Kasich Speaks to West Union High School Students Today

Governor John Kasich was in SW Ohio today to talk to young people about the dangers of drug abuse and to tout the bill put forth by my state rhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifep. Danny Bubp and rep. Dr. Johnson regarding pill mills and drug abuse. Channel 5 has the story:

More people die from prescription drug overdoses in Ohio than in car crashes, and Gov. John Kasich visited Adams County on Tuesday to discuss the epidemic.

Kasich was promoting House Bill 93, which he said would target doctors who knowingly prescribe drugs to addicts.

"(We're) bringing attention to physicians that if you are, in fact, involved in this, we're going to come and get you," Kasich said.

Lawmakers and law enforcement officers attended an event with Kasich at Adams County High School, in the heart of one of the state's most affected areas.

"There are pictures I've received of mothers dealing drugs out of the emergency room in the hospital," Kasich said.

Former teacher Beth Dunlap told students that her addiction to Oxycontin led her to steal from her own students and eventually cost her a teaching career.

"I couldn't wait for them to go to lunch so I could get into their bags and get whatever I could sell or change that would add up," Dunlap said.

The war against prescription drugs is far from over, officials said, but they found reason for optimism.
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"I can honestly say I now see light at the end of the tunnel," said Adams County Sheriff Kimmy Rodgers.

OK, the school was West Union, not Adams County High School. I wish the Cincy stations would give the rural areas a little more respect. They keep calling my alma mater Western Brown High by the misnomer Brown County High School. There are a few high schools in Brown County, as well as a few in Adams County. Let's get the facts straight and treat these folks with respect.

Kudos to Gov. Kasich for shedding light on the important work done in getting the bill passed through the House by my state rep. Danny Bubp and Rep. Johnson.

Congresswoman Schmidt Honored Again as a Defender of Liberty by the American Conservative Union

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R, OH-02)

Release:

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Jean Schmidt has again been named a Defender of Liberty for 2010 by the American Conservative Union. The Award is given to Members of Congress who scored a perfect 100 percent on issues of concern to grassroots conservatives.
“I am truly honored to once again be recognized by the American Conservative Union and for the conservative principles it stands for,” said Congresswoman Schmidt. “I am proud to stand with the American Conservative Union and a majority of Americans in our fight against the largest expansion of government in our lifetime,” Schmidt added.

Members of Congress were presented their awards at a reception Thursday on Capitol Hill.

Ohio Democrats Should Cut Spending After Maxing Out USA Debt

Release:

WASHINGTON- Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine released the following statement in anticipation of this evening's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, which calls for increasing the nation's debt limit approximately $2.4 trillion without spending cuts.  Marcy Kaptur (9th District), Dennis Kucinich (10th District), Marcia Fudge (11th District), Betty Sutton (13th District), and Tim Ryan (17th District) are Democratic members of Ohio's delegation.

"Ohio Democrats blindly supported Obama's reckless spending addiction and now our nation's credit card is maxed out," said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine.

"Recent surveys show that any debt limit increase unaccompanied by spending restraint is a nonstarter with the American public.  Congressional Democrats should use this evening's vote to show Ohio taxpayers that it is a decrease in deficit spending, and not tax increases, which will help get our economy back on the right track."

Background Information:

The Democrats have maxed out their government spending credit card after years of reckless spending: "The United States government hit its $14 trillion borrowing limit Monday, forcing the Treasury Department to begin taking a series of extreme steps to stave off default, including suspending payments into public employee pension plans." (Meredith Shiner, "U.S. hits debt ceiling," Politico, 5/16/11)

Survey shows Democrats' ideas are a non-starter among voters: "Presented with a menu of choices to help curb the national debt and federal deficit, almost half of voters - 45 percent - support spending cuts alone, the poll indicates. By contrast, only 13 percent favor an even split between cutting spending and raising revenue through tax increases." (Niall Stanage, "The Hill Poll: Voters find recession blues difficult to shake," The Hill's Ballot Box Blog, 5/16/11)

Americans are concerned that a debt limit increase could hurt the economy more than an actual default: "A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that more Americans are concerned that raising the debt limit would lead to new spending and debt than are concerned that not raising the limit would spur a government default and hurt the economy, 48 percent compared with 35 percent." (Jackie Calmes, "In Showdown over Debt Ceiling Neither Party is Blinking," New York Times The Caucus Blog, 5/31/2011)

House Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi weighed in with additional unpopular ideas, saying cuts to Medicare and Social Security were also options: "House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Monday agreed that everything should be put on the table in an effort to reduce the deficit, including entitlements like Medicare and Social Security. 'Yes,' she said in a CNBC interview in New York, when asked whether entitlements should be a part of the deficit solution." (Pete Kasperowicz and Daniel Strauss, "Pelosi: Everything should be on the table to reduce federal deficit," The Hill's Floor Action Blog, 5/16/11)

Kasich Administration’s Response to Senate Republicans’ Budget Proposal

Release:

COLUMBUS – Rob Nichols, press secretary for Gov. John R. Kasich, issued the following statement regarding the Ohio Senate Republicans’ proposed budget plan released earlier today:

“Congratulations are in order to President Niehaus, Chairman Widener and to Senate Republicans on their budget proposal, and the governor applauds their commitment to filling Ohio’s unprecedented $8 billion budget gap without increasing taxes on Ohioans.  While we will continue to be engaged with the Senate on various aspects of their proposal, it is evident that we share the same destination—fiscal stability without a tax increase.  Senate Republicans have proven to be great partners in this budget process, and together with the House, we’re going to pass a budget that will help create jobs and get Ohio back on track.”

Gov. Kasich and Ohio EMA Announce Availability of State Supplemental Assistance and Requests Joint Damage Assessment

Release:

COLUMBUS, OH – Governor John R. Kasich announced today that the state will commit $750,000 in State Assistance to individuals impacted by the flash flooding that occurred May 10-11, 2011 in Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

The state assistance program is intended for uninsured homeowners and renters with eligible real property damages, personal property damages and funeral expenses.

 

The flash flooding earlier this month resulted in one fatality in Scioto County and significant damages to residences and businesses.

 

Also due to the prolonged period of record rainfall and ground saturation, Gov. Kasich has requested a joint federal preliminary damage assessment for 21 Ohio counties for flood damage that occurred during the month of April 2011.

 

Counties include: Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Clermont, Gallia, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.

 

Damage consisted of landslides; debris-covered roadways; and washed-out culverts, bridges and overpasses.

Ohio Senate Republicans Bolster Support for Public Education in Budget Bill

Release:

Columbus – Ohio Senate Republicans unveiled a biennial budget plan today that provides additional support for public education and local communities, while eliminating a projected $8 billion structural imbalance without raising taxes.

"This is an incredibly difficult budget that requires a great deal of shared sacrifice to fill an unprecedented shortfall," said Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond). "We're committed to putting the limited resources we have toward the areas that need it most, and that begins with our schools. We've come up with a plan that guarantees every district will receive at least their current level of basic state aid over the next two years, with the exception of federal stimulus funds."

Niehaus said Senators identified more funding for education by using revenue and Medicaid caseload estimates provided by the Legislative Service Commission, which among other budget revisions provided more than $115 million to bolster school funding levels over the biennium. Senate Republican leadership also worked to free up revenue for communities that rely on the Local Government Fund. The Senate budget adds $100 million to the fund over the biennium and increases baseline local government support from $500,000 in the House budget to $750,000, meaning communities that receive $750,000 or less from the fund will not see a reduction.

"Naturally, when we're trying to fill an $8 billion hole, we don't have the resources to sustain previous funding levels for schools and local governments, but we're doing everything we can to mitigate those reductions," said Senator Chris Widener (R-Springfield), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "We've also taken steps to help communities and families through responsible tax relief. Our budget will keep the final phase-in of a 21 percent income tax reduction approved in 2005 for every Ohio taxpayer. There's no better way to help the middle class than by letting them keep more of their hard-earned money in this tough economy."

The income tax reduction is estimated to put more than $800 million back into the wallets of Ohio families at a time when they need it most. Among other important tax reforms included in the bill, the Senate budget includes a Historic Preservation Tax Credit, designed to incentivize the renovation of historic downtown buildings and encourage community revitalization. The plan expands the Job Retention Tax Credit, an economic development tool that provides tax incentives for major employers that keep jobs in Ohio instead of relocating them to other states. Senate Republicans also included the elimination by 2013 of the job-killing "Death Tax," which drives entrepreneurs out of Ohio and destroys small businesses and family farms. Finally, the budget also provides historic levels of Property Tax relief, $1.7 billion annually over the biennium, for every Ohio homeowner.

"This is a balanced budget that reduces spending and eliminates the largest fiscal shortfall in the history of our state without raising taxes," said Senator Niehaus. "Ohioans have paid enough in this recession, and we can't expect to restore our economy by asking them to pay more. We've made some tough decisions to deal with a very challenging financial crisis, but I'm confident this plan will get us back on a path to job creation and prosperity. I look forward to continuing the debate as we move closer to our June 30th deadline."

