February 10

Published: 2/9/2012

Ohio Senate moves to repeal election law before Nov. 6 vote

ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Ohio lawmakers in the Senate introduced a bill Thursday that would repeal a new law overhauling the state’s election process, ignoring warnings of a backlash from a coalition that wants to put the repeal question to a popular vote in November.

The law targeted for referendum by Fair Elections Ohio would shorten the early voting period in the presidential battleground state and make a host of other election changes. It has been on hold since September, pending the referendum vote this fall.

The coalition of labor, clergy and some Democrats said at a news conference earlier Thursday that they will oppose any parts of the law that the legislature moves to preserve between now and the Nov. 6 election. The group threatened to mount a second signature drive against any replacement bill and to pursue litigation.
http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/02/09/Ohio-Senate-moves-to-repeal-election-law-before-Nov-6-vote.html’

GOP can’t agree on repealing voting law

Democrats vow to oppose even a revised version

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Friday February 10, 2012 5:07 AM

Senate Republicans want to repeal a package of election law changes that is facing a referendum on the November ballot and then work out a bipartisan agreement on a new batch of revisions.

However, at this point, House Republicans aren’t even on board, much less the Democrats.

Senate Republicans rolled out a bill yesterday that would repeal House Bill 194, the broad package of election-law changes that is facing a referendum on the November ballot. After a repeal — which would knock the referendum from the general election — the goal would be to craft a new elections bill that deals with some of the less-controversial elements of House Bill 194 and some agreed-upon provisions from a bill worked on last session.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/10/gop-cant-agree-on-repealing-voting-law.html

Ohio Senate Republicans plan to repeal controversial elections law

Published: Thursday, February 09, 2012, 12:30 PM     Updated: Friday, February 10, 2012, 5:10 AM

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Senate Republicans on Thursday set into motion a plan to repeal a controversial election law and replace it with new changes that would take effect before the November election.
But the House Speaker isn't yet on board with the plan, and a group of voting rights advocates have vowed to seek a referendum -- with the backing of President Barack Obama's campaign -- if Ohio lawmakers pass a new elections law.
A bill was introduced Thursday to repeal House Bill 194 -- the election law overhaul package GOP lawmakers passed last year that restricted opportunities for early voting and made other changes that opponents said amounted to voter suppression. Democrats and others have gathered enough signatures to put the law up for a vote this November. Until then, the law remains on hold. If the law is repealed, the referendum issue would be moot, although it still might be on the ballot.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/02/ohio_senate_republicans_plan_t.html

Hearings to begin on bill to repeal Ohio election reforms

Published: Fri, February 10, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.

By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

Republicans in the Ohio Senate hope to begin hearings next week on legislation that would repeal controversial GOP election reforms set to be decided by voters in November.

If passed by the Ohio House and Senate and signed by Gov. John Kasich, the new bill would eliminate House Bill 194 from the general-election ballot.

“We passed that bill in an effort to provide local elections officials with the clear guidelines they needed to fairly and effectively manage the upcoming presidential contest,” Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus said Thursday.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/feb/10/hearings-to-begin-on-bill-to-repeal-ohio/

Who is protecting Ohioans in the fracking debate?

10:15 AM, Feb 10, 2012  

Written by

Tom Beres

CLEVELAND -- Natural gas and oil companies are buying up big tracts of Ohio land on top of natural gas and oil-rich shale.

The process of "fracking" uses horizontal drilling, pumping water and chemicals into the ground to get the fossil fuel.

And some are concerned the process is moving too fast and may jeopardize the environment and nearby residents.
http://www.wkyc.com/news/state/article/229464/23/Who-is-protecting-Ohioans-in-the-fracking-debate

Taking a step back Hearings to begin on repeal of election reform bill

By MARC KOVAC
Wooster Daily Record
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- Republicans in the Ohio Senate hope to begin hearings next week on legislation that would repeal a controversial GOP election reform package set to be decided by voters in November.
If passed by the Ohio House and Senate and signed by Gov. John Kasich, the new bill would eliminate House Bill 194 from the general election ballot.
http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/5155638

Coley Introduces Bill to Repeal HB194; Reactions Abound
Hannah Report 2/9/12

If he had his way, Sen. Bill Coley (R-West Chester) told Hannah News Thursday, the Legislature would pass his bill, SB295, which only repeals HB194 (Mecklenborg-Blessing), the election law reform that faces a referendum on the ballot in November. A bipartisan effort would then produce needed changes in time for the November election -- in a separate bill.

Arguing that SB295 in actuality does what those Ohioans said they wanted done when they signed the HB194 referendum petitions, Coley said, "I would rather do that sooner than later" and work on a bipartisan bill for the November election now, referencing work that the Senate (including now Secretary of State Jon Husted) and former Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner had begun two years ago.

If that second bill were not forthcoming, Coley said they would be in the same place they would be in November should the referendum vote negate HB194 -- "back at square one."
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188527


Legislature Doubles-Up on Workforce Development
Hannah Report 2/9/12

The Legislature as well as the Governor’s Office is zeroing in on workforce training as a major policy agenda in the new year, releasing a special committee report in recent weeks and introducing a concurrent resolution that exhorts Congress to reauthorize the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Springboro) chaired House Speaker William Batchelder’s (R-Medina) Workforce Development Study Committee, one of several ad hoc panels convened by Republicans in 2011 (see The Hannah Report, 8/17/11), and has now joined with Rep. Craig Newbold (R-Columbiana) in introducing HCR33, which urges Congress to take action on WIA and give states more flexibility to address current training needs. Derickson and Newbold delivered sponsor testimony on the resolution Thursday before the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188529

Senate GOP Introduces Elections Overhaul Repeal; Referendum Campaign Vows Fight; Speaker Raises Doubts

Gongwer 2/9/12

Senate Republicans on Thursday introduced and fast-tracked legislation to repeal the divisive elections overhaul bill scheduled for a referendum vote in November.

The moves came on the same day opponents of the GOP's original bill (HB 194 ) held a news conference to denounce plans for a repeal, saying voters should still be allowed to weigh in on the merits of what the majority had characterized as necessary improvements to the elections system when forcing the measure through the legislature last year.

The Senate's plan also appears to be far from a done deal in the House, where Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) offered up a tepid response in which he reiterated concerns that the Senate proposal could be unconstitutional.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810270201

February 8

Pros, cons for Kasich holding speech outside Statehouse

By Ann Sanner
Associated Press

Published: February 7, 2012 - 07:19 AM

Barred from using Ohio tax dollars, some state lawmakers are expected to use campaign cash to cover their travel expenses for the governor’s relocated State of the State address this year.

State law allows elected officials to pay for gas and meals related to their duties with political donations. The provision keeps taxpayers from picking up certain tabs, but it has raised concerns from at least one state government watchdog group that says it has the potential to extend donors’ influence beyond elections.

Gov. John Kasich is delivering his annual policy speech this afternoon from Wells Academy elementary school in Steubenville, which is close to the West Virginia border. It will mark the first time the speech is delivered outside the Statehouse in Columbus. The first-term Republican has defended the move as providing a boost to a neglected area.
http://www.ohio.com/news/politics/state/pros-cons-for-kasich-holding-speech-outside-statehouse-1.263666

Ohio officials say the number of deer harvested in the most recent hunting season decreased by nearly 20,000 compared with last year.The Lima News reports nearly 220,000 deer were killed during the 2011-2012 season, compared with a little over 239,000 the previous season.

Kasich on Ohio: ‘We’re alive again’

In his State of the State road show, governor offers few new proposals

By  Joe Vardon

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday February 8, 2012 8:39 AM

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Ohio’s broadband network is going to get faster.

A $10 million program to boost the state’s broadband speeds tenfold and establish a $2.3 million broadband testing center at Ohio State University was the pre-eminent policy announcement Gov. John Kasich made in his State of the State address yesterday — historic for its circumstance but ripped by Democrats for being short on specifics.

The one-hour, 23-minute speech from the Republican governor in a school auditorium in Steubenville — likely the first State of the State delivered outside the capital — was mainly a rehash of what’s been done since Kasich took office on Jan. 10, 2011. Kasich also reinforced suggestions he’s made to revamp job-training programs and better align curriculum and training at schools at all levels to put more Ohioans to work.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/08/kasich-were-alive-again.html

Gov. John Kasich endorses Cleveland mayor's plan to improve schools

Published: Tuesday, February 07, 2012, 7:00 PM     Updated: Wednesday, February 08, 2012, 1:10 AM

By Aaron Marshall, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson's new plan to revitalize Cleveland's public schools got a hearty endorsement from Republican Gov. John Kasich Tuesday during his State of the State address.
Kasich pledged to go "door to door" with Jackson to persuade lawmakers to support the legislative changes needed.
"The Cleveland business community and the mayor are committed to very comprehensive and unbelievable reform," Kasich said. "If we can get Republicans and Democrats working together, we can change urban education in Ohio and urban education in America."
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/02/gov_john_kasich_endorses_cleve.html

State of State: ‘We’re a powerhouse’

Published: Wed, February 8, 2012 @ 12:06 a.m.

Kasich singles out Cruze, V&M as engines of growth in Ohio

By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

STEUBENVILLE

Gov. John Kasich plans to launch an all-out attack on human trafficking, push a faster state-run broadband network to accommodate education and private business and honor Ohioans who display courage in extraordinary ways.

Those were among the plans he outlined in a historic State of the State nearly 150 miles from downtown Columbus on Tuesday, with lawmakers, agency heads and other invited guests making the trek to Jefferson County.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/feb/08/state-of-state-were-a-powerhouse/

Gov. Kasich touches on familiar themes in annual address to Ohio lawmakers

John Michael Spinelli

Columbus Government Examiner

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (CGE) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich, starting his second year in office, stood on the stage in the Wells Academy in Steubenville, Ohio, before a special joint convention of the Ohio General Assembly that included a thousand people, some of whom were lawmakers, agency officials, media and people who won their seat through a lottery system devised by the governor's staff.

Gov. Kasich, who broke with tradition dating back to 1917 by taking the yearly address out of the Ohio Statehouse, spoke for about an hour and twenty minutes on themes that have become standard fare to anyone who followed him during his successful run for state CEO in 2010 and during his first year in office. He he touted the accomplishments of his administration to an auditorium of mostly friendly faces.

http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/kasich-sots-touches-on-familiar-themes-of-courage-cooperation-and-collaboration

Dem Chairman Pushes Kasich to Admit Dem Accomplishments

Hannah Report 2/6/12

A day before Gov. John Kasich was to deliver his "State of the State" address in Steubenville, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern launched an early attack on the governor and called for him to note the accomplishments of President Barack Obama and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), especially when it comes to the auto industry.

Redfern also weighed in on the governor's decision to hold the speech in Steubenville, saying he doesn't necessarily think it's a bad thing, but questioning why lawmakers must spend campaign funds to attend -- and whether it isolates the governor from the press.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188486

Legislative Leaders Respond to 'State of the State'

Hannah Report 2/7/12

Republican leaders, speaking with reporters following Gov. John Kasich’s speech Tuesday, were similarly short on specific plans for the future. House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) looked back over his 45 years in and around the Legislature.

