Chairman’s Update 1-19-2020

Good Evening,
Between the Senate passage of the USMCA trade deal and the president’s signing of a new phase one trade agreement with China, it has truly been a remarkable week. The USMCA will make our country’s booming economy even stronger, and will bring more than 176,000 new jobs to the country. China has pledged to purchase at least $200 billion in American products and services over the next two years, and the agreement is proof the president is committed to fighting for all American workers. President Trump has never let the Democrats stand in the way of his goals, and this week has truly been a big win for him, Republicans, and Americans across the country.
Tomorrow, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and all he accomplished throughout his life. He was an extraordinary leader, who always advocated for peace, during a divisive time in our country’s history. His legacy will always be remembered.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
Senator Portman Highlights Trade Victories, Participates in Workforce Discussion at Warren County Manufacturer
Last Friday, Senator Rob Portman participated in a workforce roundtable discussion hosted by the United Way of Warren County at Fecon, a manufacturer of vegetation management machinery. Otherparticipants included students who have got through their program, and local employers and employees. The discussion highlighted expanding access to workforce skills training and how Portman’s bipartisan JOBS Act legislation will help more Ohioans get the skills and training they need to find in-demand jobs. In addition, the discussion covered the economic benefits of two trade agreements: the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, which passed the Senate this week, and the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump this last week.
Governor DeWine, Secretary Carson Tout Grant’s to Combat Homelessness
On Tuesday, Governor DeWine was joined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson to announce federal grants to help end homelessness throughout Ohio. They toured Huckleberry House with Congressman Steve Stivers to discuss the various programs offered to support at-risk and homeless youth.
Hasted Gives Keynote Address for Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 166th Cadet Graduation Ceremony
On Friday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted provided the keynote address for the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 166th Cadet Graduation Ceremony. The Lt. Governor joined others in recognizing the 42 cadets for completing 30 weeks of intense training at the Academy. Each of the graduates will report to their posts on Sunday, January 19, 2020.
“It was a distinct honor to help recognize the 42 cadets graduating from the Academy today as they commit to living a life of service with respect,” said Lt. Gov. Husted. “Joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol requires a commitment to service in every sense of the word, and I commend the men and women of the 166th graduating class for their dedication and perseverance.”
A Look Back at AG Dave Yost’s First Year in Office
Last week marked one year since Dave Yost took the oath of office to serve as Ohio’s attorney general, pledging to protect the unprotected, and fight for justice and equal treatment under the law.
Here is a review of some of the first-year accomplishments from Yost’s administration:
· Rethinking the Opioid Battle: Yost rolled out two scientific initiatives in the fight against drug addiction, and led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs.
· Protecting Consumers: Yost filed numerous lawsuits against bad actors, and launched an online tool for consumers to avoid hiring “bad apple” contractors.
· Battling Human Trafficking: Yost hosted an inaugural human trafficking summit earlier this month, and has worked with law enforcement agencies to conduct undercover human trafficking stings.
· Supporting Law Enforcement: Last year, the Attorney General’s Office awarded more than $2.7 million to 324 police agencies across Ohio to purchase body armor vests, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted with crime lab testing for local law enforcement agencies.
Title: LaRose Touts Ohio’s Preparedness at National Elections Conference
This week, Secretary LaRose joined the Michigan Secretary of State and national elections experts at the US Election Assistance Commission’s 2020 Election Conference in D.C. The panel focused on issues faced by election officials as they prepare for the expected high turnout in the 2020 elections, including strategies for resource allocation and avoiding long lines at the polls. LaRose discussed the innovative ways Ohio is a national leader in elections.
“For us, we are fully focused on making sure Ohio will be ready and is ready when the eyes of the world are on us,” said LaRose.
Watch the full panel discussion here.
Auditor Keith Faber Talks Performance Audits
Auditor of State Keith Faber was in Columbus to talk about the results of his office’s performance audit of the Ohio Department of Transportation. The audit showed over $21 million in savings for taxpayers and an additional $20 – $40 million in cost avoidance. Auditor Faber’s office is beginning Phase 2 of the performance audit which he hopes will find more ways to make government more efficient, effective, and transparent. Watch the full interview here.
Sprague Announces Compass Award Program to Recognize Excellence in Financial Literacy
On Wednesday, Treasurer Robert Sprague unveiled the Compass Awards, a new monthly recognition program aimed at highlighting organizations and individuals across Ohio who are advancing financial literacy and empowerment.
“Throughout Ohio, there are people and organizations moving the needle in the financial literacy space,” said Treasurer Sprague. “The Compass Awards will honor their work and highlight the success they have had in helping others to navigate their way to a bright financial future.”
Sprague added that honorees will have a proven track record in preparing young people to make wise financial decisions later in life. Ohio’s eight independent chapters of Junior Achievement earned recognition as the inaugural Compass Award honorees.
Read more here.
Justice Kennedy Delivers Keynote Address to Independent Insurance Agents Association of Dayton
After swinging through Northeast Ohio, Justice Kennedy returned home to campaign in Southwest Ohio. In between meetings and campaign stops – she addressed the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Dayton (IIAD).
“To look at us – one might think that we have nothing in common, but the truth is – we are all inextricably connected,” Kennedy said. “The rule of law and its fair and impartial application is critical to economic growth and how we – members of the judiciary – embrace our role in this tripartite system of government is critical to the process,” she explained.
Justice Kennedy then discussed how the judicial philosophy of judicial restraint – interpreting the law, not rewriting it or legislating from the bench – is critically important to an enduring Republic and the rule of law. In closing Kennedy said, “The stability and predictability of the law is key to a flourishing Ohio. As members of IIAD it is important for you to add your voice to the conversation. You decide whether you will have judicial activism or judicial restraint with your vote.”
Justice French Educates the Public About the Importance of the Ohio Supreme Court
Judi made several stops this week to educate the public about the work and importance of the Ohio Supreme Court. She visited the OSU Moritz Law School Republicans, the Chesterland Rotary, lawyers in Dayton, and via recorded interview, Republicans in Putnam County.
Justice French has a passion for access to justice. She spent part of her week in discussions about medical-legal partnerships and the work University Hospitals to provide medical and legal care to the underserved in Cleveland.