St. Rep. Becker Introduces Bill Allowing Hunters to Use Noise Suppressors

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) has introduced House Bill 234, legislation that will allow hunters to use noise suppressors on their firearms. In order to qualify, a hunter would be required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and a Federal Class 3 license for the suppressor.

He is co-sponsoring the bill with Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City).

“I am very pleased that Representative Grossman asked me to join her as a joint sponsor of this bill,” Becker said. “This legislation will help prevent hearing loss for those who choose to use a suppressor. It will also cut down on noise that can be disturbing to others.”

HB 234 will be assigned to a House committee where it will be taken up for consideration.

St. Rep. Rosenberger Applauds Passage of FirstNet Resolution

Release:

COLUMBUS—[Yesterday], Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) applauded the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 through the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill urges the United States Congress to hold regular hearings in reference to the nationwide broadband public safety network designated as FirstNet, and to provide information on the costs of the network for Ohio and Ohio’s taxpayers.

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was enacted by the federal government for the use of first responders. This new directive allows for the federal government to take over Ohio’s current broadband system and requires Ohio to singularly utilize FirstNet. In an effort to protect Ohio’s taxpayers by analyzing how FirstNet will affect the state financially, S.C.R. 15 calls for detailed answers in regards to the effectiveness and costs of the new network. Ohio has already invested over $500,000,000 in the current first responder system and FirstNet requires Ohio to financially back the system with costs remaining unknown.

“Ohio needs to make sure that our infrastructure assets are protected and that we continue to make good investments,” said Rep. Rosenberger, who sponsored the companion bill to S.C.R. 15 in the House. “FirstNet is a great idea. Emergency personnel deserve an interoperable communications system, but I believe that Ohio and other states should play a larger role in the development of a nationwide system. As a state, we have invested far too much to develop a statewide communications system to have no guarantee that the federal system can deliver a more effective service.”

Due to the undetermined expenditures of FirstNet, the resolution urges Congress to create a comprehensive business plan listing the expenses of the service. In addition, the resolution asks that Ohio be able to opt-out of the network if the state chooses to do so.

S.C.R. 15 passed with bipartisan support.

Ohio House Sends State Operating Budget to Governor

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today voted to pass Amended Substitute House Bill 59, the state operating budget designed to improve Ohio’s business climate, invest in schools, help Ohioans access the care and services they need, give Ohioans greater ability to obtain higher education, and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Ohioans.

Am. Sub. H.B. 59 makes comprehensive reforms to Ohio’s state government structure in an effort to create a more attractive and jobs-friendly environment for Ohioans. The budget builds upon Governor Kasich’s strategic vision that he proposed to the legislature in February.

“We have made a concerted effort to help Ohioans get back on their feet while also investing in our schools, job training and community services,” said Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “I am very proud of the work that the legislature has done, alongside our governor, to set our state back on course toward long-term growth and prosperity. Just two years ago we filled an $8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes—and today, we are providing all Ohioans with a significant tax reduction and investing in the things that matter most.”

“Ohio's taxpayers will receive a lower tax burden and improved funding for education and health care services from the state budget,” said Chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster). “I believe this budget will help our state grow stronger in many ways than would otherwise be the case because of the $2.7 billion tax reduction over these next three years and the improvements in basic services delivered primarily by our community partners.”

The budget enacts reforms and efficiency measures in numerous components of state government, particularly in the following key areas:

Reducing the Ohioans’ Tax Burden Through Common-sense Reforms

Working with Governor Kasich and the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House of Representatives crafted a series of meaningful tax reforms to allow Ohioans to keep more of their hard-earned money and to make Ohio more conducive to business growth. To accomplish these goals, Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Provides nearly $2.7 billion in tax relief to small businesses and taxpayers by instituting a 50 percent small business tax cut for Ohio businesses and a 10 percent personal income tax reduction over the next three years.

Moves Ohio away from the income tax—which punishes success—and toward consumption-based taxes by adjusting the base sales tax rate from 5.5 percent to 5.75 percent.

Simplifies Ohio’s overall tax structure by equalizing sales taxes on Internet goods, goods purchased through a catalog, and digital goods.

Reforms the Commercial Activity Tax by establishing a tiered minimum tax structure based on gross receipts.

Helps seniors remain in their homes by authorizing the Homestead Tax Exemption for low-income seniors as well as those who currently receive the exemption.

Eliminating a flawed taxpayer subsidy that paid a portion of homeowners’ property tax, ensuring that the homeowners themselves—not seniors or low-income Ohioans—pay their own property taxes.

Strengthening Services that Ohioans Rely On

Am. Sub. H.B. 59 prioritizes community services and resources to help Ohioans with the unique circumstances they face. Members of the Ohio House believe in helping those who need assistance the most and giving families additional options for overcoming their personal challenges. Among other provisions, Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Allocates $33 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to assist the unemployed in getting back to work.

Increases funding to local governments for addiction services by $20 million annually and for mental health by $30 million annually.

Restores funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) so they can continue to serve those Ohioans who are most in need.

Increases funding for the PASSPORT program, allowing more senior citizens to receive vital care within the comfort of their homes.

Increases funding for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank by $2 million over the biennium.

Providing Vital Resources for Primary and Secondary Education

Education has continued to be a priority for the Ohio House, and the biennial budget includes numerous provisions to provide a competitive education for Ohio’s students. Am. Sub. H.B. 59 provides per pupil funding for economically disadvantaged aid particularly to rural and lower wealth school districts and ensures that all of Ohio’s more than 600 school districts receive at least the same amount of state aid that they received in fiscal year 2013. Furthermore, more than 70 percent of school districts will receive an increase in state aid. Am. Sub. H.B. 59 also:

Increases funding for special education, disadvantaged aide, and school transportation

Provides additional funding for school districts for every child in grades K-3 to implement the Third Grade Reading Guarantee through the “K-3 Literacy” program.

Increases funding for career-technical education by more than $200,000 over the biennium

Creates the “Straight A Fund” to provide schools with grants to implement their best reform ideas

Making Higher Education More Accessible, More Affordable

The state budget takes significant strides to ensure that those who seek advanced degrees are able to afford an education and receive the tools they need to be successful. Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Caps tuition increases at 2 percent annually for all state schools

Permits schools to participate in a “cohort plan,” which allows universities to institute a stable, four-year cost of education, capped at a one-time increase of the tuition cap plus the five-year CPI average.

Increases funding for co-op internships by $6 million in fiscal year 2015

Provides more than $2.2 million in additional funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, which provides grants to Ohio residents with the highest levels of financial need

Increases the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) Fund by $125,000 over the biennium to help Ohioans who are preparing for their GED exam.

“Chairman Amstutz, Vice Chairman McClain and the members of the Finance and Appropriations Committee did a fine job crafting this budget, and I am very grateful for the time they put into this effort,” said Speaker Batchelder. “Rest assured that the benefits of this forward-thinking budget will be reflected for years to come within Ohio’s communities, in Ohio’s schools, and in the paychecks of Ohioans.”

St. Sen. LaRose Announces Historic Tax Cut, Largest Investment in Public Education in a Decade

Release:

COLUMBUS– Senator Frank LaRose (R– Copley) today announced the passage of House Bill 59, the state’s two-year operating budget. The bill contains as its cornerstones one of the largest single-year tax cuts in Ohio’s history as well as the largest legislative investment in public education in more than 10 years.

“Our state economy is finally moving in the right direction - in fact we currently lead the nation in job creation. By working together we’ve come a long way in the last two years, but there’s more work to do. We must keep Ohio moving in the right direction and this budget does just that.” said LaRose. “Today we passed a budget that allows hard working Ohioans to keep more of what they earned, with perhaps that largest tax cut in state history; invests in our future by providing the largest increase to K-12 public education funding in more than a decade; and fully funds the Clean Ohio program to preserve and protect Ohio’s precious parks and natural environment. All of this is much more accomplished while providing a responsible and balanced budget to efficiently fund Ohio’s essential government operations. As with any human endeavor, no piece of legislation is perfect; certainly there are areas where I would have preferred a different approach. That said, this budget is the product of more than six months of collaborative hard work, reflecting the diverse voices of this great state. I was proud to support this budget today so that together we can continue to grow our state and keep our Ohio moving in the right direction.”

The bill authorizes $2.7 billion in tax cuts, which includes a 10 percent income tax cut over the next three years. The bill also delivers much-needed tax relief for Ohio’s small businesses through a 50 percent cut on the first $250,000 of net business income. Small businesses comprise 98 percent of the state’s employers and employ approximately 47 percent of all Ohioans.

In addition to enacting tax relief that is vital in keeping our economy healthy and growing, the bill also works to modernize and streamline the state’s outdated and complicated tax code and establish a fairer and more comprehensible system that promotes job growth. To do this, the bill eliminates many exemptions, credits and loopholes. The plan works to shift the state away from its current reliance on income taxes toward a structure that relies more heavily on consumption taxes.

The proposal, which will become law with the Governor’s signature, also contains a $717 million increase in spending on primary and secondary education, the largest legislative investment in public schools in more than a decade. The bill also includes $250 million for the newly created “Straight-A Fund,” which provides grants to promote innovation in our schools and efficiency in district operations and more than $78 million to support important early childhood education programs.

The higher education plan instituted by House Bill 59 is a model for the nation that focuses on graduation and degree completion, not simply student enrollment. The plan also serves Ohio’s rising student population by establishing a 2% cap on tuition increases at all of Ohio’s public universities. Over the past 5 years, Ohio has had the second lowest tuition increases for public universities.

Additional Provisions Include:

Local Governments: Distributes an estimated $27.6 billion in state aid to local governments and school districts over the next two years. 85% of dollars collected by the state are passed along to local schools, governments, and community programs.

Reforming Workers Compensation: Reduces BWC payments by 2% for private employers and 4% for public employers as responsible management has created stable fund balances. The bureau will also be empowered to reform its payment system to save Ohio employers $900 million.

Investing in Our Workforce: Provides $1 million to train workers in the bioscience manufacturing industry by partnering with community colleges. An additional $2 million will be appropriated to create training programs that will prepare Ohio workers for growing jobs in the oil & natural gas industry.

Supporting Wellness & Safety:

Drug & Alcohol Treatment: Invests $100 million in drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health services, including a $5 million pilot project to deal with convicts’ drug addictions after release from prison in an effort to slow recidivism rates and drug use simultaneously.

Developmentally Disabled: Provides $5.4 million for home healthcare services for developmentally disabled Ohioans.

