Tuesday, January 31, 2012

January 31

Ohio Senate exploring repeal of new elections law

By Ann Sanner
Associated Press

Published: January 26, 2012 - 11:07 PM

COLUMBUS: Several Republican state senators have been reviewing for weeks the idea of repealing Ohio’s new elections law that trims early voting days in the presidential battleground state and makes other election changes, the leader of Ohio’s Senate said Thursday.

The law has been on hold until voters can decide in November whether it should be kept or scrapped.

Senate President Tom Niehaus said he was “amazed” that Secretary of State Jon Husted, a fellow Republican, has called on the GOP-led legislature to repeal the measure and write a new bill after this year’s presidential election.
http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/ohio-senate-exploring-idea-repeal-of-election-law/93d8341677fc40398482b1ad2499aee3

Democrats have an elections bill ready

By Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday January 28, 2012 5:32 AM

If Republicans decide to repeal the election-law overhaul scheduled for a referendum on the November ballot, House Democrats say they have an alternative ready to go.

A trio of Democrats proposed an elections plan packed with provisions that would make it easier to vote and more likely that votes would be counted. They hope majority Republicans will consider the plan if House Bill 194 is repealed this year or rejected by voters in November.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/28/democrats-have-an-elections-bill-ready.html

Gov. Kasich hits the road with his unruly allies: Thomas Suddes

Published: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 4:10 AM

By Thomas Suddes, The Plain Dealer

In Ohio, as in Dixie, Republicans seem united on only one thing: gladdening the hearts of Democrats.
If, as might happen -- though it probably won't -- the Grand Old Party nominates former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich for president, Democratic President Barack Obama is as good as re-elected.
Gingrich's chief Republican rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, is no ball of fire. But what's required to unseat Obama is a GOP nominee who can convince the country, not singe it. Gingrich, in contrast, is living proof of H.L. Mencken's claim that "the only way to success in American public life lies in flattering and kowtowing to the mob."
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/gov_kasich_hits_the_road_with_1.html

Josh Mandel's quick but quiet climb up political ladder offers clues about his senatorial prospects

Published: Monday, January 30, 2012, 6:00 AM Updated: Monday, January 30, 2012, 12:38 PM

By Henry J. Gomez, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It might be difficult to believe, but there was a time -- not all that long ago, really -- when Josh Mandel begged off a career in politics.

The year was 1999, and Mandel, an undergrad from Cleveland's suburbs, had just won a second term as president of the student government at Ohio State University.

"I don't enjoy the political part of the job," he told a reporter at the time, rejecting the notion that he had cemented himself a nice little steppingstone into public office.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/01/josh_mandels_quick_but_quiet_c.html

More scorched earth in Columbus: Joe Frolik

Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 6:00 AM

By Joe Frolik, The Plain Dealer

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted says he just wanted to take the drama out of voting.
Instead, by suggesting that the General Assembly repeal controversial election reforms headed for referendum this November, Husted has triggered so much drama that he might as well have invited the David Mamet Festival to trade Chicago for Columbus. http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/more_scorched_earth_in_columbu.html

Why not take speech on the road?

Repository Editorial

Posted Jan 30, 2012 @ 12:00 PM

The issue: State of the State address

Our view: A boost for Steubenville, but were other state leaders caught unaware?

We see nothing wrong with Gov. John Kasich taking his State of the State show on the road.

But we gather from having watched the governor in action for more than a year that this might have been one of his spur-of-the-moment, go-it-alone decisions. It apparently didn’t take into account the concerns of many state legislators, including several in his own party.
http://www.cantonrep.com/opinion/editorials/x675929545/Why-not-take-speech-on-the-road

Primary to Decide Appointment to Ohio 98th House District

Seat vacated when Richard Hollington became mayor of Hunting Valley.

By Roger Vozar

Hillcrest Patch

January 27, 2012

Rather than appoint someone to the Ohio 98th House District seat now, Republicans plan to wait for the outcome of the March 6 primary to decide who gets the appointment.