“I think it’s one of the best 'State of the State' speeches I’ve heard in that time,” he said. “I was particularly pleased that he dealt with education K-12 through Ph.D. I was also pleased with his reference to what has been done in the Senate and the House on penal reform.”
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188498

Capitol Scene: AARP Ohio, Buckeye Institute Announce New Leadership; Deadline Extended To Apply For Constitutional Panel

Gongwer 2/6/12

Constitutional Commission: Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and Rep. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron), co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, announced an extension on the deadline to submit applications to serve as one of 20 public members on the panel.

The extension, provided based on concerns that the application process was not adequately publicized, is through Feb. 29.

Applicants may send cover letters and resumes to the lawmakers at Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 or by email to Mr. Batchelder at District69@ohr.state.oh.us or Mr. Sykes at john.meacham@ohr.state.oh.us.
http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810240209

Hood Touts Conservative Record In GOP Primary; Lobb Puts Efficacy Over Ideology

Gongwer 2/6/12

The GOP primary race for a new House district spanning several counties southeast of Columbus pits a former member, known as an uncompromising conservative, against a key lieutenant for right-wing favorite Ken Blackwell.

Ron Hood, who most recently served in the House during the 2005-2006 session, said he hadn't planned to run until he realized the map drafted by the Republican-controlled Apportionment Board placed him in an new district that includes about half of the territory he previously represented.

"After redistricting I was popped into an open seat. When that happened, it was really a no-brainer for me. I had been an ally of Bill Batchelder's in the House in the past and I certainly would love the opportunity to serve in the House again with him in the speaker's chair," he said in a recent interview.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810240205

ProgressOhio Lists Bills Tied To ALEC; Seitz Says Suggestion Of Corporate Influence ‘Preposterous'

Gongwer 2/6/12

A left-leaning policy group said Monday Ohio must fix a loophole in its legislative ethics laws to prevent corporate influence over lawmaking, asserting that was the case with a slew of recent bills.

ProgressOhio and several national organizations released a report tying Ohio lawmakers and specific measures to the American Legislative Exchange Council, through which they said corporations are able to donate money and "directly influence" legislation.

"The way this money is used through these scholarship funds, (ALEC) reimburses legislators for trips, or their families to have trips, to warm locations where they have conferences, have discussions about right-wing and corporate-based legislation," ProgressOhio Executive Director Brian Rothenberg said at a Columbus press conference.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810240203

GOP, Democratic Speech Reaction Spins a ‘Tale of Two John Kasichs'

Gongwer 2/7/12

Lawmakers' response to Gov. John Kasich's second State of the State address ranged from "one of the best" to "empty, empty, empty, empty, empty," depending on the listener's partisan affiliation.

Republicans lauded Gov. Kasich's focus on economic development and pledged to continue working with the governor to further bolster employment in Ohio. The comments came after the during a brief news conference held in the Steubenville High School band room, where both parties took turns at reacting - and in decidedly different tunes.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810250203

February 6

Policy group pays for legislators’ trips

Reimbursements to 20 Republicans are legal in Ohio

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday February 4, 2012 6:04 AM

Lawmakers attending conferences hosted by a right-leaning, pro-business policy group have been getting reimbursed for their trips from a fund paid for by lobbying firms and corporate donors, according to a new report.

A list obtained by ProgressOhio, a liberal advocacy group, found that 20 Ohio lawmakers, all Republicans, were reimbursed $1,300 to $2,200 each from November 2009 through 2010 by the American Legislative Exchange Council. The organization invites lawmakers to sit down with each other and corporate officials to discuss policy issues and draft model legislation.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/04/policy-group-pays-for-legislators-trips.html

Ohio GOP shuts door on Kasich power grab

Rule change thwarts effort to pack central committee with pals

By  Joe Hallett

The Columbus Dispatch Saturday February 4, 2012 9:01 AM

Gov. John Kasich’s effort to wrest control of the Ohio Republican Party was dealt a setback yesterday when the party’s central committee approved two resolutions that effectively bolster Kevin DeWine’s hold on the party chairmanship.

