Rep. Lou Terhar is featured on an episode of "Ohio in Focus."
State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) today offered joint sponsor testimony before the House Criminal Justice Committee in support of House Bill 299, which is also known as Caylee’s Law.
House Bill 299 specifically requires a parent, legal guardian or custodian of a child under the age of 16 to report a missing child to a law enforcement agency within 24 hours. It would also require that a parent, legal guardian or custodian report to a law enforcement agency within one hour of discovery that a child is deceased.
Failure to follow these guidelines would result in a violation of falsification to mislead a public official, which is a fifth-degree felony.
“I felt it was my responsibility to protect the children of our state,” said Representative Anielski. “Furthermore, there was a tremendous outcry for action from my constituents who wanted to see something done to prevent a tragic situation similar to the Caylee Anthony case from happening in Ohio.”
“Our children are our most precious resources," said Rep. Mike Stinziano (D-Columbus), who sponsored the legislation with Representative Anielski. "We need to make sure that our laws protect our children and that nothing like this can ever happen in the state of Ohio. My office has heard from over 1500 of my constituents and Ohioans urging the legislature to pass a bill with teeth that provides tools to our prosecutors and protects our children. HB 299 does exactly that.”
House Bill 299 was introduced in July and has received bipartisan cosponsorship in the Ohio House.
State Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives accepted the Senate’s addition of an emergency clause to House Bill 167, a bipartisan bill that makes obtaining a college degree more affordable to students throughout the state.
“Encouraging Ohioans to pursue a college degree has been and continues to be a goal of this state,” said Derickson. “This legislation reflects our state’s desire and goal to encourage Ohioans to continue their education in a post-secondary program. All of this can be done with minimum impact to the State of Ohio’s budget.”
Currently, students who qualify for a Pell Grant (federally funded-needs based) or an Ohio College Opportunity Grant (state funded-needs based) are able to pay for many of their education-related expenses from these federal and/or state grant funds. Furthermore, these expenses are not subject to federal or state taxes. For example, tuition, fees, and books are allowable expenses and are exempt from federal and state income taxes.
However, the portion of these grants used for the purposes of room, board, and meal plans offered through the college are subject to federal and state income taxes. For students living away from home, the expenses associated with room, board, and meal plans are just as real and relative to obtaining a college degree as the cost of tuition itself.
H.B. 167 broadens the “tax exempt” status of allowable expenses to include room, board and meal plans offered through the college.
Data from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that Ohio’s four-year institutions were awarded $511.4 million in Pell Grant monies for the 2009-2010 academic years. The average award for a four-year institution, both public and private, was $3,714. This was offered to 99,663 students from the state.
The House unanimously concurred on the Senate’s changes, and House Bill 167 will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.
There has been a great deal of attention directed toward the development of Ohio’s natural gas and oil through a process known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” A recent editorial in the Toledo Blade expressed the need for caution and government oversight before pursuing these interests because a misstep in the fracking process can harm our environment and threaten public safety.
One of the most common concerns about fracking is the potential for chemicals used during the process to leak into neighboring water sources, including drinking water. Though certainly a legitimate concern, the facts of past drilling show that the possibility for groundwater contamination is extremely uncommon. In fact, according to the Ohio Engineers Association, since the early 1950s, more than 80,000 wells of varying depths have been drilled in Ohio using this process with no confirmed incidents of groundwater contamination.
Obviously, an adequate level of supervision and oversight is necessary in order to protect the environment and the lives of Ohio citizens. But where should this oversight come from? A distant, centralized authority in Washington? Or a more localized governing body that knows the unique attributes of the state’s land and people?
Just last year, the previous Ohio General Assembly passed one of the strictest laws in the country pertaining to oil, gas and shale development. This law enacted oversight on a wide range of issues and concerns dealing with the process, including hydraulic fracturing. Therefore, I think the claims that Ohio’s laws on this topic are too lenient are either disingenuous or absent of fact.