Other Important Programs:

TourismOhio: Increases funding by 14%, making $8 million available each year to support and grow the state’s tourism industry.

Hispanic & Latino Affairs: Invests an additional 19% in fiscal year 2015 to help serve Ohio’s fastest-growing demographic population.

Human Trafficking: Transfers more than $500,000 to the Highway Patrol for equipment to scan commercial trucks to better detect trafficking victims.

UPDATE: Additional quotes:

“This budget is the second chapter in a story about Ohio’s recovery. The last budget put us on track and this budget continues that progress and keeps us moving forward,” said Faber. “This is a budget about every Ohioan and giving every Ohioan the opportunity to succeed. Our focus in the legislature has been creating an environment where the economy can grow, we can create jobs, and we can educate our workforce. This budget prioritizes Ohio’s resources to do just that.”

“This budget is all about increasing opportunity, growing our economy, and making sure that all Ohioans are able to find work,” said Finance Chairman Scott Oelslager (R–North Canton). “Our plan gives a 50% tax cut for our small businesses to boost job creation and a 10% income tax cut for all Ohioans so that everyone can keep more of their hard earned money.”

Ohio House Sends “Boater Freedom Act” to Governor

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on Senate changes to House Bill 29, also known as the “Boater Freedom Act,” which establishes conditions for watercraft safety inspections.

House Bill 29 specifies that the state’s law enforcement personnel may only stop a vessel if they have reasonable suspicion that the vessel or vessel’s operator are in violation of marine law or otherwise engaged in criminal activity. Currently, a boater on Lake Erie may be stopped by a state watercraft officer, local marine patrol, or the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct a safety check, sometimes multiple times in one day.

“House Bill 29 eliminates these intrusive boat searches in the state of Ohio,” said State Rep. Rex Damschroder (R-Fremont). “With the governor’s signature, House Bill 29 will become law in time to effect the remainder of this summer’s boating season This is a common sense approach to the issue as we have seen these random and arbitrary stops become far too common.”

Ohio’s boating industry contributes an estimated $3.5 billion to Ohio’s state economy annually and supports as many as 26,000 full-time jobs. Approximately 3 million Ohioans—nearly one in four—participate in boating-related activities each year. In addition, the seven Ohio counties that border Lake Erie experienced an $11 billion investment in tourism in 2011, with more than 117,000 jobs and $3 billion in employee wages.

House Bill 29 now awaits Governor Kasich’s signature.

St. Rep. Becker Introduces Gun Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) yesterday introduced legislation related to how Ohio defines certain firearms.

House Bill 191 would change the state’s Weapons Control Law by removing from the definition of “automatic firearm” a semi-automatic firearm that is designed or adapted to fire more than 31 cartridges without reloading.

"Ohio law includes a clause that defines a semi-automatic weapon as fully automatic when it carries more than 31 rounds, but it is ridiculous to call any weapon ‘fully automatic’ based on an arbitrary magazine size," Becker said. "An AR-15 rifle doesn't suddenly become a machine gun by inserting a 40-round magazine.”

Rep. Becker drafted the bill after hearing from constituents in his district. If enacted, House Bill 191 would align Ohio’s definitions of the firearms with those of federal law.

St. Rep. Becker Introduces Bill That Eliminates Marriage Tax Penalty

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) has introduced legislation that would eliminate the marriage penalty in Ohio’s income tax system.

House Bill 188, introduced on Tuesday, changes the way the joint filer tax credit is computed so that married couples pay the same amount of tax on a joint return as they would had they filed separately. In tax year 2012, a married couple working full time and earning minimum wage, paid an Ohio Marriage Penalty of $184.

"I have long been in favor of abolishing the Ohio marriage penalty, and I will continue to fight for Ohio families for as long as I am a member of the General Assembly,” Becker said. “House Bill 188 allows taxpayers to calculate the difference between filing joint and separate. That amount would then be entered as the joint filing credit. Ohio’s tax code should not discourage and punish marriage.”

HB 188 was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

St. Rep. Retherford Honors Women’s Basketball Team from Miami University Hamilton

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton) presented a House resolution to the Miami University Hamilton Women’s Basketball Team for its 2013 state title during session of the Ohio House of Representatives this week.

The 2012-2013 Harriers were the first women’s team to win both the regular season title and the Ohio Regional Campus State Championship in the same year.

“It was my honor to recognize the Lady Harriers of Miami University Hamilton for their outstanding achievements this basketball season,” Rep. Retherford said. “Their championship was hard-earned, and these young women will continue to make Miami Hamilton, the City of Hamilton and the State of Ohio proud as they pursue excellence in the future. I look forward to the team bringing home many more championships in the future.”

During the presentation, Rep. Retherford and the team were joined by Reps. Margaret Conditt (R-Liberty Twp.), Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.), and Peter Beck (R-Mason).

Senate President Faber Announces Legislation to Ban Internet Cafés

Release:

(Columbus) – Ohio Senate President Keith Faber announced today that legislators will take immediate action to ban Internet cafés in the state of Ohio.

“In the last 24 hours, my caucus received briefings from law enforcement officials, and we’ve been given enough information at this point to make an informed decision about how to proceed,” Faber said. “I am convinced that these entities are not only illegal but that many of them also engage in criminal activity within their facilities. Ohioans did not contemplate this kind of unregulated activity when they voted to approve gaming in this state, so the time to act is now.”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Public Safety Director Tom Charles and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien joined Faber for the announcement. Faber added that he will personally introduce on Thursday a moratorium bill that immediately halts the expansion of Internet cafes. The bill contains an emergency clause that, with the governor’s signature, makes it effective immediately.

“The moratorium requires all operators to file new affidavits on a form prescribed by the attorney general,” he said. “Failure to properly comply will carry penalties of up to $1,000 per day and other potential sanctions.”

The moratorium is necessary because an existing moratorium on Internet café expansion expires in June.

Faber also announced that senators would immediately begin work on House Bill 7, the legislation that would enact a ban on Internet café operations in Ohio. He added that his goal is to move the legislation in May.

MATT'S CHAT: Because Ohio is business friendly.....

Senate President Faber Announces Medicaid Reform Initiative

Release:

(Columbus) – Ohio Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) announced today the appointment of a Medicaid reform task force led by Senator Dave Burke (R-Marion).

“The House has indicated they don’t have the votes to get the governor’s Medicaid proposal done in the budget,” said Faber. “Therefore, I do not believe that issue is on the table as it relates to this legislation. That is not to say we are ending the discussion. My caucus wants to look at Medicaid reform in a comprehensive way outside of the complexities of the budget. This issue has a significant financial impact on the state, and we need to understand every intended and unintended consequence before we make any commitments.”

Faber added that any Medicaid proposal must include flexibility from the federal government and systemic reform, including cost and accountability controls. He said the Senate would work in concert with the Ohio House and the Kasich administration to explore reform in a stand-alone bill.

“We believe there is a path to Medicaid reform that covers the people who need it in the short term, while reducing costs in the long term. We want to achieve an outcome that addresses the concerns expressed on all sides of this debate.”

Burke added, “Over the next several weeks, the Senate will be talking with constituents and interest groups about Ohio’s Medicaid program. Our work will involve multiple stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation, and our goal is to improve the Medicaid program for the lives we serve and the taxpayers who pay the bills.”

Burke announced the following seven objectives for his task force:

Establish firm annual per member, per month spending targets
Establish performance measures and targets that focus more on outcomes not outputs
Increase consumer involvement in the delivery of Medicaid services
Remove costly legislative mandates that prohibit innovation and flexibility
Streamline legislative oversight
Invest in research and evaluation for Medicaid and the entire health care system in Ohio
Eliminate statutory regulations that impede the cost-effective delivery of health care in Ohio

The task force will begin its work immediately.

MATT'S CHAT: I don't know why we need a committee to JUST SAY NO! The hospital lobbying special interest groups must be dropping serious coins on these guys...let's see who gets bought...

Legislation Providing Certificate of Birth for Stillborn Infants Passes Ohio House

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 95, which revises Ohio law to provide the issuance of a “certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth” for stillborn babies.

House Bill 95 codifies existing practices of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), which has changed the title of the certificate from “Certification of Stillbirth” to “Certification of Birth” in response to feedback from grieving parents regarding the previous wording. The legislation requires the ODH or the state registrar to reissue any certificates “recognizing the delivery of a stillborn infant” as a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. It also requires the local registrar, upon the issuance of a burial permit, to inform the parent or parents of a fetus of at least 20 weeks that suffers a fetal death about the option to apply for a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth, as well as the application process.

“This legislation attempts to show more respect and sensitivity to grieving parents who have suffered a loss of an infant,” said Rep. Hill, who sponsored House Bill 95. “I believe that by retitling the certificate to reflect our understanding of the heartbreak these parents are facing, we can more appropriately show respect for these parents as well as the young life that was lost.”

House Bill 95 passed with unanimous support on the House floor. It will now move to the Ohio Senate.

Ohio House Sends Health Insurance Navigators Legislation to Governor

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) is pleased to announce the Ohio House’s concurrence on Substitute House Bill 3, legislation that gives the State of Ohio the authority to regulate health insurance navigators.

Health insurance navigators are individuals or entities charged with helping citizens obtain information relating to health insurance offerings through health exchanges. The legislation makes changes to the Ohio Revised Code, specifically regarding the licensing and education requirements for insurance agents who wish to serve as a navigator, as well as the manner in which the state will regulate navigators under the federal health care law.

“It is important to outline the role of insurance navigators specific to what they can and cannot do while providing information on health insurance options through our federal exchange,” said Rep. Sears. “This bill requires strong consumer protections, such as training and continuing education for insurance navigators, criminal record checks, conflict of interest disclosures, and certifications. Although Ohioans have overwhelmingly taken a strong position opposing health care exchanges, it is important that we ensure appropriate protections and regulations as we deal with this law.”

Substitute House Bill 3 specifies that navigators are not licensed insurance agents and therefore are prohibited from engaging in selling insurance and related functions.

The House voted to concur on Senate amendments with strong bipartisan support.

MATT'S CHAT: Ohio Republicans are stabbing us in the back yet again...I can not wait until the next time Barb Sears tries to pass herself off as a conservative again.....

Ohio House Finance Committee Unveils Biennial Budget Sub Bill

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee today introduced Substitute House Bill 59, the two-year budget proposal that refines the recommendations in Governor Kasich’s executive budget proposal that was introduced in the House in February.