Meeting at a North Side banquet hall, the 66-member central committee, the party’s governing body, heatedly debated and then enacted a rule change that tipped the scales for DeWine in an internecine battle with Kasich for supremacy in the party that dominates state government.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/04/ohio-gop-shuts-door-on-kasich-power-grab.html

Ohio Senate Republicans take another crack at election reform before the fall presidential election

Published: Sunday, February 05, 2012, 12:02 AM

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio might have new voting laws in place before the November presidential election after all.
Senate Republicans are working on a plan that would repeal last year’s controversial election overhaul package and replace it with a more narrow set of reforms that could take effect before the Nov. 6 election.
The latest changes would incorporate some ideas from the GOP’s previous attempt at reform - House Bill 194 - and prior legislative efforts that ultimately failed.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/02/ohio_senate_republicans_take_a.html

GOPers have edge in money

Published: Sat, February 4, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.

Youngstown Vindicator

COLUMBUS

Like it or not, money is often the key to victory in political campaigns.

We like to envision an America where the little guy, sick of the cesspool of special interests that sometimes dominate officeholders’ attention, can step up, convince the electorate to throw the bums out and replace them with common, ordinary everyday people who still possess the brains they were born with.

Cue Mr. Smith collapsing in the Capitol.

I’m sure that happens once in a while, but not as often as it should. What we’re left with are elected officials who must spend some of their time focusing on the next election campaign. Election campaigns cost money — a lot of money.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/feb/04/gopers-have-edge-in-money/?newswatch

Jones, Widener Gave Most Generously To Senate GOP Caucus Last Year

House GOP: Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) still has one term remaining before term limits force him out of office in three years. Nonetheless, some members are reportedly already jockeying for the caucus's number one slot.

Top contributors to the Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee during the second half of 2011 include:

·         Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) donated $100,000.

·         Rep. David Hall (R-Millersburg) donated $100,000.

·         Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) donated $75,000.

·         Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) donated $65,000.

·         Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) donated $55,000.

·         Rep. Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) donated $50,000.

·         Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) donated $50,000.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810230204

February 3

Constitution deadline extended

02/02/12 at 12:53pm

Written by pkostyu

Cincinnati Enquirer

With 150 applications in hand for 20 seats designated for public members, the co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission extended the deadline for a members of the public to apply.

House Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, and Rep. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, said in a statement there were concerns from the public that the application process had not been adequately publicized. The statement said the applications already received represent a “highly qualified and impressive pool of Ohioans.” The deadline is now Feb. 29.

 Hagan plans bill on fracking protections

Published: Fri, February 3, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.

By Marc Kovac

and Karl Henkel

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

State Rep. Robert F. Hagan said Thursday night he plans to introduce legislation that contains the ideas of an Innovation Ohio study on oil and gas production.

Speaking at a fracking-related meeting at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, said those advocating a slower pace to oil and gas exploration in Ohio need to “fire away at every angle we can,” a reason he feels strongly about Innovation Ohio’s study.

Lynn Slaby a finalist for PUCO seat

By Robert Wang

CantonRep.com staff writer

Posted Feb 03, 2012 @ 01:53 PM

Last update Feb 03, 2012 @ 03:57 PM

A state body has named State Rep. Lynn Slaby, R-Copley Township, as a finalist to be a commissioner on the five-seat Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, potentially upending the contest this year to represent western Stark County in the Ohio House.

The PUCO Nominating Council Thursday named Slaby as one of four finalists for a five-year term that would begin April 11. Slaby was the Summit County prosecutor from 1981 to 1995 and a judge of the Ohio 9th District Court of Appeals from 1995 to 2009.

Potential economic impact of fracking

By MARC KOVAC
Wooster Daily Record
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- Ohio should increase tax rates on oil and gas production and use the proceeds -- projected in the billions in coming years -- to help schools and local governments with their budget crunches.
Also, Gov. John Kasich and the Republican-controlled Ohio Legislature should pass a "landowner bill of rights" to protect unsuspecting Ohioans from unscrupulous energy companies and create incentives to ensure oil and gas production jobs go to Ohioans and not workers from other states.
http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/5153250

State Government Roundup: Constitution Commission; Expositions Commission
Hannah Report 2/2/12

Constitutional Modernization Commission Extends Deadline for Public Member Applicants

House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) and Rep. Vern Sykes (D-Akron), co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, said Thursday that the deadline for applications for the 20 public member seats on the panel has been extended to Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012.

In a joint press release, the legislators said they have received more than 150 applications already for the 20 spots that will be selected from legislators already on the panel.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188465

February 2

Ohio speaker: Drilling legislation in the works

Published: Thu, February 2, 2012 @ 12:00 a.m.

By Marc Kovac

news@vindy.com

COLUMBUS

The Republican leader of the Ohio House expects lawmakers to act in coming months on yet-to-be- introduced legislation affecting gas and oil drilling in the state.

Speaker Bill Batchelder told reporters Tuesday that a bill could be introduced in the next few weeks and finalized by the time lawmakers leave Columbus for the busy summer campaign season.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/feb/02/ohio-speaker-drilling-legislation-in-the/

House Democrats list legislative priorities for year

By MARC KOVAC
Daily-Record
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- Democrats in the Ohio House unveiled their legislative priorities for the year Tuesday -- and took a few swipes at the Republican leaders of the chamber in the process.
The rhetoric is likely a preview of the coming campaign in Ohio's legislative races, with Democrats touting their job-creating ideas over those of the majority party.
http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/5152978

Constitution deadline extended

·         02/02/12 at 12:53pm

·         Written by pkostyu

With 150 applications in hand for 20 seats designated for public members, the co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission extended the deadline for a members of the public to apply.

House Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, and Rep. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, said in a statement there were concerns from the public that the application process had not been adequately publicized. The statement said the applications already received represent a “highly qualified and impressive pool of Ohioans.” The deadline is now Feb. 29.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/02/constitution-deadline-extended/

February 1

Democrats unveil battle plan for campaign

Focus will be on jobs, foreclosures and voters’ rights

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday February 1, 2012 4:00 AM

Arguing that Ohio House Republicans last year pushed through a “destructive, divisive, disastrous agenda,” House Democrats said they will push legislation this year that focuses on jobs, foreclosures, voting rights and education.

Democrats foreshadowed themes that are likely to arise during the campaign season as they work to cut into the House GOP’s 59-40 majority. Minority Leader Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, sharply criticized the lack of bipartisanship in the Statehouse, the new two-year budget and some of the enacted laws, including one to weaken collective bargaining for public workers that voters struck down in November.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/02/01/democrats-unveil-battle-plan-for-campaign.html

Ohio House Democrats set legislative goals while GOP establishes significant fundraising edge

Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 6:23 PM     Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 11:55 PM

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Democrats in the Ohio House of Representatives said on Tuesday they will continue fighting for the middle class this year with a legislative agenda focused on job creation and rebuilding communities.
A new state fund for local communities and increased funding for film tax credits, historic tax credits and other economic development initiatives were among the proposals Democrats announced at a Statehouse news conference.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/01/ohio_house_democrats_set_legis.html

Published: 1/31/2012 - Updated: 27 minutes ago

 “Pit bull” bill step closer to passage

BY JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

COLUMBUS — After years of being kept in the legislative doghouse, a bill ending Ohio’s distinction as the only state that automatically deems a breed of dog to be inherently vicious cleared a major hurdle Tuesday.