There is no question that Ohio’s primary concern is jobs. Our state’s economy has been struggling over the past few years, which has resulted in businesses, and subsequently large numbers of citizens, leaving our state to pursue greener economic pastures. The most prominent example proving this point is the fact that Ohio will be losing two members of Congress beginning in 2013 because of slowing population growth.
Our success at attracting business and investment in the state depends on our ability—and ultimately our willingness—to act upon economic opportunities when they present themselves. The development of Ohio’s natural resources has the potential to pump billions of dollars into our local economies and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Environmental concerns regarding this process are genuine and must be considered. But the technology required to extract these resources has an extensive track record of being safe and effective. Furthermore, the techniques in hydraulic fracturing are forever being improved.
In order for Ohio to once again be competitive with other states, we must prove to industries that we are willing to invest in economic opportunities and to show our citizens that we are willing to fight to keep them in the state.
Mark D. Kvamme, Interim Chief Investment Officer and President of JobsOhio, recently visited the 93rd Ohio House District for a tour of economic development opportunities in Guernsey, Noble, Monroe, and Washington counties. Mr. Kvamme spoke with energy producers and businessmen who see great promise for the region. Participating were representatives from the rail industry, ODOT, local CICs and Port Authorities, Ohio’s refiners, pipeline companies, and local elected officials.
“Visiting several important communities in southeast Ohio with Representative Thompson and key business leaders was a tremendous benefit to me,” said Mr. Kvamme. “The Shale development has many exciting possibilities; we must combine an effective approach to commerce with equally effective workforce development to ensure long-lasting prosperity.”
Before he was appointed to his current position this past July, Mr. Kvamme served as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. Previously, Kvamme was a partner at Sequoia Capital in Menlo Park, California for over a decade. Prior to joining Sequoia Capital in 1999, Kvamme was Chairman and CEO of CKS Group, an advertising agency that pioneered new advertising strategies by integrating marketing with technology.
“I am delighted that Mark Kvamme was able to visit southeastern Ohio and see the great possibilities for economic development in the region,” said Representative Andy Thompson. “Southeastern Ohio has the natural resources, land, and available workforce needed for lasting economic growth.”
Rep. Thompson represents the 93rd Ohio House District, which includes Guernsey, Monroe and Noble counties, as well as portions of Washington and Muskingum counties.
The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) presented the 2011 Physician of the Year Award to State Rep. Terry A. Johnson, DO, at a special ceremony, October 29, at Disney’s Epcot World ShowPlace in Orlando, Florida.
The award was given in recognition of Dr. Johnson’s dedication to patients, medicine, and the osteopathic profession. When presenting the honor, AOF President James M. Lally, DO, said Dr. Johnson exemplifies the best of what osteopathic medicine is all about. “A forceful advocate for his patients, a passionate public servant, and a committed educator, Dr. Johnson believes tough decisions often come down to one simple matter: What is truly best for the health and well-being of the patient,” Dr. Lally said. “This ‘service above self’ philosophy is one that Dr. Johnson has lived by in his many roles.”
This national award follows a string of other recognitions that Dr. Johnson has received. In 2010, his Ohio University medical students selected him as the “Outstanding Family Medicine Physician” at Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC). In 2011, he was selected as the state “Family Physician of the Year” by the Ohio State Society of the American College of Osteopathic Physicians. He was also selected in 2011 as the Columbus Osteopathic Association William I. Linder, DO, Advocate Award.
“I am humbled,” Johnson said. “I have never set out to receive awards. I only want to do what is best for those I serve. I am so grateful to all of those who support me, who make my success possible—especially my friends and family.”
Dr. Johnson is the first osteopathic physician (DO) to ever serve in the Ohio General Assembly and believed to be the first physician to be elected to a state office since the 1930s.
In addition to serving in the Ohio House of Representatives, Dr. Johnson practices family medicine in Lucasville and is the director of the Family Practice Residency program at SOMC and assistant dean at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, his alma mater.
He is a colonel in the Ohio Army National Guard, currently serving as state surgeon, and a former commander of the National Guard Medical Detachment. A veteran of the Global War on Terror, he has completed three tours of duty. Dr. Johnson was also Scioto County coroner and has led humanitarian medical missions to Panama and Ecuador.
Dr. Johnson represents the 89th House District, which includes Scioto County and parts of Lawrence and Adams counties.
The AOF Physician of the Year Award, established in 2009, honors the extraordinary accomplishments of an osteopathic physician, who through his or her service brings a sense of pride to the profession, and whose actions promote the science of medicine and the betterment of public health. It honors those who achieve greatness through integrity, commitment to service, and community involvement.
The AOF, established more than 60 years ago, is the philanthropic arm of the American Osteopathic Association and supports activities that improve people's health and enhance the osteopathic profession.
There are two complete schools of medicine in the United States. Osteopathic colleges award the DO degree, while allopathic colleges award the MD degree. Both DOs and MDs are fully licensed to practice medicine and surgery and both obtain licenses under the same procedure as administered by the Ohio State Medical Board. Osteopathic physicians utilize all scientifically accepted methods of diagnosis and treatment, including drugs and surgery, and have additional training in recognizing the relationship of body structure (the musculoskeletal system) to body function.
During today’s session of the Ohio House of Representatives, State Representative Kristina Daley Roegner (R-Hudson) welcomed local pastor Jim Case of the Stow Community United Church of Christ to give the opening invocation before the full House.
Pastor Case began his ministry in 1977 and has been with the Stow Community United Church of Christ since May 2011. The Stow Community United Church of Christ was founded in 1917 and is the second-oldest church in Stow. Pastor Case was formerly the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebring, Ohio for nine years. He also served as a firefighter for 28 years in both Mogadore and Munore Falls.
“I was very pleased that Pastor Case was able to come to session today and lead the House in prayer,” Rep. Roegner said. “He is a wonderful leader within our community and was a great addition to today’s session. He believes, as I do, that God’s Word is as relevant today as it was the day it was written.”
Pastor Jim Case lives in Munore Falls with his wife Jeannine. They have three children and five grandchildren.
With Veterans Day falling on a Friday this year, we are given extra opportunity this weekend to honor the sacrifice that so many of our country’s service members have made over the years. From the American Revolution through the Civil War, World War I and World War II to our current military operations, our country’s veterans—including a great number of Ohioans—have inspired us by putting themselves forward for the cause of protecting our nation and defending the freedoms that we enjoy.
Many service members have given up their lives to preserve our liberty and keep us safe, while others have willingly answered the call to service during times of peace. No matter what, Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor these men and women, many of whom left behind their families and friends as they fulfilled their duties.
Originally known as Armistice Day, this has been a day not only to honor veterans, but also to highlight the very important role that peace plays in the world. We observe Veterans Day on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month because that is when, in 1918, fighting ceased during World War I.
As House Speaker, it’s my privilege to serve with many distinguished fellow veterans in the House. We in the House also have the honor of publicly recognizing veterans when they visit the House chamber as a way of showing each of them gratitude for their service.
Later this month, the House and Senate will be holding a joint session to award the Ohio Military Medal of Distinction to the families of Ohioans who have fallen serving our country. It is very humbling to visit with loved ones, as well as those service members still with us who have unselfishly given themselves to such a great cause.
Whether you have been a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard—or you are currently serving the United State in one of those branches—thank you for dedicating yourself to a nation that depends on you and is grateful for the blessings and freedoms you have preserved for us.
State Representatives Mike Duffey (R-Worthington) and Michael Stinziano (D-Columbus) have announced that, after more than nine months of stakeholder discussions, they have formally introduced legislation that will grant equal voting rights for student trustees at Ohio’s public universities and colleges. Their bill is supported by The Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee.
“Now more than ever, it is important that Ohio’s public universities put students first when it comes to important decisions about curriculum, tuition pricing, facilities and all other aspects of student life,” said Rep. Mike Duffey. “The bill Rep. Stinziano and I are proposing gives student trustees equal voting rights in those decisions.”
“Across Ohio, student trustees are making extremely valuable contributions to the work of university boards. President Gee’s support for our legislation speaks volumes about the work of student trustees at OSU. This legislation has bipartisan support and it is time to include student trustees in all aspects of Board decision-making and give them the right to vote,” said Rep. Stinziano.
Over 30 states currently allow student trustees to have voting rights, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina. Each of Ohio’s 14 public universities has two student trustees who have no voting power and are not included in quorum or entitled to attend executive sessions.
Ohio’s student trustees are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate, from a group of five candidates selected pursuant to a procedure adopted by the university’s student governments and approved by the board of trustees. The term of office for student trustees is two years.
In his letter of support, President Gee states: “I write to express my full support of your proposal to grant students the opportunity to serve as full voting trustees at public universities in Ohio. By giving students full voting privileges under statutory law, you are enabling them to actively engage in decision-making processes that directly affect their academic success and university experience.”
It is not by the grace of government that we enjoy our basic, fundamental rights as Americans. They are handed down by God, which means they are rights that all human beings should be afforded. It is only by the force of restrictive, tyrannical regimes that these freedoms can be taken away.
Unfortunately, throughout history governments have tried to find ways to oppress and control its people. The United States is different because it rejects the notion that government knows what is best for everyone. Without liberty and recognition of individual rights, we would not have become the most successful and prosperous nation the world has ever witnessed in such a short period of time.
Securing these virtues depends on a strong national defense, consisting of a unified group of courageous men and women willing to risk their lives to uphold freedom. On Veterans Day, we honor the individuals who fought to keep our nation safe from attack and free from tyranny.
No one understood the reality that freedom is not guaranteed better than our Founding Fathers. They knew that creating a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” required a military that was always ready to fight in order to maintain the rights of the people.
There are many ways for us to express our appreciation for those who have risked their lives for us. I encourage people to attend a Veterans Day event, such as a parade, ceremony or church service. Simply saying thank you to a veteran can go a long way toward showing your gratitude. Explain to your children why we are lucky to live in a country that respects individual freedom, and the sacrifice needed to make it a reality.
There is nothing about being an American that makes us inherently special or exceptional. We are not born with a gene that destines us for prosperity or success. What differentiates us from other peoples is the opportunity to work towards our individual self interests and to achieve greatness. The opportunities that we have as Americans are worth fighting for, and they are worth saying thank you to the men and women who have fought to make them possible.
It can be easy for many of us to go days or even weeks without giving our military much thought. We are probably all guilty of this at some time or another, unless we have a loved one fighting overseas. Otherwise, life for the most part goes on comfortably from day to day, following military action in the newspaper or on the evening news. But it is precisely because of our nation’s military action—past and present—that allows us to live in such comfort.
Veterans Day is just a few days away, which is a time when we should take time and reflect on all that makes this country great. At the same time, we must recognize the sacrifices that the brave men and women in uniform—living and deceased—have made for their fellow citizens.
Dating back to our nation’s infancy, the Founding Fathers recognized the importance of national defense. In order for the public to live in freedom, to pursue their individual interests and maintain their own wellbeing, they must first feel safe. They stated this belief specifically in the United States Constitution—“Provide for the common defense.” George Washington also voiced a this message in his first annual address to Congress: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”
America’s military has been fighting to uphold the Constitution ever since. They are the men and women among us who put their lives on the line in the ongoing effort to protect the greatest nation on earth. We all owe them a debt of gratitude, not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
I encourage everyone to take part in something that honors our troops, whether that is attending a Veterans Day ceremony, visiting a cemetery full of fallen soldiers or saying a prayer for all those who have ever adorned the uniform. But what might make the biggest impact is simply saying thank you to a veteran for serving our country.
