Chairman’s Update 11-17-19

Last week, in honor of Veterans Day, Senator Portman participated in two events honoring America’s veterans. In the morning, Portman delivered remarks at the Blue Ash Veterans Day Ceremony in Southwest Ohio. Following that ceremony, Portman honored veterans during the National Veterans Memorial and Museum’s ceremony in Columbus.

A video highlighting his Veterans Day remarks can be found here.

On Thursday, Governor DeWine unveiled H2Ohio, a comprehensive, data-driven water quality plan to reduce harmful algal blooms, improve wastewater infrastructure, and prevent lead contamination. The plan works collaboratively with farmers and communities to provide funds for farming programs, wetlands, and other initiatives which will help reduce runoff and protect Ohio’s natural resources. More information about the plan can be found at www.governor.ohio.gov

Last week, Lt. Governor Husted honored our nation’s veterans at a ceremony in Wilmington, Ohio at Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services. The company places a high priority on hiring former service members and their families, and the annual event honors their service. The Lt. Governor also traveled to Dayton for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center “Pitch Day” event where he provided opening remarks about how Ohio is working to support innovative employers and programs across the state. The programs gives companies the chance to pitch their services to support the Air Force.

Body armor grants administered by Attorney General Dave Yost’s office are helping to protect the lives of Ohio’s peace officers, including Butler County’s MetroParks rangers. Last week, the Journal News highlighted a $4,393 grant from the Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Program that outfitted rangers patrolling Butler County’s MetroParks with new armor.

The grant program, started under Gov. Mike DeWine, is administered by the Attorney General’s office and funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

“Our local cops continue to protect us from danger day in and day out; now this support for them will continue as well,” Yost said about the grant program. “I’m proud to see that these grants are helping to protect officers in every corner of our state. It’s a meaningful way to show our profound thanks for all they do.”

RealClearPolitics conducted their own review of Ohio’s effort to maintain accurate voter rolls, clearing up misinformation propagated by the New York Times and others. In the article, Secretary LaRose is commended for effectively implementing a transparent process that served as both strong policy and good politics.

“No other states yet have a process for cleaning up voter rolls as transparent as Ohio’s – at least not yet.” — Mark Hemingway, RealClearPolitics

Read the full article here.

Auditor of State Keith Faber met with County Treasurers from around Ohio this week at their annual conference. Auditor Faber emphasized how more efficient, effective, and transparent government, at all levels, helps save taxpayers money and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. He outlined a new initiative by his office to audit compliance with public records laws every year, to ensure that governments are being open with citizens.

On Wednesday, Treasurer Robert Sprague played host to Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick. Each being former state legislators in their first year as statewide officeholders, the pair discussed the various issues facing their states and how the Treasurers’ offices are well-positioned to make a difference. Government transparency and the STABLE account program were among a series of topics discussed throughout the afternoon.

On Tuesday, Justice Sharon Kennedy participated in a panel discussion at the Ohio Council of Retail Merchant’s Annual Luncheon. Discussing the rule of law and the significant role it plays in economic freedom she emphasized how the rule of law effects property rights. From interpreting the terms of a contract to interpreting statutes that affect industry, the rule of law and its fair and impartial interpretation is critically important to all Ohioans she said. As such, the judicial philosophy of a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio is paramount. Justice Kennedy then explained this is why judges should limit the exercise of their own power and apply the judicial interpretation theory of judicial restraint.

Justice French visited her 88th County this past week, completing four trips around Ohio since she took office seven years ago. In just the past three months she’s logged 12,000 miles on her car while visiting 38 counties and spending up to 6 days a week on the road.

She’s planning on visiting all 88 again during the next twelve months and is committed to not taking any votes for granted.