Chairman’s Update 3-08-2020
Good Evening,
As the Democrat field narrows after Super Tuesday, it is important to acknowledge there are no moderate choices. Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden may appear to be at two ends of the political spectrum, but in reality they have very similar end goals. Both candidates have been pushing a radical agenda that includes a government takeover of our healthcare system, open borders, eliminating fossil fuels, and higher taxes. As their party remains divided while touting radical agendas such as these, Republicans remain united behind President Trump. That unification is evident by the record amount of fundraising Republicans saw in February alone. The RNC, Trump campaign, and authorized joint fundraising committees recently announced a massive $86 million fundraising haul. Americans are excited for another four years of President Trump, and we have the numbers to back that up.
In honor of Women’s History Month, President Trump has urged that Americans “pay tribute to the women who strengthen and enrich our society.” The president’s leadership has allowed women to succeed. In January, the unemployment rate for women remained near a generational low of 3.5%, and more than 4 million jobs have been created since President Trump was elected. Families thrive when women thrive, and the president has a strong base of support from Ohioans and women across the country.
As Election Day approaches, I would just like to remind you all that early in-person voting began last month and will continue until Election Day. It includes the two Saturdays, one Sunday and the Monday before Election Day. If you requested an absentee ballot, be sure to get that in the mail before March 17th. Make sure you do your part and that your voice is heard! You can find the Republican slate card here.
Lastly, we also celebrate International Women’s Day today, acknowledging all of the accomplishments and achievements of the many influential women who have helped shape our world.
ICYMI: Vice President Mike Pence will be the special guest at the annual Summit County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner on March 24th! You can purchase tickets here. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
Portman Supports $8.3 Billion Measure to Help Combat Coronavirus
On Thursday, Senator Rob Portman voted for and applauded the Senate passage of the $8.3 billion funding measure to help prevent, prepare, and respond to the domestic spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. President Trump signed the bill into law Friday morning. Portman released the following statement:
“The worldwide threat of the novel coronavirus is serious, and we must be prepared. By passing this legislation in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner, the Senate took an important step toward ensuring that our federal, state, and local agencies have the funds to help prevent, prepare, and respond to the spread of the virus. While there have been no confirmed cases in Ohio to date, this funding will help Ohio respond to any potential outbreaks and will expedite the development of a vaccine and treatment options, increase the production of and access to diagnostic tests, and help states and municipalities fund response efforts.
“I’ve attended multiple briefings by the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, and the administration and have been in close contact with Governor DeWine and his team. All of our federal, state, and local agencies are working together, and we must ensure they have the resources they need to prepare for this threat.
Governor DeWine Gathers Ohio Public Health Leaders to Enhance Coronavirus Preparedness
On Thursday, Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, and other state and local health officials held a summit for local health officials on COVID-19 preparedness. Attendees heard from Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, representatives from Butler County General Health District, and U.S. Surgeon General VADM Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H, among various other health officials. Governor DeWine also joined 38 governors in sending a letter to Congressional leadership in support of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074).
Husted to Chair Innovation Council at University of Cincinnati
Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted joined the Governor, JobsOhio, the University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for the launch of the new Cincinnati Innovation District that will support the growth of research and entrepreneurship in Southeast Ohio. This strategy builds on the DeWine-Husted Administration’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship throughout the state through the Ohio I.P. Promise, launched in 2019 through InnovateOhio to make our state university campuses hubs of innovation. U.C. also announced the formation of an innovation advisory council, which Lt. Governor Husted will chair.
AG Dave Yost Seeks Aggressive Robocall Reform
Attorney General Dave Yost ramped up the fight against illegal robocalls last week with the launch of a new anti-robocall initiative. Yost announced the formation of the Robocall Enforcement Unit, which is made up of attorneys and investigators that will partner with anti-robocall groups at the national level to investigate suspected illegal robocalls, pursue aggressive enforcement action and seek legislation to expand the state’s authority over robocalls.
Yost also unveiled a new tool that will allow Ohioans to report robocalls. Ohioans can report robocalls by texting “ROBO” to 888111 and answering a set of questions, or by visiting OhioProtects.org or calling 1-800-282-0515.
“Ohioans are tired of playing defense against annoying robocalls,” Yost said. “Now it’s Ohio’s turn to play offense – and we need your help.”
LaRose Looking Out for Ohio Businesses
This week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose warned Ohio business owners to be on the lookout for a deceptive mailing from a business that is selling Certificates of Good Standing for a significantly marked up price.
“Entrepreneurs have enough on their mind as they work to grow their business,” said LaRose. “Deceptive mailings that look official but only serve to bilk Ohioans of their hard-earned money are simply unacceptable. If you need a Certificate of Good Standing, call my office and we’ll get you one for five dollars.”
LaRose is actively communicating this information to new business owners and is referring this case to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien to investigate whether this exorbitant markup constitutes any legal wrongdoing.
For more on the Ohio Secretary of State’s Business Services Division, visit OhioSOS.gov/Businesses
Auditor of State Keith Faber Speaks at Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast
This week Auditor of State Keith Faber was in Chillicothe, Ohio’s first capital city, speaking at the 54th Annual Statehood Day Prayer Breakfast. Faber spoke about the history of freedom of religion in America and how the religious character of our nation has shaped its history. He also touched upon the importance of faith in politics and how his faith informs his public life everyday.
Sprague Rallies GOP Faithful in Crawford, Logan Counties
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague hit the Lincoln Day circuit last week. Speaking at events in Crawford and Logan counties, Sprague touted the importance of standing up for our conservative values. He also urged attendees to get involved well ahead of the November election in order to ensure victory for Republican candidates across Ohio.
Justice Kennedy Headlines Hancock County’s First Friday Luncheon
It was an invigorating week on the campaign trail for Justice Sharon L. Kennedy. With a dozen county stops, she engaged audiences young and old alike. Spending time speaking at high schools, Republican dinners, and participating in a women in politics panel, but the
highlight of the week was returning to see her friends in Hancock County.
In Findlay, she spoke at the First Friday Luncheon discussing the Supreme Court of Ohio’s impact on the lives of Ohioans, why the role of the judiciary is important in our tripartite system of government, and reinforcing the message that it is imperative to vote down the
ticket.
“Today, the fate of the Supreme Court of Ohio is in your hands,” said Sharon. “It is up to you, your family and your friends to retain the philosophical makeup of the court. While I am here now and touch your hands, I need you to touch the hands of everyone you know. Make sure to tell everyone in your contact lists to vote all the way down the ticket for a Kennedy on November 3.”
Justice French Appears at Event Sponsored by Cleveland Metro Bar Association in Honor of International Women’s Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, Justice French appeared at an event sponsored by the Cleveland Metro Bar Association, where she offered her perspective on women in politics. Her message was one of reality—letting the participants know the rigors of campaigning and serving—but also one of encouragement. Her position, Justice French urged, offers her opportunities to serve on and off the bench. While being a Justice undoubtedly means taking action that impacts the lives of all Ohioans, it also allows her to work for causes like equal access to our justice system and civic education.