Politics & Gov
Can Ohio’s divided congressional delegation find common ground on coronavirus?
WASHINGTON — How much paid leave are Ohio employers required to provide under new federal law? Will they be reimbursed? What benefits will workers get if they aren’t eligible for paid sick leave? How do restaurant and bar owners get in on the state’s liquor buyback program? Ohio U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-6th) answers these […]
Internet providers commit to keep Ohioans connected during self-isolation, school closures
The closure of schools has caused disruption to students’ schooling and every day routine, so some internet providers are committing to help. Several high-speed internet providers in the start have joined with the Federal Communications Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected” Pledge. With the commitment, internet service providers say they “will not terminate service to any residential […]
At least 2 members of Congress have coronavirus
WASHINGTON — Two members of the U.S. House announced Wednesday that they had tested positive for COVID-19, leading other lawmakers to announce their own self-quarantine plans and increasing uncertainty about how far the illness has already spread on Capitol Hill. Florida Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart issued a statement Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. […]
Ohio voting rights groups take issue with LaRose’s election orders
Days after the Ohio Primary Election was postponed, it is still unclear how (or when) voting will proceed. Despite that, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is not waiting on the courts or the legislature to decide. LaRose has announced a new June 2 voting date on his official government website. Not only that, but […]
State applies for federal program to provide loans to small businesses
The state of Ohio has started the process of enlisting the U.S. Small Business Administration for monetary assistance amid the COVID-19 closures. Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said they sent a letter and application on Tuesday to the SBA so the state can qualify for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Husted […]
Ohio Attorney General says courts may suspend jury trials during pandemic
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a formal opinion Wednesday that courts may suspend jury trials to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, and that they may do so consistent with state and federal speedy-trial obligations, a press release announced. “Only the trial court can continue a case,” Yost said. “This opinion is a […]
Sherrod Brown has ‘mixed feelings’ about Ohio election postponement
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown gets why Ohio leaders sought to postpone Tuesday’s primary election. He just wishes the decision had been made sooner. Brown told reporters Wednesday that he has “mixed feelings” about the decision by Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton to intervene late Monday evening to prevent the […]
The Ohio Primary Election is postponed. Now what?
The dust is beginning to settle following a dizzying Monday that saw the Primary Election dragged through a press conference, challenged in court and ultimately postponed through an emergency health declaration. The election did not happen Tuesday as planned. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, heralded for their earlier decisions amid […]
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’s pollworkers left in the dark throughout lengthy Monday turmoil
The confusion set in early for the pollworkers in Williams County. It was a little after 3 p.m., with the last day of early voting all wrapped up ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. Then someone came in with news: Did you hear? The governor is postponing the election! That wasn’t exactly true, as they’d later […]
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 […]