Chairman’s Update 12-22-2019
Good Evening,
The House vote on impeachment last Wednesday has shown what a partisan charade this entire process has been from the very start. In an even bolder partisan move, Nancy Pelosi has indicated she will delay sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate – where she knows the president will never be impeached. This move only continues to prove what a sham these proceedings truly are.
Donald Trump is still our president, whether the Democrats accept it or not, and I am committed to working hard to ensure another Republican victory in 2020. These impeachment proceedings have served as a good reminder of the danger Americans face if one of the 2020 candidates is elected. Between the Democrats’ blatant partisanship, anti-Trump agenda, and radical proposals we must all do our part to ensure President Trump is re-elected.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
Portman Visits Promise to Hope in Dayton; Secures Legislative Wins in the Senate to Help Ohio
On Monday, U.S. Senator Rob Portman visited Promise to Hope Maternal Recovery Housing—a program that provides medication-assisted treatment for the moms, and withdrawal treatment for infants to improve health outcomes for newborns exposed to opiate drugs while inside the womb. Portman toured the facility and participated in a roundtable with the organization’s leadership and other stakeholders helping to combat addiction in the Miami Valley. In partnership with the Miami Valley Hospital and Montgomery County ADAMHS, Promise to Hope has received more than $75,000 in federal grant funding from the 21st Century CURES Act and subsequent State Opioid Response Grant program, legislation Portman championed.
Later in the week, Senator Portman helped deliver a number of legislative victories in the Senate to help Ohio. On Tuesday, Portman supported the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which supports Ohio jobs at the Lima Tank Plant, fully funds the upgrade to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, and includes a number of additional Portman priorities to help Ohio and our nation. On Wednesday, Portman applauded the Senate confirmation of Judge Matt McFarland to serve on the U.S. District Court for Southern Ohio. This means that the Senate has now confirmed over 175 of President Trump’s federal judicial nominees. On Thursday, the Senate passed the omnibus spending bill, which includes Portman’s Combatting Meth and Cocaine Act to increase flexibility of federal grant dollars to combat the drug epidemic to also be able to be used to treat other deadly drugs like meth and cocaine. In addition, the omnibus spending bill includes $658 million for grants through his bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act.
Governor DeWine Holds Cabinet Meeting in Mahoning Valley
On Wednesday, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted held their first regional cabinet meeting, along with various events, in the Mahoning Valley. Governor DeWine attended a roundtable with local health commissioners, and discussed some of the unique health problems in the Mahoning Valley area.
Lt. Governor Husted addressed a group of Career Tech administrators from the region about all the work being done through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation to support their work, among other strategies to grow Ohio’s workforce.
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted hosted their regional cabinet meeting at the Mahoning Valley Career and Technical Center, where they heard from students currently enrolled at the center.
In the afternoon, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 12, which created the Children’s Behavioral Health Prevention Network Group. The bill was sponsored by State Representative Don Manning (R-New Middletown).
Husted Rolls Out Ohio Broadband Strategy
Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted rolled out the new Ohio Broadband Strategy through InnovateOhio. The strategy seeks to support the approximately 1 million Ohioans who do not have access to high speed internet. The strategy will help coordinate public and private sector efforts to expand broadband access. It will also help qualify Ohio for additional grant money from the federal government to strengthen the state and local efforts. You can learn more at Innovate.Ohio.gov!
AG Dave Yost Fights to Protect Consumers
Attorney General Dave Yost announced last week that the owner of a Cincinnati-area window company was indicted on 49 charges for allegedly stealing almost $45,000 from customers, including six elderly victims. Joshua Swann, the owner of Window City of Cincinnati in West Chester, is accused of failing to deliver supplies, promised services or refunds, and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
“This guy pocketed deposits and walked off without an explanation, leaving customers in the dark,” Yost said. “We’re going to pull back the blinds and expose his scheme and make him answer to the people he’s cheated.”
The Economic Crimes Unit, which is part of Yost’s Consumer Protection Section, is prosecuting the case in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.
LaRose Visits All 88 County Boards of Elections
This week Secretary of State Frank LaRose finished his tour of every county board of elections with his stop at the Summit County Board of Elections.
LaRose has made it a priority to personally connect with the boards of elections throughout the state.
“At every single board of elections I’ve met strong, bipartisan teams of patriots who work hard every day to run secure, honest and accessible elections,” said LaRose
This partnership is vital as the state prepares to run a secure, accurate, and accessible election in 2020.
Auditor of State Keith Faber Is Fighting to Stop Fraud in Government
Auditor of State Keith Faber is committed to fighting fraud in government. That’s why his office has an entire division dedicated to investigating waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Auditor’s Special Investigations Unit at any given time has over 100 open investigations all started because of tips from citizens in Ohio.
That’s why Keith Faber wants you to know that if you suspect government officials of misusing taxpayer dollars to reach out and let us know. You can call (866)FRAUD-OH or go to Ohioauditor.gov and let us know!
Sprague joins Pro-Life and Adoption Advocates to Tout Family Forward Initiative
Treasurer Sprague visited Delaware County Wednesday for a roundtable discussion on his Family Forward initiative. Family Forward aims to ease the financial burdens placed on families during the adoption process through the establishment of reduced interest loans. Representatives from the Greater Columbus Right to Life, Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County, and Bethany Christian Services joined Treasurer Sprague to share their ideas and support for strengthening and supporting Ohio’s families.
Justice Kennedy Continues Traveling the State Into Christmas
With holiday celebrations as the bookends to Justice Kennedy’s week, she traveled Ohio touring businesses, speaking to voters and celebrating the holidays. Beginning on Sunday, she attended the worship service at The Church in Aurora, the city’s first church, established in 1809. She spent her evening listening to the choir sing songs of the season at their Christmas Vespers event. Her week ended with serving meals and handing out blankets to children at the Boys and Girls Club in Newark.
“It was a heartwarming week of both work and holiday celebration,” said Justice Kennedy. “I was honored to be asked to attend the Vespers event at the historical Church in Aurora and to spend time with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark.”
Justice French Had a Busy Week in Ohio
Justice French had multiple stops around the state this week including Young Professional events in Franklin and Delaware County and a stop in Muskingum County to swear in the new Mayor of Zanesville, Don Mason. She also visited Wooster for a business tour and Orrville to speak to the employees at the J.M. Smucker Company.
Merry Christmas from Team French.