The 98th district includes all of Geauga County as well as Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Village and portions of Mayfield Heights.

"Given the fact that multiple Republican candidates have filed for these offices prior to the March primary, voting for which begins in less than two weeks, we feel it would be most prudent given this timeline for the residents of the 87th and 98th districts to decide who their representatives will be," Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder said.
http://hillcrest.patch.com/articles/primary-to-decide-appointment-to-ohio-98th-house-district

Judge Rose appointed to vacant 87th House District seat

Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 5:52 pm
Jackson Times Journal

In a recent statement regarding the currently vacant 87th and 98th House district seats, Batchelder said that given the fact that multiple Republican candidates have filed for these offices prior to the March primary, voting for which begins in less than two weeks, he felt it would be most prudent given this timeline for the residents of the 87th and 98th districts to decide for themselves who their representatives will be.

"The Republican Caucus has decided to honor the outcome of the March primary for these two districts and ultimately appoint the winner of each race," said Batchelder. Adding, "We believe waiting until the results of the primary election will give the people of the 87th and 98th districts the most influence over their representation and ensure that their voices are being heard."
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_14d2bf02-493a-11e1-8e9b-001871e3ce6c.html

Philip Rose sworn in as State Representative of the 87th District

Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 2:32 pm
Jackson Times Journal

COLUMBUS-Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has announced that Judge Philip H. Rose has been sworn in as state representative of the 87th House District, which includes all of Vinton, Jackson and Gallia counties as well as portions of Lawrence and Ross counties.

"I'm honored and humbled to be able to serve the 87th House District during this interim period," said Representative Rose. "While serving in the Ohio House, I pledge to put the people of our communities back home first and ensure that I am a faithful voice of our district."
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_30381c54-4c43-11e1-b61b-001871e3ce6c.html

Ohio Legislators Weigh In On Future Of Fracking

Fred Kight/WOUB

Published Sat, Jan 28, 2012 9:45 am Dateline

Columbus, OH

Updated Sat, Jan 28, 2012 3:30 pm

Is fracking a dangerous way of getting oil and gas? Or is it the start of an economic resurgence in Ohio? Arguments are being made on both sides.

Fracking is a controversial drilling technique that environmentalists contend could poison our air and water. Governor John Kasich says his administration will act to keep that from happening.

http://woub.org/2012/01/28/ohio-legislators-weigh-future-fracking

Former local judge, village law director to be appointed to 87th District seat

Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2012 5:16 pm

Former local judge, village law director to be appointed to 87th District seat 0 comments

COLUMBUS — Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today announced that Judge Philip H. Rose has been selected by the House Republican Caucus to be appointed to the vacant 87th House District seat.

“Our caucus is honored that Judge Rose will be joining the Ohio House of Representatives,” said Batchelder. “He is a longtime devoted member of the community and I know that he will do good work for the residents of the 87th District during this interim period.”

http://www.vintoncourier.com/news_advisories/article_ede7a584-486b-11e1-8953-001871e3ce6c.html

Husted, lawmakers tangle over possible repeal of elections reforms

January 29, 2012

by MARC KOVAC | CAPITAL BUREAU CHIEF
Hudson Hub Times
Columbus -- The Republican leaders of the Ohio legislature are scratching their heads over comments made this past week by Secretary of State Jon Husted concerning election reform.
Husted, a Republican, told members of the Ohio Association of Elections Officials Jan. 25 that he thought lawmakers should repeal House Bill 194 and revisit election reform after November.
"What we need in 2012 is more stability and less drama," according to a written transcript of Husted's speech. "As a result I will encourage the legislature to repeal and replace HB 194. I want the legislature to repeal HB 194 and start over after the 2012 election (or if they pass it this year, the effective date should be post 2012 general election)." http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/5151339

House Democrats Offer Alternative To Divisive Elections Bill

Gongwer 1/27/12

A day after tensions flared among Republican officials over the proposed repeal of an elections overhaul bill, House Democrats seized the opportunity to present alternative legislation.

Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Rep. Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) and Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) on Friday offered details of legislation currently being drafted that would replace many aspects of the measure (HB 194 ) that is subject to a referendum vote in November.

Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted said earlier this week he thinks the legislature should repeal House Bill 194 in order to appease public concern that it would exacerbate voter confusion during a presidential election year. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 25, 2012)

House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) said Thursday they were none too pleased with Mr. Husted's headline-generating declaration.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810180201

Pillich: Bill Would Ensure IG Is Watchdog Not ‘Partisan Lapdog'

Gongwer 1/30/12

A House Democrat on Thursday proposed a new way for appointing the state's top watchdog to ensure bipartisan agreement and the objectivity of the officeholder.

Rep. Connie Pillich (D-Montgomery) announced the legislation in response to recent criticism of Inspector General Randy Meyer, who was a featured speaker at a recent Republican fundraiser. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 19, 2012)

Her legislation would require the inspector general to be appointed by the House speaker, Senate president, and the minority leader from each chamber. The IG, who watches over and "weeds out corruption" in the executive branch, she said, is currently selected by the governor.

"If the governor's appointing his own watchdog, there's not the necessary distance; you remove... checks and balances," Rep. Pillich said at a Statehouse news conference. "(The proposal) removes the possibility of appointing someone who's just a political hack."

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810190203

Politics Notebook: Speaker Appoints Interim Member, Clerk; Bar Association Rates Supreme Court Candidates

Gongwer 1/30/12

House Republicans have decided to let the Mar. 6 primary determine who will replace former Rep. John Carey, however Speaker Bill Batchelder recently appointed a judge to keep the seat warm until then.

Judge Philip Rose, who currently works as an attorney at Oths, Heiser & Miller, LLC in Wellston, was named to temporarily serve in the 87^th House District. The former Ohio Judicial Conference chairman is not a candidate in the upcoming primary election.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810190206

Democrats Revive Election-Law Proposals Amid HB194 Do-Over Talks

Hannah Report 1/27/11

House Democrats wasted little time in providing their own suggestions for the HB194 replacement that Secretary of State Jon Husted says he's now seeking to avoid voter confusion from a November referendum on the election law.

Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) and Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) said Republicans should learn a lesson from the voter rebuke of SB5 (Jones) and make "meaningful" efforts for bipartisan buy-in on any new elections bill. Repealing HB194 (Mecklenborg-Blessing) only to substitute something substantially the same would be "ill-received" by the public, Heard warned.http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188399

Friday, January 27, 2012

January 27

Ohio Senate exploring repeal of new elections law

By Ann Sanner
Associated Press

Published: January 26, 2012 - 11:07 PM

The law has been on hold until voters can decide in November whether it should be kept or scrapped.

Senate President Tom Niehaus said he was “amazed” that Secretary of State Jon Husted, a fellow Republican, has called on the GOP-led legislature to repeal the measure and write a new bill after this year’s presidential election.
http://www.ohio.com/news/politics/state/ohio-senate-exploring-repeal-of-new-elections-law-1.257144

Election-law repeal request angers Niehaus

Senate leader scolds Husted; discussions ongoing

By Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Friday January 27, 2012 7:57 AM

Tom Niehaus rarely shows aggravation.

But the Senate president didn’t even try to hide his displeasure yesterday.

The target of his agitation was a fellow Republican: Secretary of State Jon Husted, who a day earlier had called for the repeal of an elections-law overhaul approved last year by the House and Senate.

Turns out Husted’s proposal already was under consideration by lawmakers.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/27/repeal-request-angers-niehaus.html

99 week maximum for jobless benefits may drop as low as 59 weeks

Published: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 6:00 PM Updated: Friday, January 27, 2012, 8:20 AM

By Olivera Perkins, The Plain Dealer

People thrust out of work in Ohio might have to settle for a much shorter period of unemployment benefits.
Jobless workers here have been able to count on 99 weeks of benefits, but the maximum could fall to as low as 59 weeks.
That possibility raises a divisive question: Is 99 weeks -- almost two years -- too long to draw jobless benefits?
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/01/99_week_maximum_for_jobless_be.html

Should you have to tell a police officer you're carrying a gun?