The Ohio Senate, previously reluctant to take up the measure, voted 27-5 to send the revised bill back to the House. The House has twice passed such a measure, but will not consider Senate amendments until Feb. 8 at the earliest.
http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/01/31/Pit-bull-bill-step-closer-to-passage.html

Batchelder: ODNR may grow in drilling legislation

By MARC KOVAC
Ashland Times Gazette
Dix Capital Bureau
COLUMBUS -- The Republican leader of the Ohio House expects lawmakers to act in coming months on yet-to-be-introduced legislation affecting gas and oil drilling in the state.
Speaker Bill Batchelder told reporters Tuesday that a bill could be introduced in the next few weeks and finalized by the time lawmakers leave Columbus for the busy summer campaign season.
http://www.times-gazette.com/news/article_no_comments/5152664

House, Senate GOP Flush with Money in January Filing
Hannah Report 1/31/12

The House and Senate Republican caucuses have refilled their campaign coffers going into the 2012 campaign, with a large advantage over their Democratic counterparts.

House Republicans reported raising $2.7 million over the second half of 2011, and more than $5 million through the first year of the 129^th General Assembly. The caucus committee now has $4.1 million in its campaign fund.

In comparison, House Democrats reported having $410,657 on hand after raising $416,524 in the second half of 2011. http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188426

House Approves Cyber Fraud Bill, Seats Temporary Member
Hannah Report 1/31/12

The House Tuesday approved SB223 (Bacon) by a vote of 83-10, which will give the attorney general authority to crack down on cyber fraud -- a form of telecommunications fraud -- by subpoenaing phone records, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and payment information in suspected cyber fraud cases and preparing them for criminal prosecution. The bill now goes back to the Senate for concurrence with House amendments.

Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) told the lower chamber that "there is much to support in the bill." However, he went on to object to the increased sentencing provisions for scammers, noting the Legislature "just four months ago" passed HB86, cleaning up the state's sentencing provisions. He told the House, "We should trust the judges."http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188436

House Democrats Announce Legislative Priorities, Attack GOP Agenda

Gongwer 1/31/12

House Democrats unveiled their "priorities to strengthen the middle class" Tuesday, in the meantime pillorying what they described as Republicans' "extremist partisan agenda."

Some of the proposals House Democrats touted during the Statehouse news conference resemble bills that members introduced last session to address issues such as foreclosure and economic development incentives, charter school accountability, and human trafficking.

House Minority Leader Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) said the measures grew out of the caucus's "compact with the middle class" that focuses on expanding employment, rebuilding communities, protecting rights, and improving public education.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810200201

Casino/Slots Measure Delayed Over Race Day Dispute, Amendments; House Seats Temp Member

Gongwer 1/31/12

House Session: Ina relatively short session, the length of which was exceeded by time spent on presentations, the House seated a temporary member and took action on two bills.

Rep. Philip Rose, in a rare circumstance, was appointed to serve until after the results of the contested March 6 primary election in the GOP-leaning 87^th House District. The attorney with Oths, Heiser & Miller, LLC in Wellston previously served as Vinton County Court of Common Pleas judge.

Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) decided to fill the slot on a temporary basis so the district would not be without representation for the next month, he said. The speaker wanted the district's voters through the primary results to decide who would fill most of the unexpired term of John Carey, who resigned to join the staff of Shawnee State University.
http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810200203

Finance Reports Detail 2011 Fundraising Efforts; Majority Caucuses Extend Gaps

Gongwer 1/31/12

State officials, lawmakers and legislative caucuses kicked off the 2012 election year Tuesday by reporting millions of dollars they raised over the course of 2011.

Seven public officials reported raising more than $200,000 last year, and one - Attorney General Mike DeWine - brought in more than $574,000.

 Mr. DeWine topped the list of individual fundraisers for the year, which also included large off-year takes for Secretary of State Jon Husted ($353,775), House Speaker Bill Batchelder ($340,013), Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown ($212,813), House Minority Leader Armond Budish ($203,949), Sen. Thomas Patton ($203,568) and Gov. John Kasich ($201,324).

In terms of cash on hand, Secretary Husted leads the pack with $423,000, followed by Gov. Kasich ($360,000) and Speaker Batchelder ($359,000).

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=810200205