Chairman’s Update 8-18-19

Good Evening,
We continue to enjoy a strong economy, a more secure border, and are lucky to have a leader who will do what is best for Americans across the country thanks to President Trump. We have seen real results under the president’s leadership and many people have rejoined the workforce thanks to his policies.
By taking an unprecedented stance on border security, President Trump has proven that he will put the needs and safety of Americans first. His promise of building a border wall continues to be fulfilled, and U.S. Border Patrol has arrested hundreds of members of dangerous gangs. His policies continue to protect our communities and families.
As we look towards the 2020 election, I am confident that we can count on President Trump’s leadership to carry us through another great four years.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
Portman Launches Southeast Ohio Tour
This week, Senator Rob Portman toured through Southern and Southeast Ohio, visiting 12 counties over three days and covering over 750 miles. On Wednesday, Portman visited Southern State Community College in Highland County, held a workforce roundtable at The Point in Lawrence County, visited a small business helping secure our border in Vinton County, unveiled a historical marker honoring Tippy Dye as part of the Meigs County Bicentennial, and attended the Meigs County Fair.
On Thursday, Portman visited BuckEye Cam in Athens, a company that makes cameras used along our borders. He also visited Rocky Boots in Nelsonville, Hocking College’s branch campus in Logan, Maxwell Farms in Perry County, and Finley Fire in Morgan County. On Thursday evening, Portman hosted a dinner in Noble County with Republican leaders from across Eastern Ohio.
On Friday, Portman held a workforce roundtable at Eastern Gateway Community College in Jefferson County, toured and met with workers at an Encino Energy Oil and Natural Gas Rig in Harrison County, and spoke at the Coshocton County Port Authority’s legislative luncheon.
Governor DeWine Discusses Dayton Tragedy on Fox News Sunday
Last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke with Fox News’ Bill Hemmer about his proposals to reduce gun violence and increase mental health treatment.
Husted Speaks to Dayton Strength at Hometown Heroes Celebration
Lt. Governor Jon Husted threw the first pitch during the Dayton Dragons Hometown Heroes celebration and addressed the crowd at the top of the second inning. The Lt. Governor spoke of the strength and resilience of the Dayton community following the deadly shootings on August 4th and encouraged the community to stay united and continue being #DaytonStrong.
Following the Lt. Governor’s remarks, new recruits were sworn in as members of the U.S. Airforce.
AG Dave Yost Announces Funding for Marijuana Testing
Attorney General Dave Yost announced the creation of the Major Marijuana Trafficking Grant Program last week, which will assist law enforcement in differentiating between newly legalized hemp and marijuana. Yost’s Bureau of Criminal of Investigation will provide free testing of confiscated cannabis to local law enforcement once machines are installed by early next year. In the meantime, his new Major Marijuana Trafficking Grant Program will provide $50,000 in funding for law enforcement agencies to have large quantities of marijuana tested in private labs.
“Just because the law changed, it doesn’t mean the bad guys get a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” Yost said. “We are equipping law enforcement with the resources to do their jobs.”
LaRose Encourages Youth Engagement
Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced a new outreach effort to encourage Ohioans to register to vote, with a particular focus on young people. Starting in the end of August, postcards will be sent out with information on registering to vote and important deadlines.
“Voting is one of our fundamental rights as Americans, and we want every eligible voter to have the chance to exercise that right,” said LaRose. “We expect this effort will reach a lot of younger Ohioans who haven’t yet taken advantage of the opportunity to register to vote, so we’re making sure they’re given every chance to have their voice heard.”
Register to vote today at VoteOhio.gov!
Auditor Faber Visits Scioto County
This week Auditor of State Keith Faber continued his tour of Ohio, stopping in Lucasville to talk with local officials about how government can work better, faster, and cheaper for all Ohioans!
Sprague Adds Clark, Jefferson, and Perry Counties to OhioCheckbook.com
Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has added three more counties to OhioCheckbook.com. Clark, Jefferson, and Perry counties all saw their spending data go ‘live’ this week on the transparency-focused website. These new additions came less than a week after Sprague announced that both Lake and Logan counties had also joined OhioCheckbook.com.
“The Ohio Checkbook provides communities with a direct line of sight into where their tax dollars go and how their government operates,” said Treasurer Sprague. “We are thrilled to welcome these valued partners in government transparency and accountability.”
Spending information for more than 1,100 local government entities is currently featured onOhioCheckbook.com.