During the inaugural meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Redistricting, Reapportionment, and Demographic Research today, House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) announced that Speaker Batchelder and Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro (D-Hubbard) will serve as co-chairs of the Task Force.
“I look forward to working with my co-chair on the Task Force, which serves an important role in helping the legislature to craft redistricting plans that are both fair and legal,” Speaker Batchelder said.
The Task Force is required under state law to assist the General Assembly in establishing new congressional districts and to assist the state apportionment board in the creation of new legislative districts. The panel oversees the allocation of funds for use in obtaining equipment, software, data and personnel to support those efforts.
Complementing the work of the Task Force, Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office announced that they would develop and manage a website for public input into the redistricting process. The site will serve as a key platform for public involvement, providing Ohioans with the capability to draw their own maps from home and submit their proposals to the Apportionment Board or General Assembly for consideration.
“This is an important but complicated process,” Secretary Husted said. “Providing more opportunity for public participation and education will breed transparency and openness and, we hope, more trust and confidence in the development of the final maps.”
President Niehaus reiterated the importance of involving citizens in the development of districts that will impact the state for the next decade. “Public participation is the key to an open, accountable government,” said President Niehaus. “We’ve made great progress in the use of new technology to bring Ohioans into the legislative process, and I look forward to the diversity of intelligent ideas that we can gather as we draft these new political boundaries.”
The Legislative Task Force on Redistricting is charged with providing resources and technical support to the General Assembly and Ohio Apportionment Board on redistricting efforts.
Old Firehouse Winery and Ferrante Winery were presented with the award from the Ohio Grape Industries Committee of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. A resolution was also made for Laurello Vineyard winning the award. Four winners were chosen in total from across the state, and three of the four are from within Representative Kozlowski’s district.
“I’m very proud to present House resolutions in honor of these wineries,” Kozlowski said. “Not only is our area of the state represented well in the high quality of their wines, but also in the wonderful contribution that these wineries make to our local economy.”
The winning wineries were chosen by a tasting panel on behalf of Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer.
The Ohio House of Representatives today passed a resolution that aims to create thousands of local jobs in southern Ohio and invigorate the state economy. Senate Concurrent Resolution 4—which is companion legislation to House Concurrent Resolution 4—urges President Barack Obama to direct the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) to grant a loan to USEC Inc. to ensure the continuation of the uranium enrichment project in Piketon.
“The American Centrifuge Project is a tremendous opportunity for southern Ohio that would create much-needed jobs for the region,” said Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), the sponsor of H.C.R. 4. “Over the last several months, we have worked hard to get Ohio moving at the speed of business for job creation. The U.S. Department of Energy’s cooperation is critical for the success of this project, and it is now their turn to step up to the plate and prove their commitment to Ohio.”
The American Centrifuge Project would create an estimated 8,000 direct and indirect American jobs—at least half of which would be based in Ohio. The Generation III+ nuclear power reactor located at this site would create more than 2,000 construction jobs and add approximately 500 permanent professional and technical jobs to the region.
“This project holds the potential for much-needed job creation and economic development in our region,” said Sen. David Daniels (R-Greenfield), who sponsored S.C.R. 4. “USEC’s loan guarantee has been pending for more than two years, and I am hopeful that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks. USEC has more than demonstrated its commitment to this project and the Piketon community – now it’s time for our leaders in Washington, D.C. to do the same.”
Since 2002, USEC has invested nearly $2 billion of its own money to partially finance the American Centrifuge Project. The Ohio House had passed the companion H.C.R. 4 with strong bipartisan support in April in an effort to support USEC’s project in Piketon.
“I have been pleased to work with local elected officials and business leaders at USEC’s Piketon plant over the last few months,” Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) said. “The USEC project has the potential to be an economic engine and job creator for southwest Ohio.”
“Efforts like the American Centrifuge Project are vital to our state and local economy,” Rep. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) said. “It is within the power of our president to make this loan guarantee happen. He promised, and now it is time to deliver.”
“The Piketon Uranium Enrichment Plant could be a game changer for our area’s economy,” said Rep. John Carey (R-Wellston). “It is my hope that the right decisions are made in Washington to make it happen.”
USEC is a leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel for commercial nuclear power plants. USEC operates the only U.S.-owned uranium enrichment facility in the United States and supplies more than half of the U.S. market and more than a quarter of the world market.
The Ohio House of Representatives today passed the Senate companion legislation to amend Ohio’s concealed carry laws to make them simpler and consistent with other states.
