Sheriff Jones Pens a Letter to the Tea Party

National_Debt    

Is this the same guy who went on to Willie Cunningham's radio show and was whining about Senate Bill 5?

Fiscal responsibility is for EVERYBODY, Sheriff, not just the feds...

Tea Party folks, don't buy what the Spotlight is selling...his actions on budget issues the last few years tells you all you really need to know about where he stands on fiscal responsibility.

Congressman Latta Presides for the First Time over the U.S. House of Representatives

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) will be presiding over the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time on Monday, February 28 at both 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  To view these sessions live, tune into C-SPAN or view them live-streamed at http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/.

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IER: Get Out Of The Way, Mr. President

Release:

Kish: Obama Admin Is Causing Our Energy Problems, Not Solving Them

WASHIGNTON - In response to the price of crude oil hitting $100 per barrel today and the continued unrest in Libya, IER Senior Vice President for Policy, Dan Kish, released the following comments:

"The situation in Libya and the Middle East should serve as a wake-up call to the Obama Administration to stop its uprising against domestic oil production."

"Instead of rushing towards expensive and unreliable 'green' energy sources that rely on American taxpayer dollars, it is time to stop the embargo against our own American oil supplies.  It is time to allow Americans to go back to work in the Gulf of Mexico and stop making excuses for not issuing permits.  Instead of sending $51 billion per year to state-owned oil companies and hostile regimes to make up for the decrease of oil passing through the Alaskan Pipeline, it is time to stop delaying new oil supplies from Alaska."

"In short, the Administration is the cause of our energy problem, not the solution.  The best thing the Administration can do to lessen oil prices and put Americans to work is just get out of the way."

Gov. Kasich Announces Appointments and Names Chair of BWC Board

Gov. John Kasich

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich announced appointments to the Ohio Expositions Commission and the Hocking Technical College Board of Trustees.  In addition, Gov. Kasich announced that Nicholas W. Zuk will serve as chairman of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors.  Last week, Zuk was one of four persons appointed by the governor to serve on the Board.

 

Ohio Expositions Commission Appointments

 

Thomas Price of Delaware (Delaware Co.) has been reappointed to the Ohio Expositions Commission for a term beginning February 24, 2011 and ending December 1, 2016.

 

Doug White of Manchester (Adams Co.) will serve as a member of the Ohio Expositions Commission for a term beginning February 24, 2011 and ending December 1, 2016. 

 

Hocking Technical College Board of Trustees Appointment

 

Mike Brooks of Nelsonville (Athens Co.) will serve as a member of the Hocking Technical College Board of Trustees for a term beginning February 24, 2011 and ending August 26, 2011.

Congressman Bill Johnson Announces District Director

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-6) is pleased to announce that David Locke will serve as District Director. David most recently served as Auditor for the City of Marietta.

 

“I’m so pleased that David is joining our team as District Director. His experience and knowledge will bring great value to the people of eastern and southeastern Ohio who are looking for leadership. David will be an asset as we work toward creating new economic opportunities while protecting and strengthening our current workforce,” Congressman Johnson said.

 

“I’m excited to join Congressman Johnson’s team District Director,” David said. “Congressman Johnson is a true fighter for working families and small business owners. He is committed to strengthening the economy in eastern and southeastern Ohio. It has been a privilege for me to serve as the Marietta City Auditor, and I look forward to serving Washington County and the other areas of the 6^th Congressional District in this new role.”

 

As District Director, David will manage three Ohio-based office in Ironton, Marietta and Salem, focused on serving constituents and advocating for citizens with the federal government. He will also be a critical part of the Johnson Team as it works to create new economic opportunities for eastern and southeastern Ohio. David will be based out of the Marietta Office.

 

A small business owner and Marietta native, David Locke was elected Auditor for the City of Marietta in 2007. He is a graduate of Ohio University, holding a degree in accounting.

St. Rep. Rosenberger Pursues Legislation to Protect Custody Rights of Military Personnel

St. Rep. Cliff Rosenberger

Release:

COLUMBUS—At a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, State Representatives Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) and Jarrod B. Martin (R-Beavercreek) discussed legislation that, when enacted, will help balance the equities involved with child custody and visitation rights in situations that require military service members to be separated from their families for an extended period of time.

 

Specifically, House Bill 121 states that no permanent orders altering existing custody arrangements should be entered while the custodial parent is unavailable due to military service. The custody order that was in place before the absence of a military parent should be reinstated within a set time upon the return of the military parent, provided that reinstating said custody would not damage the best interests of the child.

 

“In many cases, state laws do not consider the unique aspects of military service when making custody determinations,” said Rosenberger, who is the primary sponsor of the bill. “This legislation would affirm that an absence due to military service should never be the sole basis for a loss of custody or diminished visitation rights, while also keeping the welfare of the child paramount.”

 

This bill also allows a service member with visitation rights to petition the court to allow those visitation rights to be delegated to a third party during the service member’s absence due to military service.

 

“Custody issues often arise from the mobilization of National Guard and military reserve personnel, or the temporary deployment of active-duty service members,” said Martin, who serves as the chairman of the House Veteran’s Affairs Committee. “We need to better balance the equities of military service when considering what is best for the child.”

 

This issue was brought to the representatives’ attention by a constituent of the 86^th District who is an advocate for deployed soldiers. This individual brought to Rep. Rosenberger’s attention the custody predicament of Staff Sergeant Chad Crane, who is currently stationed in Iraq and spoke at the press conference via Skype.

 

“House Bill 121 is monumental and imperative to the mental well being of deployed single soldiers, the mission they provide for this country, and their children,” said SSG Crane. “Not only will House Bill 121 set clear standards in helping the courts handle these situations with fairness, equality, and with the best interest of the minor child in these cases, it will make the daily lives of single deployed soldiers so much better.”

 

House Bill 121 will be assigned to a House committee, where it will undergo further consideration.

Performance Audits Bill Passes from Ohio House (Statements from Combs and Dovilla)

Release from State Rep. Courtney Combs:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Courtney Combs (R-Hamilton) has announced that House Bill 2, which will reduce wasteful spending and help to save tax dollars, passed from the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously by a vote of 97-0. This legislation will require the Ohio Auditor of State to conduct performance audits of at least four state agencies each biennium, beginning with the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

As Vice Chair of the House State Government & Elections Committee, Rep. Combs was hands on with HB 2 and introduced an amendment, which passed unanimously through committee, to include ODOT as one of the initial agencies to be examined by way of a performance audit.

“The financial reality we face demands a constantly improving, more efficient state government,” said Combs. “By identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within state agencies like ODOT, we will be saving taxpayers money and providing better results.”

Performance audits provide a comprehensive report on the efficiency and effectiveness of a government agency or operation, offering recommendations for improvement and potential cost savings. This is achieved by comparing an agency’s performance to benchmarks set by similar operations and peer-group standards. Results of a performance audit can be used to improve the effectiveness of operations, save taxpayer dollars and make better use of existing resources.

The legislation, which was originally introduced in March 2009 of the 128^th General Assembly, was crafted in concert with former Auditor Mary Taylor and current Auditor Dave Yost. Since the beginning of 2007, the Auditor of State’s office has conducted more than 100 audits on local governments, recommending nearly $169 million in annual cost savings and translating to a potential return on investment of $24 for every dollar spent to conduct an audit.

House Bill 2 will now move to the Senate for further debate and deliberation.

Release from State Rep. Mike Dovilla:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) today announced that House Bill 2, which will reduce wasteful spending and help to save tax dollars, passed unanimously the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 97-0.  This legislation will require the Ohio Auditor of State to conduct performance audits of at least four state agencies each biennium, beginning with the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

 

Dovilla offered remarks on the House floor on behalf of the State Government and Elections Committee, describing several bipartisan amendments that were accepted by that panel.  He also spoke about the bill’s significance in linking the budgets and performance of state agencies.

 

“In this time of severe budget constraints, this bill takes the critical step of requiring an objective evaluation of how efficiently and effectively agencies operate in their delivery of public services,” said Dovilla.  “The implementation of performance audits will be a powerful new tool as we work to build a smaller, smarter government that serves all Ohioans.”

 

Performance audits provide a comprehensive report on the efficiency and effectiveness of a government agency or operation, offering recommendations for improvement and potential cost savings. This is achieved by comparing an agency’s performance to benchmarks set by similar operations and peer-group standards. Results of a performance audit can be used to improve the effectiveness of operations, save taxpayer dollars and make better use of existing resources.

 

The legislation, which was originally introduced in March 2009 of the 128^th General Assembly, was crafted in concert with former Auditor Mary Taylor and current Auditor Dave Yost. Since the beginning of 2007, the Auditor of State’s office has conducted more than 100 audits on local governments, recommending nearly $169 million in annual cost savings and translating to a potential return on investment of $24 for every dollar spent to conduct an audit.

 

House Bill 2 will now move to the Senate for further debate and deliberation.

Tom Niehaus and Ohio Senate Republicans CAVE on SB 5

Public sector employees want to be paid in Monopoly money.  Ohio Senate Republicans appear willing to go along...

RINO Senate President Tom Niehaus (he retroactively raised our income taxes during a recession) now tells reporters how he and Senate Republicans are caving on SB 5.

Gov. Kasich to Deliver State of the State Address on March 8

Release:

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives has approved a resolution authorizing Gov. John R. Kasich to deliver his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the Ohio General Assembly on Tuesday, March 8 at noon.

St. Reps. Combs and Fende Introduce Bill to Protect Teens from Indoor Tanning

Release:

Columbus – State Representatives Courtney Combs (R- Hamilton) and Lorraine Fende (D- Willowick) today introduced legislation which would prohibit the sale of indoor tanning to anyone under the age of 18 unless permission has been granted through a prescription by a physician.

                                                                                                

The current law requires that consumers under 18 obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian prior to receiving tanning services. House Bill 119 seeks to eliminate such wording to protect teens from the early onset of serious medical conditions.

“Many have clamored that if we prohibit the use of tanning beds for minors we might as well ban poolside and beach tanning, but that argument is moot,” Combs said. “The amount of radiation produced during indoor tanning, in many cases, is stronger that the sun. There is direct evidence that exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning damages the DNA in the skin cells. Studies have shown that 80 percent of skin damage happens before the age of 18.”

Skin cancer has become an epidemic over the last 20 years in the United States as cases have risen from 500,000 to 1.2 million annually, according to the American Cancer Society. Among women between the ages of 25-29, melanoma is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Women between the ages of 30-34 die from melanoma more often than other forms of cancer, with the exception of breast cancer. For men between the ages of 20-29, melanoma is the most deadly form of cancer.

“The numbers associated with skin cancer in the United States are staggering,” Fende said. “Our goal with this bill is to create precautionary measures to help ensure a healthy future for our young people today. The perceived cosmetic gains are not worth the irrevocable damage from the intense UV radiation.”

Currently there are 20 other states considering similar legislation. House Bill 119 is supported by various groups including the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Dermatological Society, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Skin Cancer Foundation.

The bill will now be referred to a House committee for further discussion.

Gov. Kasich Appoints Members of Ohio Casino Control Commission

Gov. John Kasich

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich announced seven appointments to the Ohio Casino Control Commission.  Kasich also announced that the Administration is seeking a gaming expert to strategically advise Ohio on harmonizing policies for the state’s various types of gaming and maximize their benefit to Ohioans.  Included in that review will be horse racing, the Ohio Lottery, casino gambling, and potential new forms of gambling such as video lottery terminals.

Kasich’s appointments to the Commission are:

Sergeant McKinley E. Brown (Republican) of Cincinnati (Hamilton Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2015 as the designated Commission member with experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations.  Sgt. Brown currently serves as Chief of Detectives with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office where he is responsible for investigating offenses at the directive of the Prosecuting Attorney.  He previously spent 17 years on the City of Cincinnati police force.

Speaker Jo Ann Davidson (Republican) of Reynoldsburg (Franklin Co.) will serve as chair of the Commission for a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2014.  Speaker Davidson served in the Ohio House of Representatives for 20 years and, in 1995, was elected the first female Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.  She held this position until her departure from the legislature in 2001.        

The Honorable Martin R. Hoke (Republican) of Lakewood (Cuyahoga Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2013 as the designated Commission member currently residing in a county where one of the casino facilities is located.  Mr. Hoke is a former member of the United States House of Representatives, an attorney, and a successful entrepreneur.  In 2007, he founded RhinoSystems, Inc., a medical device company.  He received his juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University.   

Ranjan Manoranjan (Unaffiliated) of Columbus (Franklin Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2014 as the designated certified public accountant (CPA) on the Commission.  Mr. Manoranjan received his CPA designation from the Accountancy Board of Ohio in 1980 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of 3SG Corporation, a 300-employee company founded in 2000 that specializes in digital document imaging.

Peter R. Silverman (Democrat) of Toledo (Lucas Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2013.  Mr. Silverman, an attorney, is a partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick with primary areas of practice in litigation, franchise, alternative dispute resolution, and intellectual property.  He received his juris doctor from the University of Michigan in 1981. 

John S. Steinhauer (Republican) of Akron (Summit Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2015 as the designated attorney on the Commission.  Mr. Steinhauer received his juris doctor from The Ohio State University and is admitted to practice law in Ohio and the District of Columbia.  His expertise is in mergers and acquisitions, finance, corporate, and real estate law.

June E. Taylor (Democrat) of Cleveland (Cuyahoga Co.) will serve a term beginning February 23, 2011 and ending February 22, 2015.  Taylor is the President and CEO of MWV Pinnacle Advisory Services, an affiliate of the MWV Pinnacle Capital Fund, L.P., a private equity investment fund based in Cleveland.  The firm’s mission is to invest in the success and growth of minority-owned and women-owned businesses.  Taylor holds a master’s degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Congressman Allen West Statement on Somali Pirate Killings

Release:

(WASHINGTON)  ---- Congressman Allen West (FL-22) released this statement today:

"The situation that occurred off the coast of Somalia is nothing short of a brazen attack on our fellow countrymen by a group of terrorists.

Piracy is nothing new in this region. One cannot forget the First Barbary War of 1801 between the U.S. and the North African Muslim states known as the Barbary States.

The disturbing trend of more frequent and violent attacks by Somali pirates in this current period of time is something that the free world must take seriously. 

This horrific tragedy is a reminder that the United States must continue funding and supporting a strong Naval-Maritime force to maintain open sea lanes of transit and ensure the safety of all ships that cross these routes.

I pray for the those who were lost, and for comfort for their loved ones left behind."

Lt. Gov. Taylor Applauds Bipartisan Senate Committee Support for CSI Ohio: The Common Sense Initiative

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor

Release:

Columbus – Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor today issued the following statement regarding the nine to one vote in the Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee in support of S.B. 2, legislation establishing CSI Ohio: the Common Sense Initiative:

 

“Comprehensive regulatory reform will help revive Ohio’s economy and create jobs by generating a more jobs-friendly environment,” Taylor said. “I am pleased that members of the Ohio Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee share our commitment to regulatory reform in Ohio by demonstrating their willingness to help tear down barriers to job growth and passing legislation to initiate CSI Ohio: the Common Sense Initiative.”

Ohio's Own Jimmy Carter

Did T-Shirt Ted Start His Shop Already?

I thought T-Shirt Ted was going to open up his shop in Florida after he lost re-election...

There is nothing more sad and pathetic than a loser who doesn't realize that it is time to sit down and shut up.

What a loser...

Rep. Gibbs: Washington's Job-Destroying Spending Spree is Over

Rep. Bob Gibbs (R, OH-18)

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Bob Gibbs today released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 1, the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011, by a vote of 235 to 189. 

