rick carfagna
Ohio senators weigh new penalties for disrupting religious services
State lawmakers are proposing stiffer penalties in cases where a person interrupts a religious service. The measure passed the Ohio House in April and it’s working its way through the Senate now. In a Judiciary committee hearing last week, Michael Rodgers from the Attorney General’s office laid out the idea behind the “Sacred Spaces Act.” […]
Ohio Senate leadership wants no additional $ for broadband expansion
Lawmakers from both parties had been hopeful Ohio would take a big step forward this year to invest in broadband internet expansion throughout the state. Leaders in the Ohio Senate think otherwise. While their counterparts in the Ohio House of Representatives want to allocate millions of dollars for internet expansion projects, Republican state senators want […]
Ohio creates new program to fund broadband internet expansion projects
Supporters call this a good start in providing digital opportunities for all Ohioans A student being able to finish a school project at home with the help of online research. A farmer selling goods using an online marketplace. A busy parent receiving telehealth services from their own living room. An estimated 1 million Ohioans lack […]
Legislation seeks to provide internet access in unserved areas of Ohio
Ohio legislators are making quick work on the issue of broadband expansion so far in 2021, with the goal of providing internet access to all areas of the state. A Republican-led effort is already seeing progress during the new legislative term. On Wednesday afternoon, the Ohio Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill to finance […]
Householder left off legislative committees as new term gets in full swing
What to know as the 134th Ohio General Assembly’s legislative work ramps up When the Ohio House of Representatives’ Republican Caucus recently announced its committee assignments, one members’ name was noticeably absent: the former House speaker who is on trial for public corruption. Rep. Larry Householder is serving his third term in the 72nd District, […]
Mailbag: DeWine impeachment, legalized cannabis and local news coverage
The first clue came last Sunday evening. “Big News OHIO,” State Rep. Nino Vitale posted to his Facebook page. “9 am Tomorrow Right Here.” His large social media following got excited. Some thought Vitale was announcing a run for governor. Others presumed it had something to do with Gov. Mike DeWine; Vitale has been on […]
Helium, honey and hair products: A look into Ohio pols’ odd campaign expenses
A few years ago, during the lull before the Nelsonville Parade of the Hills, a young campaign volunteer made their way down a busy sidewalk. Most of the families had come prepared with empty shopping bags, awaiting an onslaught of candy, but some children did not have one. They might have been forced to collect […]