 Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, Last week, Governor DeWine announced a plan to reopen certain Ohio businesses. Ohioans have been eager to get back to work, and this is great news for everyone across our great state. On May 15th, personal services such as nail and hair salons will reopen, along with outdoor service at restaurants. Dine-in service will resume on May 21st. This is incredible news not only for those excited to get back to work, but also for those of us who have missed being able to support our local communities. I applaud the Governor for his handling of COVID-19 in Ohio, and agree that we must still take precautions as the economy continues to reopen. It’s not just a matter of protecting ourselves, but of protecting our loved ones and even strangers around us. As a community, we can do this together. We might not be able to be with all of them during this time, but today we celebrate the many women in our lives. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas and incredible women who raised us. ICYMI: Don’t forget to head over to our website to shop our new Trump apparel. With less than 6 months until the election, help show your support as we work to Keep America Great! Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
On Fox News, Portman Calls on China to be Held Accountable for the Global Spread of COVID-19 and Highlights Successful First Virtual Senate Committee Hearing On Fox News’ Bill Hemmer Reports last week, Senator Portman called for China to be held accountable for the global spread of COVID-19, in particular due to their decision to allow people to travel out of Wuhan to other countries when they already knew how incredibly infectious COVID-19 was due to the internal spread in China. Click here to watchthe full interview. Portman also highlighted his success in chairing the Senate’s first virtual hearing last week. The virtual hearing examined the possibility of allowing senators to participate and vote remotely during a national crisis and how it can be done effectively and safely from a technological perspective. Portman is championing a bipartisan resolution to allow remote voting and deliberation in the Senate during national crises like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In addition, Portman discussed the importance of expanding flexibility of the funding the federal government provided in the CARES Act to help state and local governments impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In April, Portman sent a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin asking for additional flexibility, and Treasury issued guidance this week providing some of the requested flexibility by allowing state and local governments to use the funding to cover payroll expenses for police, fire, and first responders. His interview can be found here. Governor DeWine Continues Responsible RestartOhio Announcements with Openings of Restaurants, Personal Services On Thursday, Ohio Governor DeWine announced the next phase of the Responsible RestartOhio plan as it related to restaurants, bars, and personal care services. Restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen as follows:
To ensure that these establishments operate in the safest manner possible, Governor DeWine’s Restaurant Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for restaurant and bar owners to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov. Personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15. To ensure that these establishments operate in the safest manner possible, Governor DeWine’s Personal Services Advisory Group created a detailed list of guidelines and best practices for personal care service providers to follow. The full list of mandatory and recommended best practices can be found at coronaviurs.ohio.gov. Lt. Governor Husted Continues Working to Responsibly Reopen Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted last week continued to discuss the responsible reopening of Ohio’s economy in midst of the Coronavirus crisis. By early this week, 89% of the state’s economy will have the ability to reopen, with additional openings planned for sit-down restaurant services and personal services, such as hair salons and barbers. At Governor DeWine’s request, the Lt. Governor has worked with health officials and business leaders to design safe guidelines for operating these businesses so that employees and customers can feel as safe as possible in returning. Dave Yost Answers Consumer Protection Questions Related to COVID-19 Attorney General Dave Yost announced last week that his office distributed nearly $1 million in funding to domestic violence shelters and coalitions across the state to assist battered women, men and children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The $950,000 in domestic violence grants and statewide training grants were awarded to 48 shelters across Ohio, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. “While we have been asked to stay at home, sometimes home isn’t the safest place,” Yost said. “Thanks for the General Assembly, this money will be used to keep life-saving services available to those who need to escape dangerous environments.” LaRose Spotlights Resilient Ohio Businesses This week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced selected businesses for this month’s Ohio Business Spotlight. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant challenge to businesses across the country, but many Ohio entrepreneurs are finding ways to adapt. These featured businesses are shining examples of Ohioans’ strength. “This pandemic has certainly been a challenging time, but Ohioans have proven again and again their creativity and resilience”, said LaRose. “Ohio’s entrepreneurs have remained strong, finding ways to adapt amid these challenging circumstances and even find ways to give back” Check out the video featuring these resilient businesses here. Additionally, LaRose officially announced the re-opening of his office’s client service center for in-person business filings. Learn more here. Auditor Keith Faber Speaks with Colleagues from Around the Midwest
This week Auditor of State Keith Faber organized a call with State Auditors around the Midwest to discuss how they’re working to continue operations in the middle of the global pandemic. Auditor Faber shared experiences he has heard from local government officials across Ohio and how his office has remained working to make sure that government officials aren’t misspending taxpayer dollars.
Treasurer Sprague, Local Officials Discuss Ways to Support Ohio’s Communities Throughout the week, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague convened local government officials and stakeholder groups to discuss the various challenges they are facing in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Discussions centered around both immediate and long-term needs as communities prepare to re-open. As part of the conversations, Treasurer Sprague and staff provided an overview of current Treasurer’s office programs that can help in these efforts, as well as other ways the office may be able to provide assistance.
Justice Kennedy Wishes You a Happy Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10th is a special day of celebration. A day where we honor our Mothers for their love and devotion and for the lifetime of sacrifices they make one day at a time.
While my Mom has passed, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her or thank her for nurturing me to be a strong and independent child of faith unwavering in the belief that if you live your life according to her rules – decide and commit, work hard and have fortitude – you can achieve anything professionally and personally.
I turned 50 years old when I began chasing my dream of serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. I still have the Birthday card she gave me and read it everyday. “50 – Follow your heart, Invent your future, Find what you’ve been seeking, Take charge of your destiny, You deserve all the happiness life can bring.”
Today, take time to express your gratitude to your Mother for her sacrifice, support, and unconditional love. Celebrate your mothers, your aunts, your sisters, your wives, and the amazing women who believed in you when others said you couldn’t. To all the Mothers and Mother figures, thank you for instilling wisdom, love and hope into each generation. Thank you for being you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Justice French Virtually Meets with Ohio Law Firms
In addition to her meetings with local Republican groups, Justice French has been busy meeting virtually with lawyers and law firms throughout the state. Her meetings allow discussion about all that is happening in Ohio’s judicial system, but also about the challenges lawyers and their clients are currently facing. |