Chairman’s Update 9-8-19

Good Evening,

As many of you know, our state dinner will take place in just a few weeks on September 21st. We are thrilled to have Kellyanne Conway join us as the keynote speaker for the evening, and are looking forward to a great night full of support for our president and party.

The August jobs report once again shows what a strong economy we continue to enjoy under President Trump’s leadership. In August alone the U.S. added 130,000 jobs, nearly half of which were filled by women. Wage growth remains strong, at 3.2% in August – the 13th month in a row of 3% or better. These numbers show nothing but support for the fact that President Trump’s economy is working for all Americans.

While we maintain our focus on the thriving U.S. economy, the Democrats continue talking about radical agendas surrounding climate change. Some of their proposals include the banning of plastic straws, carbon taxes, government control of lightbulbs and meat, and the elimination of commercial air travel. These policies will only result in crushed industries, higher taxes, and and a drastic change in Americans’ everyday choices.

As we look towards 2020, let’s remember our values and what we stand for. Higher taxes and the elimination of an American classic, the hamburger, are not included. President Trump has kept his promises, and our country is thriving. Let’s continue working for another four great years of President Trump’s leadership.

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken

Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

Last Thursday, Portman Hosted Ohio Faith-Based Security Conference in Columbus

Last week, Senator Rob Portman hosted an Ohio Faith-Based Security Conference to facilitate a conversation with federal and state security experts and stakeholders on best practices for how to prepare, prevent, respond, and recover from potential adverse events. The conference was comprised of a panel discussion as well as presentations focusing on best practices and funding opportunities for implementing security measures to help prevent attacks as well as how to best respond to potential threats. In addition, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Director of Public Safety Tom Stickrath, and Deputy Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Matthew Travis joined the event.

The idea of bringing together faith-based groups and non-profit entities originated after a discussion Portman had with the Jewish community after the Pittsburgh Tree of Life tragedy in October of 2018. The conference was attended by leaders from various places of worship throughout Ohio representing the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities.

This past May, Portman introduced bipartisan legislation – the Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act – to authorize $75 million annually for FYs 2020-2024 for the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides grants to nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack.

Governor DeWine Meets With Ambassador Sugiyama Ahead of Trade Mission to Japan

On Wednesday afternoon, Governor DeWine met with Shinsuke Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, at the Ohio Statehouse. Governor DeWine and Ambassador Sugiyama discussed Ohio’s long-standing relationship with Japan and the Governor’s upcoming business development mission from September 8-13, 2019. Anchoring the mission will be Governor DeWine’s participation in the 51^st Midwest U.S.-Japan Association annual conference in Tokyo. He also will have several business meetings with Japanese companies including Honda and Kao Brands. Governor DeWine will also visit Saitama Prefecture, Ohio’s sister state in Japan. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the Ohio-Saitama sister state relationship. Governor DeWine plans to explore ways to build on the strong ties that have been established with Saitama. J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and chief investment officer, and Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, will join the Governor to support the mission.

Husted Announces Launch of “Ohio IP Promise” Initiative

On Friday, Lt. Governor Husted announced the launch of the “Ohio IP Promise,” which is an initiative to make Ohio universities more attractive to innovators and entrepreneurs. The Ohio IP Promise brings together the state’s higher education institutions to provide a unified process for commercialization so students and faculty have a clear path to commercialization of their research in Ohio. Many schools possess the ownership rights to research and inventions with no plans to bring it to the marketplace. In order to correct this problem, the Ohio I.P. Promise establishes a uniform set of guiding principles so researchers know exactly how they can take charge of their work and make it available to the public, if that is their desire.

AG Yost: Hamilton County Man Facing Charges for Impersonating Nurse

Attorney General Dave Yost announced the indictment and arrest of a Hamilton County man last week for allegedly impersonating a nurse for four years using a stolen identity. Yost’s Health Care Fraud Section uncovered evidence that Martez Rhandall Morris stole the identity of a licensed practical nurse, and used fraudulent documents to gain employment at two Hamilton County home health agencies. Several of the patients under Morris’ care were children.

Morris now faces 12 counts, including felony charges, for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, identity fraud and tampering with records. Yost’s office is prosecuting the case.

Ohio Democratic Party Loses Legal Challenge Against LaRose

On Tuesday a federal court denied a legal challenge aimed at preventing Frank LaRose from carrying out his obligation to ensure Ohio’s voter rolls are accurate and up-to-date. Contrary to the Ohio Democratic Party’s claims, the court ruled that the “evidence does not establish that the secretary is implementing measures which render the voting system fundamentally unfair.”

The Columbus Dispatch even agreed that, “the Democrats are seeing the voter purge process as half empty,” while reminding voters that they have a right and responsibility to register and vote.

Join Team LaRose in fighting back against hyper-partisan activists by sharing the truth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Auditor Faber Honors Cincinnati Reds on 150 Years in Major League Baseball!

This week, Auditor of State Keith Faber honored the Cincinnati Reds, who were the first team in professional baseball and this year are celebrating their 150th Anniversary.

Treasurer Sprague Provides Update on Ag-LINK, Recent Activity

On Wednesday, Treasurer Robert Sprague reminded Ohio’s farming community that there’s still time to obtain reduced interest loans through the Ag-LINK program. In July, Treasurer Sprague re-opened the Ag-LINK application period to provide relief to farmers and agribusiness adversely impacted by the summer’s extreme weather. Through the current round of applications, more than 30 reduced interest loans totaling over $3.4 million have been made available to qualified farmers and business owners.

“As Ohio’s farmers get ready to head out to the fields to harvest, it’s not too late to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Treasurer Sprague. “I’m proud of our office’s strong partnership with the banking community as we help provide a boost to a critical sector of our state’s economy during this difficult year.”

The current Ag-LINK application period will remain open until November 15.