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Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, On Friday, I was re-elected by the Ohio State Central and Executive Committee to serve another term as Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. I remain grateful for the support of the Committee and Republicans across the state. When I was first elected to the role in 2017, I was eager to begin my work uniting and aiding Republicans and candidates as the first woman to lead the state GOP. We have witnessed much success over the last four years, and I look forward to serving and continuing to unite the party as Chairman for a third term. Tomorrow, we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and all of his extraordinary achievements. An advocate for change through peaceful means, he was a remarkable leader during a divisive period in our nation’s history. Now, more than ever, we should heed his legacy. It is one that remains prudent and will always be remembered. Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
VIDOE: Portman Praises Efforts of Law Enforcement Officers Who Protected US Capitol from Violent Attacks In a new video, Senator Portman praised the efforts of law enforcement officers who selflessly defended the US Capitol recently while it was under attack from a violent mob. Portman honored the life of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who tragically paid the ultimate price while defending the Capitol building. In addition, Portman highlighted his support for the Protect and Serve Act, legislation that will create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence. ###
Ohio Starting COVID Vaccine Phase 1B as First Round of Nursing Homes Near Completion Governor DeWine announced that Ohio is imminently close to completing the administration of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines in skilled nursing facilities.
“When we started distributing the vaccine in Ohio, one of our first goals was to vaccinate our most vulnerable in our nursing facilities,” said Governor DeWine. Ohio partnered with four pharmacies through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership in distribution of the vaccine to skilled nursing facilities. These facilities are a part of Phase 1A. Absolute Pharmacy has administered 100% of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines as assigned. As of Wednesday, CVS has administered 97% of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines at the 478 assigned facilities. It is anticipated CVS will finish the administration of doses this week. Pharm Script has completed 61 of 63 assigned facilities, and will complete the administration of doses this week. Walgreens has completed 95% of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines at the 398 assigned facilities. Within the Federal Pharmacy Partnership, Ohio, with 3.6% of the U.S population, has administered more than 8% of the vaccines in this program nationwide. This is above the anticipated pace of administering the vaccine.
Governor DeWine highlighted the vaccine distribution timeline for Phase 1B of Ohio’s vaccination program, which is set to begin next week for those ages 80 and up. Week of January 18: Vaccine providers will begin receiving their first allotment of vaccines for those ages 80 and older. Vaccines will be delivered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Each provider will begin administering vaccines the day after they receive their shipment. All vaccines must be distributed within seven days. Week of January 25: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 75 and up following the same process outlined above. Vaccinations will also be available to those with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders. Additional information on how these individuals can choose to receive their vaccines is forthcoming. Week of February 1: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 70 and up following the same process outlined above. Week of February 8: Vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 65 and up following the same process outlined above. “When a new age range opens, that does not mean vaccinations will be complete for the previous age range,” said Governor DeWine. “Vaccinating Ohioans in Phase 1B will take a number of weeks given the limited doses available.” Ohioans aged 80 and up can find additional information about providers administering vaccines by calling their local health department or visiting their local health department website. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health has launched an online resource, vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov, to assist residents looking for a provider that has been allotted vaccines and how to contact them. Cleveland.com reported on the good news regarding nursing home vaccinations and the online vaccine resource launch. Husted Announces Launch of Innovative Projects Funded by Ohio’s Broadband Connectivity Grant This week, Lt. Governor Husted visited Riverside Local School District in Logan County to announce the launch of several innovative projects at the school that are funded through Ohio’s K-12 Broadband Connectivity Grant, which will help provide affordable high-speed internet access to a student population that is largely underserved by broadband. “The great news about this project is it’s not only serving the school and the students, but it’s serving the local community as well,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “They are going to have access to high-speed internet in all of these small rural towns, places that never had access before, because we’ve created new partnerships with the private sector, the not-for-profit sector and the government sector.”
Yost Hosts Second Annual Human Trafficking Summit Attorney General Dave Yost hosted his second annual Human Trafficking Summit last week, celebrating Ohio’s successes in the fight against human trafficking, and examining the challenges that remain. Yost addressed more than 1,400 attendees of his virtual summit, highlighting his office’s dedication to eradicating human trafficking from the state. “Gathering with those who fight traffickers and rescue survivors on a daily basis is enriching as we celebrate victories and forge ahead together toward a day when no human being is sold for sex in Ohio,” Yost said. The summit was organized by General Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative, which works to end labor and sex trafficking in the state by building awareness, helping survivors, and bringing traffickers to justice.
LaRose Highlights Transparent Campaign Finance Reports for Local Campaigns Previously, the only way local candidates could file their campaign finance reports was by paper at their county board of elections. Thanks to legislation advocated for by Secretary LaRose, candidates and campaigns for local office will now have the opportunity to file their campaign finance reports online. The optional online submission also adds another level of transparency so voters can more easily view campaign finance reports. Click here to learn more: https://www.ohiosos.gov/media-center/press-releases/2021/2021-01-08/
Faber Meets with Local Officials This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber continued touring Ohio and speaking with local elected officials about the struggles brought on by the pandemic. He met with officials in Delaware County to discuss how the Auditor’s office can help them navigate the pandemic.
Sprague Opens 2021 Ag-LINK Application Period On Wednesday, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced the opening of the 2021 Ag-LINK application period for the upcoming growing season.
The Ohio Treasurer’s office administers the Ag-LINK program to help Ohio farm operators and other agricultural businesses finance the up-front operating costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, and other costs. Ag-LINK provides an interest rate reduction on agriculture business operation loans at eligible banks, credit unions, and farm credit lenders.
“A thriving agriculture sector is a critical component of our state’s overall prosperity, and I’m committed to supporting Ohio’s farmers and agribusinesses,” said Treasurer Sprague. “By making capital more affordable through interest rate reductions, Ag-LINK helps to alleviate some of the financial pressure faced at the beginning of each year’s growing season.”
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