Substitute House Bill 153 will be introduced in the Senate Finance Committee today. After hearing additional testimony on the bill, the committee plans to send the bill to the Senate floor for a vote later next week.

Other Highlights of Substitute House Bill 153

Putting Students & Quality Education First:

* Excellent Schools Incentive - provides a $17 per pupil supplemental payment for schools rated excellent or excellent with distinction
* Special Education - provides scholarship funding for children with special needs to get services outside of their school district
* Charter School Reform - reinstates quality and operational controls in existing law and adopts new accountability measures
* Parochial Schools - restores baseline funding for chartered non-public schools to ensure parity in support levels with public schools

Preparing Ohio's Future Workforce:

* Live & Learn Program - allows out-of-state college students to pay in-state tuition rates in exchange for living in Ohio for at least five years after graduation
* National Guard Scholarships - develops a partnership with Ohio's higher education institutions to ensure that National Guard Scholarships are fully funded

Investing in the Health & Welfare of Our Kids:

* Children's Hospitals - reinstates full funding to $6 million a year, allowing the hospitals to draw down additional federal support
* Help Me Grow - restores funding for a program that provides expectant parents with health and developmental services
* Kinship Care - restores funding for a program for relatives who become primary caregivers when parents are unable or unavailable to care for a child
* Accountable Care Organizations - creates a process for developing coordinated pediatric services for children with disabilities
* Adoption Assistance - provides $7 million to counties for adoption services
* Child Support Enforcement - provides $7 million to counties, allowing a $14 million draw-down of additional federal support
* Immunizations - added $2.5 million in FY 2013 for the purchase of child health immunizations

Providing Support for Quality Health Care:

* Non-Contracting Policy - reinstates existing law requiring hospitals to provide Medicaid services by contract through a managed care plan
* PASSPORT - added $15 million to the program that supports at-home care for Ohioans who prefer to live independently in their own homes
* Pill Mills - fully funded the recently-passed legislation designed to crack down on prescription drug abuse

Improving Government Services:

* Consumers' Counsel - provides additional funding and reinstates the listing of the counsel's phone number on utility bills; also removes a gag order on the consumers counsel within certain guidelines
* Turnpike Privatization - requires approval by the General Assembly before operation of the Ohio Turnpike can be leased or privatized
* Workers' Compensation Council - abolishes an agency created to review legislation involving or affecting the workers’ compensation system
* Commercial Activity Tax Exemption - provides an exemption for uranium processing facilities (intended to encourage the federal government to provide a loan guarantee for the construction of a uranium-enrichment plant in Piketon)
* Lottery Management - allows the Lottery Commission to improve operational performance by contracting with a private vendor for day-to-day management

Ohio Legislature Needs to Fix 128th-SB77

It is a pretty rare day when I agree with the ACLU of Ohio and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, but this is one situation where I think they are right...  In the 128th General Assembly, both the House and Senate passed SB 77 which when it became law with Ted Strickland's signature destroyed the Constitutional right to a presumption of innocence.  SB 77 required that DNA from anyone arrested -- not convicted, just arrested -- for a felony.

THAT needs to be fixed.  Pronto.

UPDATE:  As usual, Mike DeWine wants to add red tape as a solution...

Tom Stickrath, who heads the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, said he and Attorney General Mike DeWine are exploring their options that may include a process whereby people who are acquitted file a document with the trial court to have their DNA removed from the national crime database.

WRONG ANSWER, MIKEY...try again.

Ohio Budget Hole: $6B, $8B or $12B?

...sooner or later, we'll be talking about real money!

Tressel for US Senate?

We could do worse...and probably will.....

GUEST COLUMN: "Remembering Those Who Sacrificed for Our Freedom" by Rep. Jean Schmidt

Rep. Jean Schmidt (R, OH-02)

By Rep. Jean Schmidt

From the first shot fired in the American Revolution to today, our nation’s wars and the fight for freedom have cost the lives of nearly 1,010,000.

We can argue about whether our leaders are wise and truthful. We argue about whether the war at hand is just. We should never argue about the valor of the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom we all enjoy.

War is one of man’s worst inventions. It is never pleasant.  And, the war in which we are now engaged – the longest one in our history – reminds us of this fact every single day.  The enemy is stateless and ruthless, targeting innocent civilians all over the world.     So after 10 years of this, it’s fair for people to start thinking aloud about finding the exit. After all, Osama bin Laden is dead, and the terrorists he left behind fear that they await a similar fate.