Senate Bill 17 will simplify the provisions related to the carrying of firearms in vehicles by eliminating the “micromanaging” provisions that dictate where a gun must be stored in a vehicle, which allows law-abiding citizens to avoid accidental violations. It retains the current procedures that are followed when a licensee is pulled over and approached by a law enforcement official.
The legislation would also permit license holders to carry in establishments that serve alcohol provided that the individual is not consuming alcohol. It does not change the current law prohibiting an individual from possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Establishments would still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry.
“I’m very pleased to see the passage of Senate Bill 17 from the House,” said Rep. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), who jointly sponsored the House companion bill—House Bill 45—with Rep. Danny Bubp (R-West Union). “At a time when our Constitutional rights are being quietly and systematically eroded, it is vital that we restore these rights and safeguard our ability to protect our families.”
In addition to simplifying existing concealed carry laws, House Bill 45 and Senate Bill 17 will bring Ohio’s carry regulations in line with most other states’ regulations. According to the Buckeye Firearms Association, of the 48 states that issue concealed carry licenses, 42 allow licensees to carry in restaurants as long as they are not drinking.
“Law-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to bear arms and protect themselves, yet Ohio’s laws about this issue can be confusing, especially when determining where you can carry and where you cannot,” Rep. Bubp said. “This legislation will simplify our laws and keep people from unknowingly committing a crime.”
This legislation was originally introduced during the previous General Assembly as Senate Bill 239, which received the support of the National Rifle Association, the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.
Senate Bill 17 passed with bipartisan support and will now move to Governor Kasich for his signature.
House Resolution 97—which Rep. Sears proposed in May—urges the United States Congress to support the continued and increased importation of oil derived from Canadian oil sands. It will also urge Congress to ask the U.S. Secretary of State to approve the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline project from Alberta to Oklahoma.
“I’m pleased that the House has passed this resolution in an effort to address skyrocketing gas prices and our dependence on overseas oil,” Rep. Sears said. “A partnership with Canada would directly benefit our economy as the money that would be spent on Canadian oil would likely be reinvested in U.S. goods and services. It is vital that we explore Canadian oil reserves and continue the responsible exploration for affordable energy.”
The United States currently depends on foreign imports for more than half of its petroleum usage. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy found that increasing importation of oil derived from Canadian oil sands has the potential to substantially reduce the U.S.’s dependence on sources outside of North America.
H.R. 97 passed with unanimous support in the Ohio House.
Today, Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and members of the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee joined representatives of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) at a press conference for Small Business Day at the Capitol.
The legislators took the opportunity to discuss House Republican efforts to bolster small business growth and economic development in Ohio. Additionally, the caucus revealed plans to continue to reach out within their communities to gain further insight into the ways Ohio’s government can positively impact business growth.
“Seventy percent of all jobs are created by small businesses, which is why our caucus is committed to a job-creation agenda and legislation that will improve our small business climate,” Batchelder said. “This General Assembly has been a great opportunity to really put our heads together and move forward on legislation to help Ohio’s businesses and families. Ohio’s business climate should always be at the forefront of our minds in every decision we make and every bill we pass. I think our track record of pro-business bills shows the strength of that commitment.”
Representative Nan Baker (R-Westlake), chairwoman of the Economic and Small Business Development Committee, discussed pro-business bills that have passed from the committee or are currently being considered for passage by the committee. She also announced that the Republican committee members will be soliciting feedback throughout the summer from business owners within their districts. Members will seek input on what is working at the state level and what the government can do to help small business owners to create jobs.
“My colleagues and I have continued to reach out to the small business owners within our districts during our time in the House, and we will be intensifying the effort this summer,” said Baker. “As a business owner for 30 years, I understand how important it is for the government to allow businesses to grow, create jobs and make a profit. I am very pleased that we are able to partner with NFIB in the effort to help Ohio’s small businesses succeed.”
Since the beginning of the 129th General Assembly, the House Republican Caucus has diligently worked to encourage job creation and economic development within the state of Ohio. The first bill to pass from the House was House Bill 1, which created JobsOhio to function as a lean, responsive economic development entity that would aggressively seek out opportunities for growth and investment.
