Chairman’s Update 1-26-2020

Good Evening,
Last week, I had a very productive time visiting Florida for the Republican National Committee’s winter meeting. The committee approved plans to dispatch an additional 300 field staffers to 18 states as Republicans across the country gear up for November’s election. Volunteers and staff in Ohio and other key states are already doing great work, and this approval only means outreach will continue to grow to ensure another Trump victory.
On Friday, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced that more than 27,000 non-farm jobs were added in 2019. Confidence in our economy has not been this high since 2000, and it’s all thanks to President Trump’s leadership.
ICYMI: I wrote an Op-Ed defending President Trump as he faces continued impeachment scrutiny. You can find it here.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
Portman Visited the National Aviation Heritage Area in Dayton
Last week, Senator Portman visited Dayton’s National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) where he participated in a roundtable discussion highlighting the passage of his legislation to reauthorize funding for Dayton’s NAHA through September 30, 2022. NAHA spans eight counties throughout western Ohio, with a large presence in Dayton, the home of the Wright Brothers. There are a variety of cultural sites within the NAHA, including the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Grimes Flying Field, as well as resources related to the Wright Brothers. After the discussion, Portman toured the National Park.
Governor DeWine Meets with True Lure to Highlight Outdoors Activities for Veterans and Disabled Children; State Job Numbers Continue to Grow
On Thursday, Governor DeWine met with True Lure, Inc., an organization who gives both veterans and children living with disabilities opportunities to participate in outdoor activities, such as fishing. State Representative Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) as well as several cabinet directors joined the event, pictured below.
On Friday, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services released new employment data that shows continued job growth under the Republican Leadership of Governor DeWine and President Trump. Ohio added more than 27,000 non-farm jobs in 2019, including more than 9800 in December. The percentage of unemployed Ohioans remains 4.2%, which is a significant .4% decrease from a year ago.
Lt. Gov. Husted Announces Launch of Industry Sector Partnership Grant Program
On Thursday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the launch of the Industry Sector Partnership grant program at the Dayton Business Journal’s 2020 Economic Forum. Industry Sector Partnerships are designed to develop workforce strategies specific to the various regions around the state, with the goal of driving collaboration between local businesses, education and training providers, and community stakeholders.
Dave Yost Seeks Refunds in Consumer Protection Lawsuit
Attorney General Dave Yost announced he is taking a Montgomery County roofing contractor to court last week for allegedly cheating homeowners out of thousands of dollars. Some customers were ripped off in the wake of the 2019 Dayton Memorial Day storms.
“This guy deceived trusting clients who just needed a solid roof over their heads,” Yost said. “We’re going to court to get their money back and to hold him accountable.”
The lawsuit seeks reimbursements from Brandon Valandingham, owner of Buckeye Storm Solutions LLC, and the payment of civil penalties. Yost suggested customers help protect themselves from fraud by checking for complaints against contractors with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau.
LaRose Bolsters Office Cybersecurity with Hiring of New Chief Information Security Officer
This week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Sean M. McAfee as the new Chief Information Security Officer for the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. LaRose has made cyber security a top priority leading up to the 2020 election and this hire adds to a long list of new security measures that make Ohio a leader in the nation.
“Sean comes to us from United States Department of Homeland Security where up until recently he has been doing work internationally,” said LaRose. “This is an individual who has worked all over the globe but we are bringing him back home.”
McAfee will not only work to enhance cybersecurity efforts at the state level, but will support work in all 88 counties.
Auditor of State Keith Faber Meets with CEO of Cleveland Schools
Auditor of State Keith Faber sat down with Eric Gordon, CEO of Cleveland City Schools, this week to discuss how his office can help the district and the students maximize their potential. Auditor Faber has stressed the importance of meeting with local stakeholders to ensure that as he’s fighting to make government more efficient, effective, and transparent, that his office is improving their operations as well.
Sprague Addresses NFIB’s Leadership Council
On Wednesday, Treasurer Sprague was in Columbus speaking to the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) Leadership Council as part of the organization’s quarterly meeting. During his remarks, Sprague provided an update on the Treasurer’s office, including its work related to the ResultsOHIO and STABLE Account programs, as well as other ways the office is collaborating with businesses across the Buckeye State.
Justice Kennedy Addresses the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Recipients
On Monday, Justice Kennedy participated in the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Prayer Breakfast, in Zanesville. Her salute to the scholarship recipients addressed, as seen through the eyes of Dr. King, the purpose of education and life’s blueprint.
Dr. Kingbelieved that education serves a dual purpose in life; utility and culture. True education has a goal of intelligence, plus character, according to Dr. King. Moreover, Dr. King believed that there are three primary aspects to life’s blueprint: to believe in your own dignity; to do well in whatever you seek to do; and lastly, to be committed to “the eternal principles of beauty, love, and justice.”
“As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King, we also take this moment to celebrate each of the scholarship recipients,” said Justice Kennedy. “We celebrate your life and its potential and know that for each of you there are no ceilings in your life, only floors to walk across and stairs to climb to achieve your own American Dream.”
Justice French Visits 8 Ohio Counties
At several of the stops she had an opportunity to visit local courthouses and discuss the need for additional legal aid in these areas. This issue is one that Judi is passionate about and she was pleased to be able to discuss it further with the local news:
Judi also met with the Lima News to discuss legal aid and her campaign for the Ohio Supreme Court: