Chairman’s Update 2-16-2020

Portman Discusses the Strong Economy, President Trump’s Budget Proposal, & Need to Address Deficit

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Senator Portman discussed President Trump’s FY 2021 budget proposal that was released earlier this week. He highlighted the current strength of the economy, due in part to tax reform and regulatory relief, and how Congress should come together on a bipartisan basis to address rising mandatory spending and federal debt, a key issue for ensuring economic growth in the long term.

His interview can be found here.

Governor DeWine Announces Hands-Free Ohio Bill to Reduce Distracted Driving Deaths

On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced details of a new bill that will strengthen Ohio’s laws regarding the use of wireless devices, including smartphones, while driving. The Hands-Free Ohio bill will make driving while handling any electronic wireless device a primary offense. This includes, but is not limited to, writing, sending, or reading text-based communications; watching or recording videos; taking photos or looking at images; livestreaming; using apps; entering information into GPS navigation programs; dialing phone numbers; or holding a device for a phone call. This bill will be sponsored by State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard), who joined Governor DeWine, victims’ families, law enforcement, and other Ohio leaders at the announcement.

Husted Uses Artificial Intelligence to Cut Regulations

Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced his office is adding a new weapon in the state’s fight against burdensome regulations. At a meeting of the Small Business Advisory Council, Husted announced the state is implementing the use of artificial intelligence to speed up the state’s work to find outdated, duplicative, and contradictory regulations that stand in the way of job creation. The tool is expected to do in seconds what it once took human researchers weeks or even months to do. Husted’s team at the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) will start working with the tool next week.

AG Dave Yost Announces Columbiana County Man Sentenced for Illegal Dumping

Attorney General Dave Yost announced last week that a Columbiana County man wassentenced to six months for illegally dumping waste that spilled into a waterway in Yellow Creek Township.

“There’s a stiff price for treating our environment like a dumping ground,” Yost said. “This sentence fits the crime.”

Christopher Joy, 35, pleaded guilty to complicity to illegal open dumping of solid wastes. Yost’s Environmental Enforcement Section is handling the prosecution, following a joint investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Environmental Enforcement Unit, Ohio EPA’s Special Investigations Unit, U.S. EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office.

LaRose Holds 2020 Election Disinformation Brief for Community Leaders

Secretary of State Frank LaRose is actively fighting back against continued efforts from foreign actors to spread elections disinformation. This week, Secretary LaRose partnered with Ohio’s State Terrorism Analysis & Crime Center to host a briefing for minority community leaders aimed at educating them on disinformation threats and provide tools for successfully combatting them.

LaRose, who has positioned Ohio as a national leader in election security, has held similar training sessions for members of the media and campaign professionals.

Join the fight and help stop the spread of disinformation by following Frank on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Auditor Of State Keith Faber Warns Public Officials About Levy Campaigns

This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber reminded public entities that have levies on the ballot that they are not permitted to use staff resources or time to promote their ballot issues. Each election, the Auditor’s office receives complaints and investigates public officials who use taxpayer dollars to promote these measures. When wrongdoing is uncovered, public officials are required to pay back the money they misspent.

You can listen to his full interview by going to

Sprague attends NAST Legislative Conference

Treasurer Robert Sprague traveled to Washington DC last week to join state treasurers from around the country at the 2020 National Association of State Treasurers Legislative Conference. The trip was marked by a series of policy discussions and time spent highlighting the recent success of Ohio’s STABLE program, which saw a 40% jump in participation throughout 2019. Also while in DC, Treasurer Sprague stopped by Capitol Hill to visit with members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Rob Portman and Rep. Anthony Gonzales.

Justice Kennedy Teaches Professionalism at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, San Diego

Justice Sharon L. Kennedy took time off the campaign trail and set her sights for the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, San Diego. Invited to speak at the TCAP Annual SVIP Training, she presented the continuing legal education program, “Professionalism: Reflecting on the Ideals.”

Discussing the principles of the Lawyer’s Creed and Aspirational Ideals, Sharon addressed Trial Counsel and support staff at the annual worldwide Marine Corps prosecutor training. “While the Marine Corps has not adopted a Lawyer’s Creed or Aspirational Ideas, the Professional Conduct Rules adopted by the Department of the Navy Judge Advocate General embodies both,” she explained.

 “There is no more compelling evidence of this than Rule 2.1 – for in your role as an advisor to your client the rule provides that in exercising professional judgment you may refer not only to the law, but to other relevant considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors. There can be no greater aspiration for an attorney, than to care for the whole person when giving advice and counsel,” she concluded.

In closing Sharon thanked Lt. Col. King and Lt. Col. Shows for the opportunity to teach and thanked the audience for their and their families’ service and sacrifice.

Justice French Speaks to Columbus Chartered Property and Casualty Insurers, Attends Lincoln Day Dinner

Justice French visited 5 different counties across the state this week. She’s already well on her way to visiting all 88 counties again this year.

During her travels this week, she had the opportunity to speak to the Columbus Chartered Property and Casualty Insurers about the role of the Supreme Court and why it’s important.

Justice French also enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones at the Ashland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner.