thomas hall
Ohio House bill to close primaries gets first hearing
An Ohio House bill establishing a closed primary system got its first hearing in committee this week. A Senate companion measure got its first hearing last week. The proposals require voters to affirmatively select their party at least 30 days before a primary election to cast partisan ballots. Supporters argue the changes will prevent partisans […]
Some lawmakers want to close Ohio primaries, claiming without evidence voters are gaming the system
Ohio Republicans have introduced legislation to close the state’s primary elections. But the supporters were unable to provide data or statistics backing up their claims that voters are gaming the system. Ohioans have a choice going into primary election day. Right now, voters are able to pick whether they want a Republican, Democratic or an […]
Ohio lawmakers behind bill tying homestead exemption to inflation looking for more changes
Two Republican Ohio lawmakers are touting the inclusion of homestead tax exemption changes in this year’s budget and promising to work on future tweaks as well. Reps. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, and Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Township, joined a pair of county auditors Wednesday to explain how the exemption will respond to inflation going forward. Hall […]
Ohio Republicans propose two measures to close primary elections ahead of 2024 presidential race
Ohio lawmakers have filed two measures that would establish a closed primary system. The change would mean only voters who previously declared a party affiliation would be allowed to vote in partisan primary elections. Unaffiliated voters make up the vast majority of the electorate according to the latest Secretary of State data. Ohio’s voter database […]
Ohio senators working to resurrect recently eliminated August elections to fight abortion amendment
Only about three months ago, Ohio lawmakers passed a wide-ranging elections bill that will require voters present a photo ID when they cast a ballot. But it didn’t start out that way. Lawmakers bolted on the photo ID requirements only at the last minute. The bill began as a proposal to eliminate August special elections. […]
Relief funding will make big difference in Ohio cities, leaders say
Every incorporated community in Ohio, from Aberdeen to Zoar, is set to receive at least some relief funding through the American Rescue Plan. The largest chunks are headed to metropolitan areas, whose leaders say the relief will play a major role in helping big cities navigate the pandemic recovery while dealing with other crises such […]
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, […]
Meet the freshmen lawmakers of the 134th Ohio General Assembly
Monday marked the beginning of the 134th Ohio General Assembly, the two-year legislative term that will run through the end of 2022. With each term comes a slate of new faces representing every corner of the state. Here is a quick introduction to the freshman class of the 134th Ohio General Assembly: Ohio House of […]