November is a time of year when families come together and give thanks for all of the gifts we have been given. Being reunited with the people we love most should inspire us to help those who are less fortunate, who perhaps haven’t been given the same opportunities or gifts in life. Charitable gestures can go a long way towards building stronger communities and helping those in need.
To advance the effort of charity, my office has been involved with Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula. Goodwill Industries is a company that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities or special needs. It provides education, job training and employment opportunities for people who might otherwise have a difficult time attaining these things. By working with other companies and businesses throughout the area and by opening the doors of possibility for so many disadvantaged members of our community, Goodwill Industries is a leader in providing ways for these individuals to be more productive and to achieve success.
After seeing an article in the Star Beacon asking for help, I had the privilege of visiting Goodwill Industries and making a contribution to help the company continue assisting the people of Ashtabula County. I know that many other people have done the same, or have donated time or money to other valuable charities. Your donations help to expand occupational capabilities, remove employment barriers and educate people to enjoy success in life and in the workforce.
This has been part of a larger effort called “Noble November,” which is a program that assists local communities and towns help the less fortunate, and is designed to honor those who help others. It is no secret that we are witnessing difficult economic times. This can obviously make charitable giving more challenging because we must still find ways to take care of ourselves and our families. Having tighter budgets obviously requires us to reevaluate how we spend our money, but it is still important that we make the effort to give what we can to improve the lives of others, especially during the upcoming holiday season. Every little bit helps.
Being charitable does not mean people have to give money. There are many ways in which we can get involved in Ashtabula County, including donating our time at local food banks, soup kitchens or other organizations. Particularly over the next five or six months, there will be a greater need for warm clothing. If you have clothes that your family no longer needs—coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots—donate them to a local charity and help someone who cannot afford these items. We can all make a difference.
The holidays are a special time of year, full of happiness and good memories. Giving a little of ourselves can help make it an enjoyable time for everyone.
The Ohio Statehouse will turn 150 years old on November 15th. I would like to invite everyone in Clinton, Highland and Pike counties to visit the Statehouse and join in the day-long celebration of one of the state’s most historic buildings.
Throughout the day, people from all over Ohio are welcome to take part in a public cake-cutting ceremony, special Statehouse tours and the Capitol Artists Fair. Portraits of Ohio’s Civil War governors also will be unveiled in the rotunda. The day’s activities run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
An interesting component of the artists fair is that the gallery will display works of Ohio from artists all across the state. Guests will be able to walk around and not only look at the art pieces, but also talk to the artists themselves. Besides viewing the artwork, the artists fair will also offer a variety of food samples, as well as wine-tasting in the afternoon.
Construction of the Statehouse began July 4, 1839 and took 22 years to complete. Since 1861, it has been the symbol of state government in Ohio. If you have never had the opportunity to take a tour of the Statehouse, or to at least visit it on your own, I strongly recommend doing so. It is a beautiful, historic building. Even though 150 years have passed since its grand opening, it is still easy to envision what the building was like in the 1800s.
The Sesquicentennial of the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday, November 15th is a great opportunity for all Ohioans to visit the state capital and celebrate an important part of Ohio history. For more information about the event or for directions to the Statehouse, please do not hesitate to contact my office. You can also visit the official Statehouse website at www.ohiostatehouse.org.
It is appropriate that Thanksgiving and Veterans Day occur in the same month. Many of the freedoms that we enjoy every day are a result of hard work by our veterans. We should always be grateful for the sacrifices they have made to keep our country safe.
The tradition of Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” in 1919, a year after a temporary end of hostilities was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany during the First World War. Following World War II and the Korean War, “Armistice Day” became “Veterans Day,” a day dedicated to honoring all American veterans.