Since the passage of H.B. 1 from the Ohio House, Speaker Batchelder and the House Republicans have worked on additional pieces of legislation that aim to improve Ohio’s business climate and reduce the unnecessary regulations that often strangle small businesses. Among these bills are measures to:
• Save families and businesses approximately $48.5 million over the next three fiscal years and offer job-retention tax credits for businesses that have received offers to relocate in other states (H.B. 58)
• Reduce wasteful spending and hold down tax rates by conducting performance audits of certain state agencies (H.B. 2)
• Adopt the Common Sense Initiative Office to evaluate all regulations and whether a particular mandate has an adverse effect on businesses (H.B. 94/S.B. 2)
• Improve Ohio’s business climate by creating an online titling program for commercial vehicles and easing restrictions on the transportation of Ohio’s farm commodities and agricultural products (H.B. 114)
• Minimize local tax burdens by giving local government other options than tax hikes to balance their budgets (S.B. 5)
• Eliminate the death tax to support small business owners, farmers, homeowners and retirees (H.B. 153)
“I want to thank Speaker Batchelder and the many legislators who are working to make Ohio a stronger, safer and easier place to build a business and create jobs,” said Vice President/Executive Director of NFIB/Ohio Roger R. Geiger. “They made regulatory reform legislation a priority for this general assembly because they knew it was a priority for Ohio’s small businesses. Their budgeting plans hold small businesses harmless by maintaining the promised income tax reduction and providing an end-date for the harmful estate tax. Their attention to the needs of Ohio’s entrepreneurs will go a long way toward putting Ohio back on a path to prosperity.”
The House Republican Caucus will continue to support Ohio’s small business owners and ensure that the state government does not hinder local businesses.
To view the House Economic and Small Business Development Committee’s Facebook page, please follow the link: www.facebook.com/ohiohousegopmeansbusiness
“The families of those soldiers and individuals included in this legislation have been waiting for this to be passed for years in most cases,” Combs said. “This bill recognizes the significant service and sacrifice of a number of men and women who honorably served our country, and I am pleased that my bill became the vehicle that will provide that recognition for the soldiers and for many deserving families. I initially introduced this bill to recognize Marine Lance Corporal Taylor Prazynski, but I have grown infinitely proud and moved by each of those individuals being recognized today.”
The Ohio Senate included a provision to create the “Honor Our Fallen” license plate, for which a $15 contribution would be paid to the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society.
The House unanimously concurred on the Senate amendments to Sub. H.B. 65, which now awaits the signature of Governor John Kasich.
State Representatives John Carey (R-Wellston) and Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives concurred on Senate changes to House Bill 128. This legislation will help to enhance public safety services by improving response times and helping to obtain funding for training programs.
“This bill will affect very few Ohioans, but for those that it will affect, it can have big impact at time when they may need help the most— during a medical emergency,” Peterson said.
In light of last year’s decision by the EMS Board to require all paramedic training programs to become nationally accredited by 2018, House Bill 128 would work with the EMS Board and the Ohio Department of Public Safety to revise provisions that govern grant programs to allow funding to help emergency training programs achieve national accreditation.
House Bill 128 would also address ambulance staffing by clarifying that an ambulance traveling to an emergency scene would only require one EMT or paramedic, who could also serve as the driver. Other personnel would be able to meet the ambulance at the scene to save critical time.
“This is a good example of how local officials can work with their legislators to make government work more efficiently,” Carey said. “I am pleased that this bill has passed to provide assistance for many local EMS providers.”
In an effort to waive an unnecessary step in the fee collection procedure, the bill streamlines the process for contracting EMT services between a village and township to make the process more efficient.
House Bill 128 today passed by a vote of 90-2 and now moves to Governor Kasich for his signature.
Rep. Richard Adams (R-Troy) released the following video statement in response to the House's unanimous passage of H.B. 209, which will permit a political subdivision, upon the deposit of public moneys with an eligible public depository, to arrange for the public depository to redeposit those moneys with other federally insured banks and savings and loan associations in accordance with specified conditions.
The procedure of voting is not timeless or set in stone. As times change and technology progresses, updates are necessary to keep this process efficient and free of fraud. America’s voting measures have evolved over the course of our nation’s history. From the way that we count votes to the location we go to cast them, election protocol has shifted dramatically over the years. As Ohio continues to advance in the 21st century, it is crucial to evaluate and tweak our voting system.
Recently, the Ohio House re-examined voting law to pinpoint practices that can be improved. Minimizing costs, increasing the efficacy of the voting experience, and securing its integrity are some of the goals we aim to achieve by instituting changes. House Bill 194 is a package of comprehensive election reforms that will accomplish these objectives. It tackles a wide range of weaknesses within our voting system but, overall, it will modernize the way Ohio votes.
