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Bipartisan Ohio campaign finance reform bill has secretary of state’s support
If you can follow the money, state Rep. Gayle Manning reasons, you can follow what’s going on. That’s the main drive behind a new bill proposed by Manning, R-North Ridgeville, and Rep. Jessica Miranda, D-Forest Park, which seeks to reform Ohio’s campaign finance landscape through shining light on anonymous political spending. Their House Bill 737 […]
A brutal July leaves 535 Ohioans dead from COVID-19
At least 535 Ohioans died of COVID-19 and 35,500 residents contracted the disease in July, state data shows. More than 2,400 Ohioans were admitted to the hospital in July, elevating the number of coronavirus patients in state hospitals to their highest levels of the pandemic. About 1,000 are currently in the hospital as of Monday, […]
House Dem lawmakers seek rainy day funds for eviction protections
The coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the local economy continues, and two state representatives are trying to tap into the state’s rainy day fund for an “eviction crisis response.” In a bill introduced on Monday, $270 million would be used for immediate, one-time rent relief, according to the sponsors, state Rep. David Leland, D-Columbus; and state […]
Voting rights groups recommends health safety measures for election
The Ohio Voting Rights Coalition urged state leaders on Monday to adopt its recommendations for safe in-person voting procedures leading up to the November election amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to Secretary of State Frank LaRose, the group outlined six key measures endorsed by over 250 public health officials, voting rights and allied […]
Ohio’s universities require pledges of personal responsibility to slow virus spread
As the school year swiftly approaches, Ohio’s universities are making a last-ditch effort to curb the spread of coronavirus by requiring students, and in some cases faculty, to sign personal pledges. The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Miami University, the University of Cincinnati and Kent State University are requiring students sign “pledges” — as dubbed by […]
Former Dem leader says he failed to stop massive corruption scandal
Anybody in the know about Ohio politics has a perspective on what federal law enforcement is calling the biggest bribery scandal in state history. But nobody could have had the same perspective that Fred Strahorn did when news broke on July 21 that Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder had been arrested on charges that he […]
‘All ages are susceptible:’ 260 kids infected in Georgia summer camp COVID-19 outbreak
Research from the CDC details how the new coronavirus ripped through a Georgia summer camp infecting 260 attendees in a matter of days. The account, released Friday, comes as school districts nationally agonize over balancing the threat of an infectious disease and myriad collateral damage in keeping children from schoolrooms. “This investigation adds to the […]
These two write-in candidates want to replace Larry Householder
Jay Conrad voted for Larry Householder just two years ago. Now, Conrad wants to replace him. “I was angry,” he said about Householder’s recent arrest for alleged involvement in a bribery scheme. “I was frustrated. Super disappointed. I voted for Larry personally in 2018. To me, it was almost like a slap in the face.” […]
As lawmakers squabble over unemployment, jobless workers face a big hit
Congress is continuing to squabble over whether to extend a federal supplement to unemployment insurance and if they do, by how much. But as they argue over whether to continue the supplement at $600-a-week level or some fraction of that, out-of-work Americans are left to worry whether they can survive on state benefits that often […]
Eyeing COVID-19 surge, governor seeks to close bars at 10 p.m. nightly
Just a day after a Franklin County judge halted a Columbus ordinance closing bars nightly at 10 p.m., Gov. Mike DeWine said he’s trying to impose the idea statewide. Researchers, analysts, health departments and media reports have connected COVID-19 outbreaks to bars and restaurants. However, the Ohio Restaurant Association, along with an attorney representing bars […]
U.S. House passes package to rescue child care industry
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House stepped in Wednesday to try to rescue the nation’s child care system from collapse under the weight of the pandemic. The chamber approved a pair of bills that backers say are needed to fully reopen the economy and shore up the child care industry in the longer term. The bills […]
Bipartisan House reps introduce Ohio campaign finance reform bill
A pair of bipartisan Ohio House representatives introduced legislation this week they say would bring Ohio campaign finance regulations in line with federal law. State Reps. Jessica E. Miranda, D-Forest Park, on Monday introduced House Bill 737, with Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville. The bipartisan campaign finance reform legislation, they say, is the first step […]