Building upon the Governor’s strategic vision, the bill continues to make sweeping policy reforms in all areas of government in an effort to make Ohio’s state government more efficient, effective and focused on providing tangible results for Ohioans.

“Governor Kasich laid out a powerful, forward-thinking budget, and we believe we have built upon those proposals in a way that will have a positive impact on all Ohioans,” said Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “Providing healthcare and employment services, as well as reforming state tax policies and funding schools, are continuing themes in both the House and executive versions of Sub. House Bill 59. The substitute bill that was introduced today is the product of countless hours of discussion and a thorough examination of the way our state government operates.”

Providing Permanent Income Tax Relief & Continuing Further Tax Reform

Reforming Ohio’s tax structure is one of the key issues included in Sub. H.B. 59. The bill initiates meaningful income tax reform to stimulate job growth and put more money back in Ohioans’ pockets. It permanently reduces income taxes by 7 percent in FY 2014, which will provide nearly $1.5 billion in income tax relief over the next two years.

Among other changes, the bill:

Exempts grain elevators from the commercial activity tax (CAT)

Lowers the motor fuel tax on liquefied natural gas to 28 cents per gallon

“We remain committed to continue working with the Governor on reforming Ohio’s tax code within the budget-making process,” Chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) said. “We believe that the targets set by the administration for providing individuals and businesses with relief from the state income tax remain within a reasonable range. However, we decided that it is advisable to hold back a range of potential means of lowering the income tax until additional analysis is conducted.”

Helping the Unemployed Find Work

The House version of the budget includes a strong effort to help Ohioans find gainful employment, access important job resources, and improve their employability. A variety of funding initiatives, which total $250 million over two years, have been included in the state budget, including:

$75 million increase per year in additional funding for employment services and job readiness
$30 million increase per year in additional funding for local governments for mental health services
$20 million increase per year in additional funding for local governments for addiction services
$6 million funding increase for job co-ops and internships

“We heard compelling testimony from a variety of witnesses that low-budget, community-based programs often provide the most cost-effective results,” said Chairman Amstutz. “We are focusing our efforts on assisting potentially employable individuals with overcoming the personal challenges that prevent them from obtaining or keeping a job.”

Primary & Secondary Education: Ensuring Money Follows the Child

Education, a continuing priority for the Ohio House, has received particular care and consideration in Sub. H.B. 59. The budget builds upon sound principles in the executive proposal for primary and secondary education by making changes to target more state aid increases to rural and lower wealth school districts.

“We applied a number of refinements to the education items and funding mechanisms that the governor proposed, but the general construct of the administration’s recommendations remains throughout,” said Chairman Amstutz.

Among other proposals to boost Ohio’s schools and educational standards, Sub. H.B. 59:

· Ensures that none of Ohio’s 600+ school districts will receive less state aid than they did in FY’13

· Increases funding for career-technical education to prepare high school students for future career opportunities

· Increases funding for special education, disadvantaged aid, and transportation

· Provides core funding levels to allow all schools to be competitive

· Provides additional funding for school districts to implement the Third Grade Reading Guarantee through the K-3 Literacy Program

Higher Education: Making College More Affordable

Additionally, Sub. H.B. 59 takes significant strides to improve Ohio’s higher education through comprehensive policy improvements. Among these proposals are:

Moving funding for Ohio universities to an outcome-based system rather than a population-based system

Giving families peace of mind in their child’s tuition costs by capping tuition increases at 2 percent for all state schools. Additionally, the bill allows schools to participate in a newly adopted “cohort plan,” which allows universities to institute a stable, four-year cost of education, capped at a one-time increase of up to 6 percent that cannot change from year to year

Providing $1.1 million in additional funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant

Increasing funding for the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Fund by $250,000 over the biennium, to help Ohioans who are preparing for their GED examination
Increasing funding for co-op internships by $6 million in FY 2015

“We took strides to make it more affordable to obtain a higher education degree and to give Ohio’s students the necessary tools to succeed in the future,” said Rep. Amstutz.

Healthcare & Medicaid: A long-term, fiscally responsible plan that assists Ohio’s families

Healthcare is a major component of this budget, and the House worked to institute policies that will positively affect all Ohioans. Major spending reductions in Sub. H.B. 59 are a result of the removal of the Medicaid eligibility expansion under the federal Affordable Care Act, an action the House has elected to take because there remain too many uncertainties with the federal program to warrant the expansion’s adoption.

“We have struggled the most with the questions around expanding Medicaid eligibility under the so-called Affordable Care Act,” said Speaker Batchelder. “Our members spent countless hours in hearings, analysis and discussion regarding ways to approach the needs of Ohioans in poverty as well as those without health insurance. However, there is not a consensus that extending Medicaid coverage is a sustainable or effective solution to the needs of adults living below the poverty line. We will further examine the federal program as implementation details continue to come forth, especially considering the ongoing gridlock involving the federal budget and growing uncertainty over sustainability of federal borrowing and spending.”

“There were many health-related variables we considered in this budget,” said Chairman Amstutz. “There is compassion for our citizens faced with barriers of addictions and mental illness, which they must overcome to achieve stable, meaningful employment. Given this common interest, we are calling for an all-hands-on-deck focus on comprehensive solutions that are based at the community level, as well as for the creation of a bipartisan legislative committee to keep a finger on the pulse of the Medicaid issue. We recognize that Medicaid is an area that will continue to require considerable discussion in the coming months and years, as it is an issue that is important to the well-being of all Ohioans.”

In addition to maintaining current Medicaid eligibility rates and establishing a joint study committee to monitor the issues surrounding Medicaid, Sub. H.B. 59 focuses on those who need help, ideally to the point where they no longer rely on public assistance. The budget accomplishes this by increasing funding to local governments for addiction services and mental health, as well as increasing temporary workforce funding for individuals in need.

Other initiatives included in Sub. H.B. 59 include:

Increasing funding for the Local Government Innovation Program by $4 million per year

Creating the Local Government Exchange, which is an effort to encourage more local governments to publish information on the internet to help reduce costs and increase transparency

Establishing the Ohio Oil and Gas Fund, using proceeds from drilling on state lands: 50 percent of royalties from drilling will be invested in Clean Ohio programs and the remaining 50 percent invested in our state parks

Increasing funding for RECLAIM Ohio, a funding initiative that encourages juvenile courts to develop or purchase a range of community-based options to meet the needs of juvenile offenders or at-risk youth

Increasing funding for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank by $2 million over the biennium

Making additional modifications to human trafficking law

Increasing funding for the Ohio Historical Society, Ohio Arts Council and the Hayes Presidential Center

“This budget upholds our commitment to Ohioans to assure their ability to be healthy, prosperous and self-sufficient,” said Speaker Batchelder. “With the help of many interested parties who came to the Statehouse and shared their views with the committee, we have addressed many issues that will have a profound impact on the daily lives of Ohio’s citizens. We will continue to strengthen Ohio’s economy and job climate in everything we do, whether that means keeping our taxes competitive or improving the quality of life in Ohio. I am proud of the work that Chairman Amstutz, Vice Chairman McClain, and all the subcommittee chairs have done on this budget proposal, and I look forward to working with the Senate to further strengthen the bill.”

GUEST COLUMN: "Municipal Income Tax Holding Ohio Back"

St. Rep. John Becker

BY: State Rep. John Becker

In many respects, being unique is a welcomed quality. But one aspect that makes the state of Ohio unique also drastically hurts its chances for attracting businesses.

Ohio is the only state in the country that allows each city and village to establish its own set of rules and regulations for collecting taxes. Municipalities collect what is called the municipal income tax to help it meet local governments’ costs. This is very similar to how the state or federal governments collect income taxes.

Today, there are more than 600 different municipalities enforcing their own compliance regulations. When every municipality in the state can establish its own set of rules for merely collecting taxes, small businesses in particular are hurt because the costs of complying with all these different sets of regulations add up in a hurry.

At the beginning of this year, legislation was introduced in the House that aims to bring uniformity to the process of collecting municipal taxes. House Bill 5 is currently being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.

I support this legislation because it is a common-sense approach to encouraging businesses to locate and grow in our state. The states are as competitive as the free market itself, and tax policy certainly weighs heavily on the minds of employers when looking for a location. Business owners and site selectors have told us that Ohio’s municipal income tax is one of the steepest barriers to them coming to our state.

That Ohio is the only state in the country to have this system should be a firm indication that this is either an antiquated system, or one absent of common sense. Encouraging business growth in Ohio is something that will benefit all villages, cities and townships in the state.

The money saved by reducing businesses’ compliance costs, as well as the new businesses this idea will hopefully attract to the state, will make Ohio more competitive nationwide.

Constitutional Modernization Commission Offers New Public Input Opportunity on Website

Release:

COLUMBUS—Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and State Representative Vernon Sykes (D-Akron), who serve as co-chairs of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission (OCMC), today announced that the OCMC website now allows public input in an effort to make the commission more transparent and accessible.
Members of the public are able to submit suggested changes, hot topic issues that need to be addressed, and items that they believe should be added to the Ohio Constitution. The Submit Your Ideas page can be found at: http://ocmc.ohio.gov/ocmc/submitideas.

“Public feedback is essential to the work of the Commission, and in a continuing effort to make our state government more open to the people, providing a means for Ohioans to submit their suggestions will help the Commission to be reachable by all of our citizens,” said Speaker Batchelder. “We greatly value public input and believe that the resources on the website will be greatly beneficial to those who are interested in updating Ohio’s Constitution.”
“It is so important to have civic engagement throughout this process,” said Rep. Sykes. “We greatly enhance our democracy when we can provide channels for Ohioans to interact with their elected and appointed officials on issues of importance. I look forward to seeing some of the suggestions and opinions as we move forward.”

The OCMC was established by the passage of House Bill 188, which was signed into law in July 2011. The Commission is charged with studying the Ohio Constitution, promoting an exchange of suggestions and respecting desired changes in the Constitution, considering the problems pertaining to the amendment of the Constitution, and making recommendations from time to time to the General Assembly for the amendment of the Constitution.

The Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month.

$7.6 Billion State Transportation Budget Clears Ohio Senate

Release:

COLUMBUS– This afternoon, the Ohio Senate lent its approval to House Bill 51, which appropriates more than $7.6 billion to fund the Ohio Departments of Transportation and Public Safety over the coming biennium.