House Bill 194 addresses election issues in a number of different areas, including absentee, provisional voting, and change of address procedure. In terms of absentee ballots, the legislation will set statewide standards to improve their ease of use and level of convenience. It will also revise the verification process for valid absentee and provisional ballots, and lower the number of reasons for which a voter must cast his or her ballot provisionally. These changes will save tax dollars and increase accountability. Moreover, voters will be able to change their address online, a measure that seems logical in our technologically savvy world.
The bill has other improvements that will help stamp out voter fraud. Additionally, House Bill 194 will align the law with ramp requirements for disabled Ohioans.
I am confident that this legislation will provide for a more effective election system. The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and it is up to legislators to ensure that Ohioans may exercise this right with confidence and efficiency. I encourage you to cast your ballot on each and every Election Day.
Winning students were invited to come down to Columbus with their parents and spend a day at the Statehouse as a mock legislator. Events of the day included meeting the representative, a tour of the Statehouse, and participating in a mock legislative session, where students learned firsthand how a bill becomes a law.
Winners of the program are: Marie Comi, Abhinav Pratap, John Carbone, Vincent Carbone, Cristian Robinson, Nick Kudrin, Natalie Abdoo, Ben Baratrian, and Nicholas Baratian.
To participate in the program, children in grades 1-6 were encouraged to document five books they read on a bookmark and return the bookmark to a participating library. Winners were selected from each participating library, which included the Hudson Library, the Cuyahoga Falls Library and the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.
House Bill 121 prohibits a court from finding that past, present or possible future active military service justifies the modification of an existing custody order. It also requires that a service member seeking a temporary parenting time order notifies the child’s other parent and applies to the court as soon as reasonably possible with the date that the active service starts.
“The men and women of our armed forces deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Representative Rosenberger, the primary sponsor of the bill. “I was shocked to learn that, with all of the sacrifices they make for our country, Ohio would not already have this law in the books.”
Under the new law, the temporary custody order based on a parent’s active military service will be terminated within 10 days of notice that the active military service has ended. While serving, the court may grant a parent on active service a temporary order that allows for a relative or other person who has a substantial relationship with the child to take over that parent’s visitation rights, if deemed acceptable by the court.
“The urgent need for this legislation was brought to my attention by Amanda Denehy, constituent of the 86th House District, and I am pleased that the Legislature quickly moved this bill through both chambers,” Rosenberger said.
An emergency measure was included in House Bill 121 so that the new law is in effect for a pending troop deployment that will likely see the mobilization of 2,500 members of the Ohio National Guard.
The Ohio House of Representatives today voted to reject Senate amendments to House Bill 153, the state operating budget. In response to the action taken by the House, Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) released the following statement:
“The House’s decision to go to conference committee is a crucial step in the process toward crafting and passing a cohesive, collaborative budget that will benefit all Ohioans. I appreciate the hard work the Ohio Senate put into this important bill. As the House Republicans did unanimously in May when the budget left the House, there is no doubt we will balance this budget without raising taxes. My fellow House colleagues and I look forward to working with the Senate and ironing out the details of this budget to find a compromise that will bring about a brighter future for Ohio.”
State Representatives Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpont) and Ron Young (R-Leroy Twp.) recently introduced legislation that, when enacted, will spur economic development by reducing oppressive regulations on Ohio’s distillers.
Reps. Kozlowski and Young jointly introduced House Bill 243 earlier this month to lighten burdensome restrictions on the A-3a liquor permit, which would allow more distillers to obtain the permit and therefore drive more economic growth and investment in Ohio.
“In a time when jobs are scarce and the population of Ohio has declined, the evolution of business expansion is essential to entice individuals to take root in this state and prosper,” Rep. Kozlowski said. “This bill would allow for the expansion of business for distillers in Ohio, as well as benefit the tourism industry for people who visit distilleries and wineries for taste tests and want to purchase the product on location.”
Under current law, an A-3a permit can only be obtained in counties with 800,000 residents and may be issued to only one distiller in that county. This limits the gross majority of counties from obtaining this permit and creates a power grab for the permit in counties that meet the population requirement.
House Bill 243 removes the 800,000 population county requirement and allows for unlimited distillers to acquire this permit in each county.
“We have an opportunity to help many of the businesses in our communities succeed while also increasing revenue from tourism,” said Rep. Young. “As lawmakers, we need to constantly seek ways to make Ohio marketable and make our state economy more attractive. House Bill 243 is another step toward this goal and I look forward to discussing this bill with my House colleagues.”
House Bill 243 will soon be assigned to a House committee, where it will undergo debate and consideration.