11:08 PM, Jan. 26, 2012 |

Written by

Paul E. Kostyu

Cincinnati Enquirer

Last year, Ohioans got permission from state lawmakers to carry their guns into bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping malls and sports arenas.

Now, there’s an effort to loosen gun restrictions even more.

State Rep. Ron Maag, R-Salem Twp., doesn’t think gun permit holders need to warn police officers when they have a gun, whether in a motor vehicle or walking down the street.
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20120126/NEWS010801/301250169

Published: 1/27/2012 - Updated: 11 minutes ago

Bid to repeal voting law irks leader

Ohio Senate president bristles at secretary of state's suggestion

BY JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Senate president Thursday bristled at Secretary of State Jon Husted's suggestion that lawmakers should repeal a new law overhauling the election process and start anew despite the fact that the law is headed for a November voter referendum.

"Just because the secretary of state called for it, doesn't mean we're going to jump to do it," an obviously perturbed Senate President Tom Niehaus (R., New Richmond) said.

House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R., Medina) questioned whether it would be constitutional for the General Assembly to repeal a law on its own after it's already been certified for the ballot.
http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/01/27/Bid-to-repeal-voting-law-irks-leader.html

Ex-Vinton County judge appointed to 87th District House seat

6:21 PM, Jan. 26, 2012 |

Written by

The Chillicothe Gazette Staff

COLUMBUS — A former Vinton County judge was appointed Thursday to the Ohio House seat that became vacant in late December when former Rep. John Carey resigned to accept a job at Shawnee State University.

House Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, appointed Phillip H. Rose to the 87th House district seat, which represents Gallia, Jackson and Vinton counties and portions of Lawrence and Ross counties.

Rose works as an attorney at Oths, Heiser & Miller law firm in Wellston. He previously served in various judicial capacities including Vinton County Court of Common Pleas judge for the probate and juvenile division, acting county court judge for Vinton County and law director for the villages of McArthur, Hamden and Zaleski. From 2000 to 2002, he served as chairman of the Ohio Judicial Conference.
http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20120126/NEWS01/120126004/Ex-Vinton-County-judge-appointed-87th-District-House-seat?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Vinton County judge named to Carey’s seat

Published 9:39am Friday, January 27, 2012

Ironton Tribune

COLUMBUS — Vinton County Judge Philip H. Rose has been selected by the House Republican Caucus to be appointed to the vacant 87th House District seat.
“Our caucus is honored that Judge Rose will be joining the Ohio House of Representatives,” said Speaker William Batchelder. “He is a longtime devoted member of the community and I know that he will do good work for the residents of the 87th District during this interim period.”
Previously the GOP Caucus had said that it would allow the winner of the Republican primary in March to take Carey’s seat for the remainder of the term.
http://www.irontontribune.com/2012/01/27/vinton-county-judge-named-to-carey%E2%80%99s-seat/

House GOP Selects Judge Rose to Fill Vacant 87th House District Seat
Hannah Report 1/26/12

Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) announced late Thursday that the House GOP caucus has selected retired Judge Philip Rose to fill the vacant 87th House District seat on an interim basis. That is the seat formerly held by Rep. John Carey (R-Wellston).

House GOP spokesman Mike Dittoe, who was asked how long the interim appointment would run, told Hannah News that "Judge Rose has agreed to serve through a date to be determined shortly following the March primary."

Batchelder commented in a news release, “Our caucus is honored that Judge Rose will be joining the Ohio House of Representatives. He is a longtime devoted member of the community, and I know that he will do good work for the residents of the 87^th District during this interim period.” http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188383

Legislative Leaders Spar on Fracking, Redistricting, ODOT
Hannah Report 1/26/12

While legislative leaders on a panel hosted by the Associated Press Thursday expressed a hope to work together in the coming year on legislation, it became clear as the discussion went on that both sides have a divide between them.