 

“Last night, I voted for the largest reduction in discretionary spending in the history of our nation.  H.R. 1 is over five times larger than any other discretionary cut package ever considered by the House, representing a significant and historic step towards addressing Washington’s out-of-control government spending.

 

“The House has now done its part to begin the multi-step process to remove barriers to job creation by getting spending under control.  I hope that the Senate and the President will follow.  They must get to work on serious spending cuts and stop threatening to shut down the federal government so we can get this nation back on a sustainable financial path.”

Speaker Boehner Keep the Government Running While Cutting Spending

Speaker John Boehner

Release:

“Senate Democratic leaders are insisting on a status quo that has left us with a mountain of debt and a stalled economy with unemployment near 10 percent.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement today calling on Senate Democratic leaders to take up House legislation that will keep the government running while cutting spending:

“The House has passed legislation to keep the government running until October while cutting spending.  If Senator Reid refuses to bring it to a vote, then the House will pass a short-term bill to keep the government running – one that also cuts spending.  Senate Democratic leaders are insisting on a status quo that has left us with a mountain of debt and a stalled economy with unemployment near 10 percent.  That is not a credible position.  Republicans’ goal is to cut spending and reduce the size of government, not to shut it down. Senator Reid and the Democrats who run Washington should stop creating more uncertainty by spreading fears of a government shutdown and start telling the American people what – if anything – they are willing to cut.”

Congressman Bill Johnson Statement Regarding President Obama's Visit to Cleveland State University

Rep. Bill Johnson

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bill Johnson (OH-6) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s visit to Cleveland State University today:

 

"President Obama’s event at Cleveland State University today shows that the White House remains clueless on how to create an environment in which entrepreneurs are willing to take risks that will lead to job creation. The recipe for this is straightforward – and it’s the exact opposite of the failed stimulus of 2009: stop the out-of-control spending in Washington that is mortgaging future generations and creating an uncertain business climate; lower tax burdens on small business owners so they can invest in their companies and workers; reduce burdensome regulations and red tape; and, cut taxes on working families so they can keep more of what they’ve earned.

 

“The average unemployment rate in eastern and southeastern Ohio is 10.9 percent. Massive government spending is not the answer, and it’s time for the White House to make clear that it will support an agenda that leads to job creation in the private sector instead of growing the size and reach of government.”

Speaker Batchelder Thanks Representative Snitchler for Service and Outlines Process for Replacemen

Release:

COLUMBUS—Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today thanked Representative Todd Snitchler (R-Uniontown) for his service to the Ohio House of Representatives. The Speaker also noted his intention for the House Republican Caucus to work closely with the citizens and leadership of the 50^th House District throughout the appointment process, as has been the case in previous appointments.

 

“My dear friend and colleague Todd Snitchler is an outstanding legislator and he will make a noteworthy addition to the PUCO,” Speaker Batchelder said. “While his departure from the House of Representatives is a tremendous loss for our caucus, the PUCO will become stronger because of Todd’s thoughtful insight and leadership. I thank him for his diligent service to the 50^th House District and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

 

Residents of the 50^th House District who wish to be considered to fill the vacancy should provide a letter of interest to Speaker Batchelder at 77 South High Street, 14^th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 by Friday, February 25, 2011 at 5:00pm. Applicants may also email their letter to Speaker Batchelder at District69@ohr.state.oh.us.

 

To assist in the appointment process, Chairman Jeff Matthews has indicated that Stark County Republican Party Executive Committee will meet on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 9:00am at 3218 Parkway Street NW in Canton, Ohio to hear from applicants and make recommendations to the House Republican Caucus.

 

“It is vitally important that we work closely with the citizens and leadership of the 50^th House District to identify a person who will best represent them in the House,” said Speaker Batchelder. “I also appreciate Chairman Matthews’ willingness to assist the Republican Caucus in the appointment process.”

 

On Monday, February 28, 2011, a panel of Republican House members will meet to interview applicants, with the likely appointment of the new member to be on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Details regarding the membership of the panel and location will be announced in the near future.