Chairman’s Update 7/12/20

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

Although Ohio unemployment claims remain higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, they are on the decline for the 10th straight week in a row. As Americans across the nation continue to confront this virus, this is great news for Ohioans. This indicates that people are heading back to work once again, and gives us hope for a path forward.

Yesterday, I was joined by Governor DeWine and Justices French and Kennedy at the annual convention, this year virtual, for the Ohio Young Republicans. It is so encouraging to see how passionate younger generations are about politics and conservative values. Not only are they excited to elect Ohio Republicans, but they are so enthusiastic about re-electing President Trump in November. The President has such widespread support because of the results he has gained for Americans, even in hard times, and we won’t forget that.

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

In Youngstown, Portman Visits the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, Sees Firsthand How Federal COVID-19 Response Legislation Has Helped Food Access & Distribution 

Last week, U.S. Senator Rob Portman visited the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. In addition, Portman met with the organization’s leadership to discuss Portman’s support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, which provided funding for nutrition programs and additional flexibilities to allow food to be distributed efficiently and with social distancing.

Gov. DeWine Issues Guidance for Reopening K-12 Schools

The Ohio Department of Higher Education, in consultation with Ohio colleges, universities, the Ohio Department of Health, and health experts across the state have developed guidance to help campuses safely reopen.

The Responsible RestartOhio guidance for Institutions of Higher Education includes minimum operating standards for all campuses, as well as best practices to further enhance those standards.

Because each campus must develop policies and procedures related to COVID-19 testing, new Guidance for COVID-19 Testing at Institutions of Higher Education was also released to help institutions tailor their testing plan to their community and develop policies related to the isolation of symptomatic students, faculty, and staff members.

K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING 

To help K-12 schools and institutions of higher education address increasing costs associated with the COVID-19 safety measures, Governor DeWine and leaders of the Ohio General Assembly are requesting that the Ohio Controlling Board approve an initial request on Monday to allocate $200 million for higher education and $100 million for K-12 schools from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

“This funding comes from federal CARES Act dollars to help schools meet their unique individual needs,” said Governor DeWine. “We intend for this funding to be very flexible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The funding would be available to all public and private schools and for all two and four-year colleges and universities, both public and private, including adult career tech providers.

The funding request is in addition to the more than $440 million in direct federal CARES Act funding that Ohio K-12 schools are receiving and the more than $190 million in direct federal funding provided to Ohio’s colleges and universities.

Lt. Governor Husted Launches #IWantASeason Campaign

Lt. Governor Jon Husted this week launched the #IWantASeason campaign, which aims to reach young Ohioans and sports fans and encourage them to practice safe practices to slow the spread of the global coronavirus pandemic. The Lt. Governor, a former All-American football player and National Champion with the Dayton Flyers’ football team, encourages those who “want a season” to do what they can to slow the spread so that everyone can enjoy the next season of their favorite sport. Many professional, college, and high school athletes, along with their families, have already participated in the campaign.

AG Yost Offers Help with Canceled Ticket Refunds 

Attorney General Dave Yost is encouraging Ohioans to notify his office is they have not received ticket refunds for events canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the cancellation and refund policies in place at the time of purchase, Ohio’s consumer protection laws may provide an avenue to obtain refunds, and the Attorney General’s office is here to help.

“We’re ready to go to bat for you if you’re stuck in refund limbo,” Yost said. “Give us a call because we might be able to help get your money back.”

Ohioans who purchased tickets for events that were canceled due to the pandemic, should first contact the ticket seller to request a refund. If those attempts are unsuccessful, consumers can submit complaints to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-282-0515 or OhioProtects.org.

Businesses Join the Fight to Defend Democracy

This week, Secretary LaRose hosted an event with the Hamilton County Board of Elections and Western & Southern Financial to highlight the public/private partnership to recruit poll workers for the upcoming election. Western & Southern has agreed to give their employees a paid day off for election day if they serve as a poll worker and is encouraging other businesses across the state to do the same.

Sign up to defend democracy as a poll worker at VoteOhio.gov/DefendDemocracy.

Auditor Faber Visits the Holocaust and Humanity Center

This week, Auditor of a State Keith Faber visited the Holocaust and Humanity Center in Cincinnati. The museum’s stands as a reminder the horrors that took place just 80 years ago and it’s mission is to ensure that we never allow it to happen again.
“At a time in our nation where anti-semitism is on the rise,” Faber said, “places like the Holocaust and Humanity Center exist to remind us where these insidious ideas lead. It’s our duty to reject this vile hatred wherever it appears.”
The Holocaust and Humanity Center is located at the old Union Terminal and reopens to the public on July 17th.

Sprague Touts Second Conservative Record-Breaking Month for STABLE

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague announced that his office’s STABLE Account program saw a second consecutive month of record-setting growth in the month of June. New accounts in June totaled 839, well surpassing the previous record of 542 set just one month prior.
 
Since the onset of COVID-19, Treasurer Sprague‘s staff has successfully transitioned much of their outreach efforts to virtual avenues which have further broadened their reach in connecting with individuals and families who may benefit from the program. 
 
STABLE accounts are specialized savings and investment accounts for people with disabilities that allows them to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefits.

Kennedy Continues Campaigning Across Ohio

When not hearing oral arguments or writing opinions, Justice Kennedy traveled our beautiful Ohio with stops in Clark, Morgan, Licking, and Washington. Throughout her week, she had multiple events, including a hat trick by speaking at the sunrise Newark Heath Rotary Club, presenting a Zoom continuing legal education program for more than 300 lawyers from around the state, and ending her day by speaking to the Avon Lake Republican Club via zoom.
Before knocking some doors in Marietta Sharon thanked the volunteers for their time and support.
“In 116 days voters will go to the polls and elect our next President.  As they cast their ballot it is vitally important that they vote all the way down the ticket and vote for a Kennedy,” she said. “And while you’re out knocking today, I challenge you to make a friend, to inspire just one person to join our efforts to ensure that a person committed to the rule of law and judicial restraint remains at the court.  We cannot win without good people like you.  Thank you for being here, for caring about the court races, and for rallying our voters.”
Justice French Delivers Yard Signs Across Ohio

Judi and Team French were crisscrossing Ohio delivering yard signs this past week. We’ve been to more than a dozen counties and will continue traveling this week to make deliveries throughout Ohio. Please contact the campaign if you need signs and we’ll make every effort to deliver them. Judi’s success as a candidate is a direct result of the hard work of so many volunteers across Ohio and we’re grateful for your continued support.