The panel featured Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond), Senate Democratic Leader Eric Kearney (D-Cincinnati), House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) and House Democratic Leader Armond Budish (D-Beachwood). They addressed topics ranging from hydraulic fracturing, known as "fracking," redistricting, and the Ohio Department of Transportation's recent announcement of a delay for major new road projects. http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188385

Thursday, January 26, 2012

January 26

Husted: Repeal elections bill now

By Joe Vardon

The Columbus Dispatch Thursday January 26, 2012 7:40 AM

Secretary of State Jon Husted is calling on Republican lawmakers to repeal the controversial elections bill they passed last year and head off a referendum that would coincide with the 2012 presidential election.

Husted, a Republican, said a campaign to defend or oppose House Bill 194, which would shorten early voting periods and reduce in-person voting opportunities, would “be confusing.”
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/26/husted-repeal-elections-bill-now.html

Sharon Center Post Office building renamed

Late township trustee Bolas honored

By RITA JEAN WAGAR

More than 100 people braved the cold the morning of Jan. 19 to witness the dedication ceremony designating "the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1332 Sharon Copley Road in Sharon Center, Ohio as the Emil Bolas Post Office," according to an Act of Congress. After passing both the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the legislation was signed into law by President Barack Obama, Jan. 4, 2011.

A true public servant

Bolas, who passed away in August, 2008 at age 76, spent 54 years in public service. After an eight-year stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to his home in Sharon, went back to his job at Goodyear Aerospace and immediately began his political career. He was elected to the township board of zoning appeals, where he served for 11 years as its chairman.
http://thepostnewspapers.com/strongsville/areanews/Bolas-Post-Office-Sharon-EM-1-28--Wagar-

Boards and Ballots: House speaker is featured guest at Republican fundraiser

By Robert Wang

CantonRep.com staff writer

Posted Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:42 PM

CANTON — Ohio House Republicans will hold a fundraiser at 5 tonight at Brookside Country Club in Jackson Township that will feature House Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina.

The price of admission is a campaign contribution of $400 per couple or $250 a person to the Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee, which supports Republican candidates in Ohio House races.

State Rep. Kirk Schuring, R-Jackson Township; State Rep. Christina Hagan, R-Marlboro Township and other Northeast Ohio Republican state legislators are expected to attend.

http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x364059221/Boards-and-Ballots-House-speaker-is-featured-guest-at-Republican-fundraiser

House Sends Anti-Bullying, Fraud Reporting System Bills to Governor, Passes Asbestos Litigation Bill

Hannah Report 1/25/12

On a day when the House moved two bills on to the governor, seated a new member and eventually passed HB380 (Blessing) which addresses asbestos-related litigation, the most notable event was Rep. Ross McGregor's (R-Springfield) appearance on the House floor in a kilt to "visually share" his tradition -- "in stunning fashion," he said -- with his colleagues. It was his way, he explained, to celebrate "Robert Burns Day" -- the birthday of the famous Scottish poet.

McGregor had other reasons to celebrate because one of the bills sent to the governor was his HB66 which codifies a reporting mechanism for Ohio citizens and public employees to report the fraud, waste and abuse of tax dollars.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188381

Asbestos Litigation Bill Passes House Over Strenuous Democratic Objections; Bullying Measure Finalized; Member Seated

Gongwer 1/25/12

New Member: Also on Wednesday, the House seated new Rep. Nicholas Celebrezze (D-Parma) in the 15^th District seat left open when former Rep. Tim DeGeeter won election as mayor of Parma.

Mr. Celebrezze was sworn in by his father, Judge James P. Celebrezze. Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) said in welcoming the new member that he had previously served with his father and uncle and appreciated his "pedigree."