We should all take time out of our day to thank someone who served our country and to reflect on the sacrifices soldiers made to protect us. The meaning behind Veterans Day should not be something we only recognize one day during the year. We benefit from their service every day, so it is asking little to take at least a few moments and truly appreciate what they have done.
I suggest, if you have the chance, to attend a ceremony honoring past heroes. Events such as those provide us all a great opportunity to show our appreciation in person, and also to hear first-hand accounts from men and women who have been on the battlefield. It is things like that which can make the most impact on us. Listening to their stories or seeing a cemetery full of miniature U.S. flags waving in the breeze is a powerful experience.
Primarily it gives us the chance to take a step back and put things in perspective. Sometimes as human beings, we let our priorities get out of line. We certainly see this from time to time in politics. Debate and discussion can get heated and civility is not always our primary concern. Veterans Day, however, is a day when these shortcomings should be set aside and is a time when all Americans should come together and show collective appreciation for the men and women who make our forums for debate and disagreement possible.
So it is important that we all devote some of our valuable time this Veterans Day to express our gratitude for all of those brave Americans who gave their valuable time, and lives, for us.
The Post, 11/2
As a long-time public servant, I have a real appreciation for good, much-needed legislation. The fact of the matter is that the issues facing Ohio are not simple. If they were, we would easily find immediate solutions. But the severity of the economic and financial situation facing our state requires action that will make us more competitive and help us to create long-term, stable jobs.
In regard to Senate Bill 5 - a bill that reforms the relationship among public sector unions, employers, and the taxpayers who provide the money to pay public employees - I am sure I have heard nearly every argument for and against this legislation. Both the supporters and opponents of the bill accuse one another of using rhetoric with distortions. But in the end, it's not the words that matter; it's the solution to a problem that matters.
Perhaps the reason why the debate about Senate Bill 5 has been so heated is because, no matter how much we try to avoid it, the problems we are seeking to address appeal to our emotions, and we empathize with those facing layoffs or having to sacrifice more during tough times. Although we may be on different sides of this issue, ultimately we have the same goal in mind - a healthy balance that is fair for everyone, public and private sector alike.
What's also worth noting is the argument that is not heard. Through all of the meetings, testimony, protests, and town halls, very few have put forth the view that we do not face any problem, and very few have ignored the disparities that exist.
The problem that Senate Bill 5 addresses is a very real problem. Our fellow Ohioans who work in the public sector are in a bind. They want to continue believing that their government unions are representing their best interests, while across the state, local governments cannot afford to keep them hired while paying for the expensive array of benefits that are demanded.
They are being laid off by the hundreds. Police officers and firefighters--from Cincinnati to Wilmington, from Columbus to Toledo and Cleveland. Teachers in every corner of the state, but most especially in Cleveland, Dayton and Pickerington. Rather than face problems that are very real, five Teachers of the Year were even left jobless in 2011, because they were subjected to the "last in, first out" provisions. This means they were simply let go because they were the most recent hires of the school district.
It's as though some opponents of the bill would rather see streets go unpaved, watch children struggle for transportation to school, and leave school kids with few extracurricular activities to take part in at the end of the day. This is what happened just recently when Cleveland Public Schools announced that they will be eliminating preschool, spring sports and busing for high school students in order to cut $13 million from their budget. This likely can be avoided with Senate Bill 5 enacted.
We cannot stand for this. Bringing the public and private sectors in line with one another certainly requires some sacrifice, but is the effort today not worth having a financially sustainable and prosperous future?
Senate Bill 5 is more than a bill, and it is more than the answer to a math problem. It's a clear solution to how we can move forward and spare more Ohioans from the hurt of unemployment and a higher tax burden in a struggling economy. I love Ohio and our public servants. I hate to see Ohio at a crossroads such as this. We have a choice in how we are going to right this ship.
If we do not fix the problem now, when will we?
http://thepostnewspapers.com/strongsville/copy_of_from-the-peoples-house-wadsworth-11-5
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