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EdChoice among legislation up in the air as Statehouse work paused
The April 1 deadline looms for the Ohio legislature to decide on a plan for the state’s private school voucher program. The telework policies and lack of personnel in the Statehouse may throw a wrench in that timeline. The EdChoice deadline was moved back once before so that lawmakers could debate the best plan of […]
Ballot issues on hold amid election day confusion
As the pause in the election continues, cities and school districts are left hanging on whether the funding they have asked for from voters will be coming. More than half of the Ohio counties have municipal or school issues on the ballot. In Franklin County, that includes a renovation and improvement bond issue from Columbus […]
Ohio state representative proposes remote meetings for public bodies
As closures and restrictions tighten across the state, one legislator wants the state to allow remote meetings for public bodies. State Rep. Lisa Sobecki, D-Toledo, filed House Bill 557 in response to other measures put in place in response to COVID-19. The bill’s language would only apply when a state of emergency is declared by […]
Lawmakers debate paid sick leave as COVID-19 closes businesses, schools
State and federal legislators are criticizing the lack of action on paid leave policy as the COVID-19 pandemic causes the closure of schools, sporting events and businesses. Some state leaders have been urging administration to handle the ripple effects of the public health crisis as they balance the health risks of the disease. House Minority […]
Statehouse staffers to work from home; sessions, committees pushed back
The effects of COVID-19 have reached the Ohio Statehouse. Staff members of the Ohio General Assembly are being asked by leaders to work from home. The Ohio House of Representatives will not be holding voting sessions or committee hearings in the foreseeable future, Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, wrote in a Friday memo. The Ohio Senate […]
Census vital to rural infrastructure, services, mayors say
From a McDonald’s parking lot to a Ferris Wheel on West Union Street in Athens, mayors across the state are pushing every method of getting a full count in the 2020 Census. Southeast Ohio was particularly represented as the Mayors’ Partnership for Progress came together at the Statehouse with Ohio Development Services Agency Director Lydia […]
Bipartisan bill coming to make charter schools nonprofit, public
Two House members have come together with a bill looking to make charter schools more accountable to taxpayers. The “Community (Charter) School Operator Accountability Act” aims to take for-profit charter schools and require them to become nonprofits, and make records of their spending subject to public scrutiny and audit. “By removing that profit incentive, it’s […]
Bill prohibiting mandatory nurse overtime moves on to Senate
A bill prohibiting overtime as a condition of employment for nurses is headed to its second hurdle to passage. A Senate committee will now consider the bill that has the support of nurses groups and individual medical professionals, along with a House vote approving the bill on an 80-13 vote. Speaker Larry Householder voted in […]
Federal bill seeks more sick days for workers as coronavirus cases increase
A federal bill co-sponsored by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown wants to extend the sick day policies for all workers in light of continuing reports of coronavirus. The legislation would allow workers to accrue a week of paid sick leave, along with an additional two weeks being made available “immediately in the event of any public […]
6th District Senate candidates seek changes to child welfare system, health care in Ohio
Two candidates in the race to succeed Peggy Lehner in the Ohio Senate are focused on health care and the next generation as their inspirations for a General Assembly run. The contested primary in the Republican-held seat pits a current member of the House of Representatives, Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg, against two newcomers to candidacy, Rachel […]
Push for death penalty elimination continues with upcoming legislation
Current and former legislators, religious leaders and advocacy groups came together Wednesday to announce an upcoming bill to eliminate the death penalty in Ohio. State Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, brought the groups together to promote the concept of life without parole being the highest criminal punishment in the state. The legislator has introduced a bill […]
Ohio Senate passes telemedicine abortion ban
A bill to ban the use of telemedicine for abortion-related services has passed the Ohio Senate, moving on to House consideration. Senate Bill 260 specifically deals with the combination drug Mifeprex, which is used in medication abortions. The bill passed 20 to 9, with two Republicans, Sen. Stephanie Kunze, R-Hilliard, and Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North […]