“As we continue our work to put Ohio’s economy back on the right track, the Senate can be proud of this budget, which implements new, innovative ideas to improve Ohio’s infrastructure and create jobs all over our state,” said President Faber (R–Celina). “Through the Turnpike plan alone, we are expecting to create 65,000 jobs across the state of Ohio, which builds upon the work the Senate has already done to make job creation the state’s number-one priority.”

In addition to the budget appropriations, the Senate approved a plan that will allow $1.5 billion in bonds to be issued on the Ohio Turnpike. Combined with federal and local matching funds, this money will contribute extensively to infrastructure projects in northern Ohio and across the state. The additional funding will increase the priority level of many highway projects. Some projects that were not expected until 2025 will be given immediate consideration.

“House Bill 51 is arguably one of the greatest jobs budgets we will pass this General Assembly,” said State Senator Gayle Manning (R–North Ridgeville), who presides as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “As we invest in our infrastructure, we do more than build better roads, we create a pathway for new businesses, we employ construction workers, and we contribute to the health of Ohio’s improving economy.”

The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate with Transportation Committee Ranking Minority Member Senator Capri Cafaro (D–Hubbard) saying that the legislation “does the responsible thing” on the Nexus Provision, which ensures that 90 percent of the funds raised through the bonding of the Ohio Turnpike will be used within 75 miles of the Turnpike.

Among the bill's provisions:

Permitting the bonding of the Ohio Turnpike up to $1.5 billion
The Nexus provision, which ensures that 90 percent of the money raised through turnpike bonding will be spent on northern Ohio projects
Increases the highway speed limit in Ohio to 70 miles per hour, outside of urban areas
Lowers the late fee for vehicle registration from $20 to $10.
Allows for the multi-year registration of certain vehicles
Requires a stop sign at all railroad crossings where passive warning devices (lights or gates) do not exist

Ohio House Passes Legislation Regarding Youth Head Injuries

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 16, which prevents referees, coaches and other volunteers from being criminally prosecuted for not complying with requirements that help identify youth sports injuries.

State Representative Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) sponsored the bill, which clarifies the provisions that were enacted as part of House Bill 143. This piece of legislation was passed into law during December 2012, and it worked to help coaches and other youth activity officials deal with head injuries at sporting events. The bill, however, inadvertently held these same persons liable if they did not recognize signs of a concussion or other various head trauma.

With the passage of House Bill 16, coaches, officials and other volunteers would not be criminally penalized for failure to act in accordance with the measures outlined in House Bill 143.

“In the past General Assembly, the legislature spent a lot of time on and ultimately passed House Bill 143 dealing with the very important issue of youth concussions in athletic events,” said Rep. Hottinger. “Unfortunately, in the bill’s final enactment, language was included that would create criminal liability for volunteers if they failed to recognize a concussion. It is not the intent of the bill to turn volunteers of youth sporting events into potential criminals.”

Local attorney from the law firm of Reese, Pyle, Drake & Myer, P.L.L. And community volunteer, Justin Lodge, was responsible for bringing this important issue to Rep. Hottinger.

House Bill 16 passed unanimously and will now move to the Ohio Senate.

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Establish “Internet Cafe” Regulations

Release:

COLUMBUS—Ohio House Speaker Pro Tempore Matt Huffman (R-Lima) today applauded the House’s passage of Substitute House Bill 7, which provides much-needed oversight to sweepstakes parlors, or “internet cafes.”

Substitute House Bill 7 retains the general framework of House Bill 605 from the 129th General Assembly, while tightening some of the definitions and addressing issues raised by members of the House and Senate.

Specifically, the legislation:

Clarifies what is a prohibited scheme of chance
Prohibits sweepstakes games on sweepstakes terminal devices if they give out prohibited prizes (cash, alcohol, tobacco, etc.) or more than $10 in merchandise prizes per play
Authorizes sweepstakes gaming if a person meets certain criteria and gets a certificate of registration through the Attorney General

“This legislation protects the public and addresses a growing law enforcement concern with the widespread expansion of these sweepstakes establishments,” said Rep. Huffman. “The House’s action today brings us one step closer to providing appropriate oversight and accountability over this unregulated industry.”

During the previous general assembly, the Legislature passed House Bill 386 to establish a moratorium on internet cafes. The Ohio Attorney General, local government officials, law enforcement groups, prosecutors, charitable organizations, and veteran and fraternal organizations have consistently urged the Legislature to pass a bill that provides strong regulation language and clarifies whether sweepstakes are considered illegal gambling.

Substitute House Bill 7 passed with bipartisan support and now will move to the Ohio Senate.

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Amend Regulations and Licensing of Insurance Navigators

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation that will provide authority to the State of Ohio in regulating health insurance navigators, which are individuals or entities charged with helping citizens obtain information relating to health insurance offerings through health exchanges.

Substitute House Bill 3, jointly sponsored by State Representatives Barbara Sears (R-Monclova Twp.) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard), makes changes to the Ohio Revised Code, specifically regarding the licensing and education requirements for insurance agents that wish to serve as a navigator, as well as the manner in which the state will regulate navigators under the federal health care law.

“This legislation is the first step in declaring state authority as it relates to navigators and the exchange,” said Rep. Sears. “It is important that we focus on giving navigators and insurance agents adequate information on the known requirements so they can effectively perform their duties. I applaud the House’s action to move this measure forward.”

