Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, The Georgia Senate runoff elections will take place in just under one month. It is critical that the people of Georgia re-elect Senators Loeffler and Perdue. If they don’t, and we lose our conservative majority in the Senate, we can expect Democrats to defund the police, raise taxes, pack the courts, and radically take over our health care system. President Trump visited Georgia just yesterday to show his support and to help them hold the line.
We can continue to fight for free and fair elections and support President Trump while also showing up for our friends in Georgia. There is still time to help, and if you are interested in helping us win these two very important Senate races, you can Volunteer Here!
Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
60 Portman Bills Have Been Signed Into Law by President Trump Last week, President Trump signed into law Portman’s bipartisan Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act , bringing the total number of laws authored or co-authored by Senator Portman in this administration to 60. After getting 68 bills signed into law during his tenure with the Obama administration, yesterday’s bill signing is just the latest in a long line of accomplishments Portman had delivered for Ohio and the country over the last four years in working with the Trump administration.
Here are some highlights of the 60 Portman bills that have been signed into law by President Trump:
DeWine Announces COVID Vaccine Rollout On Friday, Governor DeWine announced details for Ohio’s first phase of vaccine distribution that is expected to begin on or around December 15. During Phase 1, vaccine supply will be limited, and Ohio will focus on vaccinating those who wish to be vaccinated in the critical Phase 1A groups outlined below. The federal government has advised that the Ohio Department of Health will not know the exact number of vaccines that will be shipped to Ohio until closer to each shipment date. The current shipment figures, which are subject to change, are as follows:
These vaccines will be the first dose for those in the identified critical groups. A second dose will be delivered and administered in the future. It has not been determined when members of the general public will have the option to receive vaccines. As information becomes available about the next phases of vaccine distribution, it will be made public.
Husted Announces Next Round of TechCred On Thursday, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the results of the October round of TechCred, which will provide the opportunity for 246 Ohio companies to upskill their current and incoming workforce with tech-focused skills. This round marks a milestone as funding for the program has now been approved for over 15,000 credentials. “Despite the obstacles created by COVID-19, we continue to see great results coming out of the TechCred program. It is helping employers and employees adapt and prevail during very difficult economic conditions,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This marks another milestone in upskilling opportunities that will help Ohioans earn the tech-focused skills needed to succeed in the changing workplace.” The next TechCred application period opens Monday, January 4th and closes January 29th at 3:00 p.m. Learn more at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
Yost Highlights New Cold Case Unit Attorney General Dave Yost highlighted his office’s new Cold Case Unit last week in an interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer. The unit, which is part of Yost’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, has investigators from a variety of backgrounds, including forensics and intelligence, focused on assisting departments across the state crack cold cases. “Either everybody counts or nobody counts,” Yost said about the new unit. “If it was your son or daughter that was murdered…you’d want to know that every stone was being turned over. That’s what this unit is about. It’s about turning over every stone…Cases might go stale, but they never get cold. Maybe we should call this the Warming Up Unit.” The unit is targeting homicide and rape cases, especially cases where evidence can be re-tested using new technology and techniques. It is also focused on assisting small and mid-size departments that are strapped for resources.
LaRose Visits Boards as They Complete Post-Election Audits Mandatory post-election audits are just another reason why Ohioan’s know that our elections are trustworthy. All of Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections will complete these audits by next week to confirm the accuracy of their election. Secretary LaRose stopped by the Montgomery, Allen and Lucas County Boards of Elections this week to review the great work they are doing to give voters the confidence that every legally cast ballot is accurately counted. Auditor Faber Talks CARES Funding in St. Clairsville This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber was in St Clairsville speaking with city and county officials about CARES Act. Auditor Faber has urged local governments to make money available for small businesses and those struggling to make rent. He has taken that message on the road to ensure that Ohio’s small businesses and individuals get the relief that they need.
Sprague Kicks-Off Regional Advisory Board Meetings This week, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague convened the first meetings of his office’s regional advisory boards. The initiative brings together local leaders and elected officials from Ohio’s various regions to discuss the issues facing their communities and ways the Treasurer’s office may be helpful to them. As part of the discussion, personnel from the Treasurer’s office provided updates on investment and existing office programs.
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