 Chairman’s Update
Good Evening, As many of you know, Larry Householder was removed from his position as Speaker of the House by the GOP caucus last week. I commend House Republicans for taking these allegations seriously and moving swiftly to find a replacement. Representative Bob Cupp is the best person to not only unite the caucus, but to bring decorum back to the role. Ohioans deserve representatives that serve in their best interests. I believe with Representative Cupp at the helm, House members will do exactly that. After much pressure from our party, DNC Chair Tom Perez, and Ohio Congressman Bob Gibbs, the Ohio Democrat Party has decided to repay their Paycheck Protection Program loan, totaling $334,000. Partisan political activities were never meant to be funded by this loan program, but David Pepper and the Ohio Dems didn’t seem to care. Their recent decision to return the money is great news for Ohioans and small business owners across the country. ICYMI: Last week, we launched our online store. From hats to mugs, we have it all. As we head into August, we are only 3 months out from the election. Help us show support for President Trump – every item you purchase is a donation to help us win in November! You can visit the store here. Sincerely, Jane M. Timken
Portman Introduces Judges Michael Newman, James Knepp & Philip Calabrese at Nomination Hearing to Serve on U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman introduced Judges Michael Newman, James Knepp, and Philip Calabrese at their Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing to serve on the United States District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Ohio. Judge Newman, based in Dayton, currently serves as a federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Ohio. Judge Knepp, an Ohio native, serves as a federal magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio. Judge Calabrese was appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to sit on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in June 2019. A video of his remarks can be found here. Governor DeWine: Child Care Providers May Return to Normal Ratios On Tuesday, Governor DeWine announced that child care providers in Ohio may return to their normal, statutory ratios and class sizes beginning on August 9, 2020. Child care providers have a choice to increase the number of children and staff members to the normal statutory ratios or to maintain their current, lower ratios to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is structuring a financial incentive to providers that maintain smaller ratios and classroom sizes. “Children cannot learn unless they are safe and cared for, and without access to child care, parents may resort to less-than-ideal options for their child’s care, such as relying on an elderly grandparent who is at greater risk for contracting COVID-19. By allowing normal ratios to resume, we’re giving parents more options,” said Governor DeWine. “We will continue to closely monitor reports of COVID-19 in child care, as well as compliance with rules and best practices, so that we can respond as needed to keep our children, families, and teachers safe.” All child care providers must comply with stringent health and safety requirements including:
Additionally, providers must report any COVID-19 cases to ODJFS and their local health department. Lt. Gov. Husted Partners with White House, Promotes Plasma Donation Lt. Governor Jon Husted spoke last week on a White House call with leaders around the country, including Governors, Lt. Governors, and state health commissioners to promote plasma donation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Lt. Governor has used time during the regular press conferences with Governor DeWine to highlight the need for plasma donations, specifically by those who have recovered from the coronavirus who may be able to help others by donating plasma with the antibodies for the virus. Yost: Members of Jail Drug Smuggling Enterprise Plead Guilty Attorney General Dave Yost announced members of a criminal enterprise that smuggled illegal drugs and contraband into the Cuyahoga County Jail pleaded guilty. Prosecutors say the drug ring operated in the jail from January 2017 through July 2019, and that inmates and family members bribed guards to smuggle heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, cell phones, vape pens and other contraband. “Proud of my relentless team on these cases, bringing justice into the cracks and corners of this rogue jail,” Yost said. The ongoing investigation that led to the charges is being conducted by Yost’s office with assistance from the FBI, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and the Cleveland Division of Police. Yost’s office is also prosecuting the cases. LaRose Affirms That Only United States Citizens May Vote in Ohio Elections In the 2020 primary election,the Village of Yellow Springs approved a charter amendment that explicitly allowed non-citizens to register and vote in local elections. In response, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose ordered the Greene county board of elections to reject non-citizen voter registrations and put measures in place ensuring only citizens are allowed to vote this November. “Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any weirder, the village of Yellow Springs forces me as Ohio’s chief elections officer to restate the obvious – only US citizens may vote,” said LaRose. “Incredibly, I’m being put in a position where I need to remind a village here in Ohio that a vote is a sacred right which many have fought and bled to protect – but only a right that is earned by birth or the oath of citizenship. American citizenship is precious. It has value and with it comes the right and responsibility of being a voter. I won’t tolerate any local government who tries to subvert our laws, devalue American citizenship, and sew chaos in our elections. ” Auditor Faber Congratulates Newly Elected Speaker of the House Bob Cupp Auditor of State Keith Faber was pleased to see the Ohio House of Representatives remove Larry Householder from his office and replaced with Representative Bob Cupp.
“As a former Senate President, I understand the importance of having leaders with integrity in charge of the legislature,” Faber said, “I can think of no one better to lead the House, repair its damaged reputation, and continue delivering for the people of Ohio than Bob Cupp.”
Sprague: Carrying on the Mission of ADA 30 Years Later On Sunday, July 26, The Columbus Dispatch featured a column by Ohio Treasurer Robert Spraguecommemorating the 30th anniversary of Pres. George H.W. Bush’s signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since then, the landmark legislation has made great strides toward eliminating discrimination and providing equal opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.
“Thirty years later, it’s clear the mission of the Americans with Disabilities Act is alive and well,” said Treasurer Sprague. “The Buckeye State is fortunate to have an ever-growing advocacy network that does a tremendous job of ensuring people with disabilities have every opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re breaking down barriers to build a more inclusive state that benefits from the talents of all Ohioans.”
Kennedy Sweeps Western Ohio
Traveling nine counties from Northwest to Southwest, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy enjoyed a busy week across Ohio. In between multiple events, she spoke at the Foundation for Life Legislative Briefing Breakfast in Perrysburg, received the endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police and knocked doors in Wood, Clermont, and her home base – Butler.
“It’s great to be home,” said Sharon to the crowd of volunteers at the Butler County Headquarters. “As I look around this room I see many friends. People who have been with me since the beginning. Together we have worked late nights, made many calls, and knocked hundreds of doors. Today despite the heat we work toward a victory on November 3rd. I am humbled to have the support of all of you. Thank you for all if your efforts!”
Justice French Administers Oath of Office to New Speaker
It was my great honor to administer the oath of office to the new Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, Bob Cupp. In his remarks, Speaker Cupp quoted a statement that appears on the beautiful Moyer Judicial Center in honor of the pioneers of the Northwest Territory: “They raised a standard to which the wise and honest can repair.” May it be so. |