“Substitute House Bill 3 is a consumer protection bill,” said Rep. Kunze. “By establishing training and continuing education requirements, criminal records checks, conflict of interest disclosures, and certifications, we are ensuring that Ohio’s consumers are working with knowledgeable and trustworthy professionals.”

Substitute House Bill 3 specifies that navigators are not licensed insurance agents and therefore are prohibited from engaging in selling insurance and related functions. Additionally, the bill enables both licensed and unlicensed insurance agents to be certified as navigators.

Rep. Sears and Rep. Kunze, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Insurance, will be conducting interested party meetings for stakeholders interested in participating in the administrative rule process that will begin following the enactment of Substitute House Bill 3. Starting tomorrow, March 14th, stakeholders have 30 days to submit comments, suggestions and questions to Rep. Sears’ office for consideration.

Substitute House Bill 3 passed with strong bipartisan support and will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Resistance to Kasich Medicaid Expansion Grows

A number of things pop out at you in this Columbus Dispatch article that are worthy of further commentary, but let's start with the fact that conservatives in the GOP caucus have stated -- in open testimony -- that they oppose the governor on this issue. That, in and of itself, is a HUGE accomplishment.

During more than six hours of testimony before a House committee, Republicans made it clear that their opposition to President Barack Obama’s health-care law trumps the Kasich administration’s stance that the expansion will save Ohio taxpayers $404 million over the next two years.

“Clearly, this is an unsustainable position for the federal government, and there will be a day of reckoning,” said Rep. Robert Sprague, R-Findlay. “We will either have higher tax rates as American citizens or our borrowing power will be reduced as a nation.”

The federal government's problems are a concern and I am pleased to hear that some state legislators understand that when the federal government is in trouble eventually those dilemmas will reach down to the state level.

But I think focusing too much on this is a trap that should be avoided. Expanding Medicaid while relying on federal taxpayer dollars to do it is BAD for Ohio, not good as Team Kasich suggests here:

Greg Moody, director of the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation, told the House Finance Committee that Kasich supports a balanced federal budget but that expanding Medicaid is a good deal for Ohio.

“Would I rather take the money and not spend it and drive down the deficit? Absolutely, but that’s not a choice,” Moody told lawmakers.

Under Obama’s health-care law, the federal government for three years would pay all costs to expand Medicaid to those with incomes up to 138 percent of the poverty level — about $23,000 a year for a family of four. The federal match decreases over the next several years to 90 percent of the cost.

The expansion would provide coverage to more low-income uninsured, allowing them to meet the requirement beginning in 2014 that most Americans have health insurance or face a penalty. In addition, it would free up local money for mental-health and addiction services, shift some state costs for prison health care to Medicaid and generate other savings.

Let's start with Moody's dodge. Of course, using that money to pay off some national debt isn't an option. Mentioning that here is simply a diversion from the issue at hand. Ohio can't afford even a 10% increase in spending on Medicaid even in the long term. We are just now beginning to see a recovery from the Taft and Strickland eras and we're going to risk that progress on some scheme from Obama? That just doesn't sound like a good play to me.

Moving on to the "politics as usual" portion of this article:

Moody said Kasich, like many of his fellow Republicans, opposes much of Obama’s Affordable Care Act, but he’s pushing to expand Medicaid because “it’s making the most of a hand we’ve been dealt."

the thing about most card games is that you also have the option of "passing" or "folding" until you get better odds. Team Kasich has a way of playing bad hands in worse situations and just hoping for the best. That simply won't do...

Here's more politics as usual:

“If we don’t do this, we are subsidizing other states,” said Rep. Mike Foley, D-Cleveland.

Moody concurred, noting that Ohioans pay taxes to the federal government that will finance Medicaid expansions in states that decide to increase program eligibility.

“If we don’t spend it, it’s not like that money will be saved. We are still paying it in our federal taxes,” he said. “The question is: Is the money coming back to Ohio, or is it going somewhere else?”

The 527 Media and low information voters might buy this argument, but it is NOT a reason to put your own state finances in jeopardy. Should we just do whatever California does? How about New York? Why not just abdicate the governance of our state to Illinois? This sort of thinking is just passing the buck. Ohio deserves better from its leaders.

But the truly insulting thing about this argument is that it is the same tired Washington DC thinking that we have heard from virtually every Congressman we've ever sent there. I am reminded of a local politician saying at a Tea Party rally that he was against pork, unless it was coming to his district because that money was going to be spent anyway. He didn't say it in those exact words, but the meaning was clear as day.

Fiscal responsibility begins at home, people.

Here is another position that I find lacking:

Rep. Gerald Stebelton, R-Lancaster, suggested that Ohio hold out to “negotiate a better deal” with the federal government.

“The best leverage we have with the federal government is to opt out.”

We don't want to deal with the federal government at all. All 88 counties in this state voted to reject all forms of Obamacare with the Health Care Freedom Amendment. Allowing a backdoor entry in to that dreaded program is not only unacceptable it is against our state's constitution.

But, if that is an argument that will sway a politician to vote NO, I'll take it for now.

The bottom line is this: Team Kasich is going to need every single Democrat vote in order to get this passed. What else will Team Kasich have to give Chris Redfern in order to make that happen?

The Medicaid expansion proposal should be removed from the budget and buried in whatever hole it originated never to be heard from again.