The new lawmaker, an attorney, served six years as a Parma councilman and has worked as a Cuyahoga County Adult Probation Officer and Assistant County Prosecutor, according to the caucus. He holds degrees from the University of Akron and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810160201

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

January 25

Democrats bail out Kasich on moving ‘State’ speech to Steubenville

By Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday January 25, 2012 4:37 AM

More than a dozen House Republicans yesterday revolted against Gov. John Kasich’s plan to send the State of the State speech on the road to Steubenville, leaving it to, of all people, House Democrats to salvage his plan.

What was expected to be a fairly routine resolution requiring that the House and Senate meet in joint session at Wells Academy in Steubenville on Feb. 7 turned into a House debate and a surprisingly close 52-42 vote.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/25/democrats-bail-out-kasich-on-state-speech.html

Published: 1/25/2012

Constitution panel seeks 20 citizens

Ohio panel to recommend changes

BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

COLUMBUS -- The search is on to find 20 members of the general public to fill a commission that will examine and recommend changes to the Ohio Constitution.

The 32-member bipartisan commission, created by legislation last year, will meet regardless of what voters say in November on whether they want to hold a constitutional convention. The question is posed every 20 years in Ohio, and every year since 1912 they have said "no."

If voters break tradition this year, the commission would then serve in an advisory role to the convention. If not, the commission itself will hold public hearings and make recommendations to the Ohio General Assembly for proposed changes. A supermajority of lawmakers will be needed to put the questions directly to voters.
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/01/25/Constitution-panel-seeks-20-citizens.html

Kasich’s taking speech on road splits lawmakers

Published: Wed, January 25, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.

By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

State lawmakers were split Tuesday on Gov. John Kasich’s plans to take his State of the State address on the road next month.

It’s nothing against Steubenville, the location of the Feb. 7 speech to a joint session of the General Assembly. But Democrats and Republicans both voiced concern Tuesday about the costs involved and in the traditions being broken by having the annual event away from the Statehouse.

http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/25/kasichs-taking-speech-on-road-splits-law/

House Members Raise Concerns over 'State of State' Move

Hannah Report 1/24/12

It's not often that a resolution calling for the "State of the State" address clears a chamber by a couple of votes.

With Gov. John Kasich seeking a first by holding the "State of the State" in Steubenville, the House also saw a first when the resolution for that "State of the State" cleared the chamber with 52 votes and bipartisan opposition.

Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) questioned why there was no fiscal note on HJR4, the resolution in question. Along with others in the chamber, he said there might be costs in moving the entire General Assembly to a site across the state.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188359

Constitutional Commission Chairs Ask for Volunteers
Hannah Report 1/24/12

Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) and Rep. Vern Sykes (D-Akron), the co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, Tuesday outlined the application process for people seeking one of the 20 open public member seats on the commission.

The commission, which will review the Ohio Constitution and make suggestions for changes and revisions, is asking for interested applicants to send a cover letter and resume to both of the offices of the co-chairs:

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188361

House Sends Governor Fixes For Unemployment Benefits, TANF; Budish Objects To JobsOhio Funding Plan

Gongwer 1/24/12

The House took final action Tuesday on a bill originally aimed at meeting federal requirements for commercial drivers' license laws that ended up as a vehicle to address unemployment and welfare-related issues.

The chamber agreed to Senate amendments to HB 337 by an 82-8 vote and sent it on to Gov. John Kasich for his signature.

Along with aligning Ohio's commercial drivers' license statutes with recent federal law changes - action required to avoid funding penalties down the road - the bill picked up a rider in the Senate that extends the period during which out-of-work Ohioans can receive federally-funded extended unemployment benefits.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810150201

Split Vote On Kasich State Of State Plan As Steubenville Trip Draws Opposition In House

Gongwer 1/24/12

The resolution to authorize a joint legislative session to hear the governor's state of the state address is usually routine, but like Gov. Kasich's plan to hold the speech at a school in Steubenville, Tuesday's House vote was anything but.

In fact, what had been private grumbling around Capitol Square since Mr. Kasich's announcement last week turned into vocal opposition during the House session, when 41 of 99 members including some majority Republicans voted against the measure (HJR 4 ).

The resolution later cleared the Senate with opposition but minimal comment.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_id=810150202