Chairman’s Update 5/03/2020

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Ohio leadership, the primary election is successfully behind us. I thank our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State for their commitment to ensuring a fair and safe election process for all Ohioans. We are excited that Ohio will begin reopening its economy in the coming days and weeks.

We now have only 6 months until November, and must persevere through these adverse times so we can re-elect President Trump for another four great years. The president has worked hard to keep the American people informed and has been a sound leader during this time. It is imperative that we finish this election year strong.

ICYMI: If you would like to show your support for President Trump, you can purchase our new Trump apparel here!

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

Portman Hosts Virtual PSI Roundtable Discussion on Continuity of Senate Operations & Remote Voting in Times of Crisis 

Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), delivered opening remarks at a virtual roundtable discussion entitled “Continuity of Senate Operations and Remote Voting in Times of Crisis.”  The virtual roundtable was a successful test run for future virtual hearings.

Last week, PSI released a joint memorandum for discussion during the roundtable that examines the possibility of amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow senators to participate and vote remotely during a national crisis. The memorandum also examines current remote voting and participation proposals, including the bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Portman and Dick Durbin (D-IL) to allow senators to participate and vote remotely during a time of national crisis.

A video of Portman’s opening remarks can be found here.

Governor DeWine Initiates Responsible RestartOhio 

On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced Ohio’s plan to responsibly restart Ohio’s economy.  The guiding principles of the Responsible RestartOhio plan are protecting the health of employees, customers, and their families, supporting community efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, and responsibly getting Ohio back to work.

Beginning May 1, 2020, all medically necessary procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a healthcare facility, or do not require inpatient hospital admission and minimizes use of personal protective equipment, may move forward. This includes regular doctor visits, well-care checks, well-baby visits, out-patient surgeries, imaging procedures, and diagnostic tests. Dental services and veterinary services may also proceed if a safe environment can be established.

Beginning on May 4, 2020, manufacturing, distribution, and construction businesses may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees.

Beginning on May 4, 2020, general office environments may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees.

Beginning on May 12, 2020, consumer, retail and services, may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees.

Advisory groups of business of business owners and industry experts have been formed to help advise on how to safely open up other sectors that are temporarily closed, including daycares, dine-in restaurants and bars (carry-out is still permitted), personal appearance and beauty businesses, outdoor recreation, and gyms.

For greater detail on the Responsible RestartOhio plan, or the types of businesses that must stay closed, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov/ResponsibleRestartOhio.

Husted Continues to Lead in Responsibly Reopening Ohio 

Lt. Governor Jon Husted has continued working closely with Ohio’s business community and health experts to push forward the state’s plan to restart the economy in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Governor DeWine asked the Lt. Governor to bring recommendations from the group, which resulted in the administration’s “Responsible RestartOhio” plan, released this week. The recommendations in the plan outline a pathway for resuming business activity while also focusing on the health and safety of all Ohioans.

Dave Yost Answers Consumer Protection Questions Related to COVID-19

Attorney General Dave Yost participated in Twitter’s #AskTheAG event last week, answering constituent questions about how his office is keeping Ohioans safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other topics, Yost addressed:

  • How to protect yourself and loved ones from scams related to COVID-19. During these unprecedented times, fraudsters prey on fear and uncertainty. Protect yourself, your wallet and your federal relief check from scammers by following these simple tips.
  • How he is working with the Ohio General Assembly to fight price gouging during a state of emergency, and ensure the market protects both buyers and sellers.
  • How to keep kids safe from online predators during this pandemic. With kids home from school, they are spending more time than ever online. We need to remain vigilant, and protect our kids during screen time.

LaRose Looks to November Election After Ohio Overcomes a Challenging Primary

This week Secretary LaRose and election officials throughout Ohio’s 88 counties oversaw an unprecedented election and did so in a way that kept Ohioans safe while ensuring them the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

About 1.8 million Ohioans cast their ballot in this year’s primary election, on par with the 2012 primary where the winner in the Republican primary won by just one percentage point, and our boards of elections will count many outstanding ballots in the weeks to come.

Our patriotic teams of election officials in all 88 counties overcame great adversity to make sure that every Ohioan had a chance to make their voice heard without jeopardizing their health. More than 150 community groups, universities, elected officials, media outlets, grocery store chains, volunteers, and many other Ohioans helped to spread the word and made sure registered voters knew how to vote-by-mail.

Now, LaRose is looking ahead to November and is working with the legislature to ensure that no matter what circumstances Ohio faces, every single registered voter will have the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Auditor Faber Talks COVID with Schools and Libraries
This week, Auditor Keith Faber held townhalls with school and library officials from across the state to hear how they are preparing to deal with the financial fallout of COVID-19. Auditor Faber has been working to ensure that governments at every level are prepared to respond to the crisis.

Treasurer Sprague Reminds Ohioans STABLE is Here to Help 

As many Ohioans are receiving federal stimulus payments through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is reminding individuals living with disabilities and their families that the STABLE Account program remains a helpful tool in managing funds needed for care and certain expenses. By placing the stimulus payment into a STABLE Account, individuals can ensure the money does not affect their eligibility for needs-based federal programs such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Last year under Treasurer Sprague‘s leadership, participation in the STABLE Account program grew by more than 50 percent as more Ohioans and their families are turning to it to achieve greater financial security and empowerment.

 

Justice Kennedy Continues to Engage with Ohioans, Virtually  

Last week, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy connected with Trump Victory volunteers and the Putnam and Hancock Women’s Republican Clubs via video conference. Kicking off a few virtual grassroots trainings, Sharon thanked the volunteers for their commitment to support her re-election campaign. “Every hand you touch, every conversation you have about who the conservative justice is running for the Supreme Court of Ohio, is a touch for me. Candidates cannot do it alone, I need volunteers like you who will help propel me to victory. Thank you for all of your efforts on my behalf.”

Having a similar conversation with the women’s republican clubs, Sharon emphasized that the primary election results show the historical trend of voter falloff for down ticket races. “We talk about this every election cycle. Judicial candidates know there will be down ticket voter falloff, so our task is to keep the conversation going. It is never too early to speak with your family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of judicial races. Together, we can educate the voters in Putnam and Hancock Counties about the need to elect candidates who believe in judicial restraint. Together, we can close the voter falloff gap. Together, we will be victorious on November 3rd.”

Sharon concluded by thanking the groups for caring about her and this year’s election.

Justice French Takes Part in Fireside Chat with the Cleveland Metro Bar Association

Judi was interviewed as part of a Fireside Chat with the Cleveland Metro Bar Association this week. The interview explored her background and experience. It also focused on current court operations around Ohio and the need for flexibility as we balance the dangers of the pandemic against the rights of litigants.

Judi was asked if there is something most people don’t know about her, and she revealed that she is a Trekkie—the name for fans of the Star Trek series and movies.