs were added back to the economy, the unemployment rate dropped to 1.8%, and August marked the 4th largest jobs gain in American history. In addition to the great news about our economy, polling has been trending in President Trump’s favor after the Republican National Convention. Americans know Joe Biden would be detrimental to our nation as its leader. He has vowed that the first thing he will do is repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which many Americans have benefitted from. In addition to spurring our economy, President Trump is the only candidate standing up for law and order across our nation. Ohioans are ready to re-elect a president who has kept his promises and who has proven to be a true leader for our country, putting America First in all that he does. I hope you all enjoy a fun, safe and healthy Labor Day, as we celebrate the social and economic contributions of American workers. Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
In Cincinnati, Portman Highlights Victory in Expanding Paycheck Protection Program Eligibility to Second Chance Business Owners U.S. Senator Rob Portman met with local business leaders last Monday for a discussion led by Innovative Labor and Cleaning Services owner Troy Parker hosted at a Messer construction site at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Parker’s company received a $235,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan in June thanks to Portman’s efforts to expand eligibility to cover Second Chance businesses owned by individuals who have a criminal record in their past but who have turned their lives around. Troy is an example of a Second Chance success story having started Innovative Labor and Cleaning in 2015 after re-entering the community. He hires others returning to the community, many of whom struggle with addiction and mental health issues. The Paycheck Protection Program loan made possible thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and was signed into law by President Trump.
DeWine Announces New Traffic-Safety Efforts Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced three new traffic-safety efforts aimed at reducing the number of fatalities on Ohio’s roads and better ensuring that Ohio’s young drivers have the necessary skills to safely navigate the streets.
The new traffic safety efforts are in addition to several other initiatives launched by Governor DeWine since 2019 including the creation of the Intersection Safety Program to improve the safety of 150 rural, urban, and suburban intersections across the state; the development of the “Ohio – Ready, Test, Drive!” program to help enhance the skills of new drivers; and the creation of several distracted driving corridors to reduce distracted driving in Ohio. Governor DeWine also worked with members of the General Assembly to introduce the Hands-Free Ohio bill, which is currently pending in the Ohio General Assembly, to strengthen Ohio’s laws related to the use of wireless devices while driving. Governor DeWine also encouraged Ohio’s drivers to watch their speeds after Ohio recorded 154 traffic fatalities in July – the highest number of traffic fatalities in one month since 2007. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, one in three of those killed in July was involved in a speed-related crash. Husted Announces Grants to Expand High Speed Internet Opportunities Lt. Governor Jon Husted this week announced the state is distributing $50 million in grants to schools across Ohio in order to expand public wifi and hotspot locations, as well as send internet-enabled devices home with students who do not have access to high speed internet. This project will specifically benefit students who may need to engage in distance learning this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of Ohio students will gain internet access as a result of the program. Broadband expansion remains a top priority for the DeWine-Husted Administration with nearly 300,000 households lacking access to high-speed internet, many of which are in rural Ohio. Yost: Columbus Announces Man Indicted on 19 in Human Trafficking Case Attorney General Dave Yost, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and Columbus Division of Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced that a Columbus man was indicted on 19 felony counts, including involuntary manslaughter and trafficking in persons, last week. Paul Chiles, who was also known as “Tommy Gunz,” faces charges of trafficking in persons, compelling prostitution, possession of cocaine, and involuntary man slaughter, among other charges. The charges stem from an investigation by the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which is part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. You can read more about the felony indictments here. ICYMI: LaRose on Fox News Secretary LaRose joined Fox News this morning explaining the safeguards put in place in Ohio for voting. Check out the full interview here. Ohio does absentee voting the right way including a ban on ballot harvesting, signature matching, verified requests before absentee ballots are sent, and many more important safeguards. Of course, every voter can take advantage of the same three safe and secure choices this election – including in-person voting on Election Day. Follow @FrankLaRose on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more!
Auditor Faber Hosts Roundtable on Ohio’s Unemployment System This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber hosted a bipartisan roundtable with members of the legislature and Ohioans who have continuously struggled to receive unemployment benefits from government. Some of the participants have been waiting more than 4 months to receive their first check since being laid off due to COVID-19 slowdowns in business. Auditor Faber is working with the legislature to identify where the failures are in the system so that this does not happen again in the future.
Treasurer Sprague Visits Columbiana, Ottawa Counties to Fire Up the GOP Last week saw Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague make stops in Columbiana and Ottawa counties to take part in a pair of local party events. On Wednesday, Sprague joined Congressman Bill Johnson and others as a featured speaker at the 2020 Columbiana County Republican Party’s Reverse Raffle event. A day later, he was in Ottawa County for the local GOP’s annual Lincoln Day dinner. There, he was joined by State Senator Theresa Gavarone and Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine for a great event.
Less than 60 days out from the November election, energy remains sky high for President Trump and our Republican candidates!
Kennedy Shares a Labor Day Message
Since 1894, when Congress designated Labor Day a national holiday, we have come together to honor the contributions and achievements of our workers. With cookouts, festivals and parades, we celebrate what it is that makes America so admirable. The success of our country is not defined solely by our leaders, but by the hard working Americans who strive to make their home the greatest in the world. Tomorrow, pay tribute to those who have paved the path for you and your American Dream. And pay tribute to yourself for providing for your family and contributing to the greatness that is the United States of America. I thank you for all that you do.
Justice French Visits Southeast Ohio, NFIB Member
Justice French enjoyed visits in Southeast Ohio this week, hitting Pike, Perry, and Washington Counties. She visited with NFIB member David Whetstone, the longtime owner of Thornville Pharmacy. Judi has earned the support of the Ohio NFIB for her efforts to understand the challenges facing Ohio’s small business owners.
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