This war is unlike past wars   It won’t end with surrender ceremonies, where people in uniforms negotiate a cessation of hostilities. This war will end when those who wish to do us harm are eliminated or brought to justice.

As we observe Memorial Day this year, our thoughts naturally turn to the rows of white crosses in our national cemeteries and people brushing their fingers over the names on headstones and memorials to the fallen.  Or, the chills we feel or the tears that well up when we hear those sorrowful notes of Taps from bugles at observances large and small across the country.

Memorial Day is an important observance where we honor not only the memory of our fallen heroes, but also the lives they led, and the valor they displayed. Whether they volunteered for service or answered the call of the draft, our fighting men and women stood proud in the defense of liberty, protecting our freedom and the interests of our nation across the globe.  Our troops have done their work with courage and dignity.  We look forward to the day this war ends, when the men and women who today stand tall to defend us can return home to personally accept our gratitude and respect.

He Gave The Last Full Measure of His Devotion....Seth Blevins...

God bless Seth Blevins and his family....Seth was the young man from Brown County who was killed last week in Afghanistan during his first tour by an enemy IED. Several others in his group were killed or injured during the attack. God bless these patriots and their families....and God bless our fallen past and present this Memorial Day weekend....




From Cincinnati.com:

A soldier from Brown County who graduated from high school in 2008 has been killed in Afghanistan, according to school officials who spoke with the soldier's family.

School officials said they learned early Tuesday that Seth Blevins, a graduate of Eastern High School, was killed. His family was told Monday night, said Alan Simmons, superintendent of Eastern Local Schools in Sardinia.

A faculty representative is meeting with Blevins' family to learn more about how he was killed.

Blevins was a popular student who played basketball and soccer and a musical instrument in the school band, Simmons recalled.

"We are very proud of him and very sad for the loss to the community and the family," the superintendent said. "He was an excellent young man. It’s always a tragedy but this one is especially widespread because he was so popular and so active in different activities.”

From the News Democrat:

Two groups will be meeting on Saturday to prepare Yellow Ribbons to line the funeral route in honor of Pfc. Seth Blevins, of Sardinia. They will meet at 9 a.m. at Eastern HS and 1 p.m. at Eagles Hall in Georgetown. Anyone who wants to help is invited.

A group is being organized to line state Route 125 with yellow ribbons to honor the return of Pfc. Seth Blevins, and the group is seeking any volunteer individuals or groups who are willing to help. Blevins was killed May 23 by an IED while serving the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

Volunteers who plan to place yellow ribbons along state Route 125, from the western Brown County line to Russelville turnoff (US 68) near Georgetown. A group of volunteers associated with the Eastern School District will be placing ribbons on the remainder of the route from the US 68/SR 125 intersection.

Any individuals or groups who want to help with the Hamersville-to-Georgetown portion should meet at the FOE Eagles Hall in Georgetown at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. Volunteers need to bring only themselves and a pair of scissors. Materials for the ribbon have already been obtained. Volunteers are need to both cut and place the ribbons.

The route may be divided into multiple sections for different groups to take care of if they choose.

Individual volunteers are welcomed, as well as any civic or community groups, including Boy and Girl Scouts, veterans organizations, youth sports teams, social clubs, or any others that wish to participate.

A separate group of volunteers who plan to line another section of the funeral route with yellow ribbons will be meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Eastern High School. One of Belvins' former schoolmates is heading up the organization of the group, and anyone who wants to help out is welcome. They have already visited the Yellow Ribbon Center in Eastgate to speak with the Maupins and have obtained materials - just need some helping hands. They will be cutting tons of ribbons that morning.

Will 700 WLW Do the Right Thing about Eric Deters?

Eric Deters is a jackass. I know some of our readers out there are listeners of his appearances on talk shows on WLW. I know there are times when our views are in alignment with what Deters said. However, Eric Deters epitomizes what is wrong with lawyers and with celebrities. Eric Deters is a failure. He failed as a restauranteur. He has nearly been disbarred in Kentucky. He fails as a radio show host. His latest fail: being a "comedian." His type of humor is not helpful, and if Deters is just as accountable as any other show host, like say, Ed Shultz (Laura Ingraham is a talk slut), or say, Don Imus (the Maryland team has knappy hair), then he should be suspended and even fired. Heck, even George Allen was defamed after the macaca incident. What am I talking about? Check this out:

Eric Deters, a WLW-AM personality and Northern Kentucky lawyer, is drawing criticism for a recent Internet video in which he said, “If you want to conquer an African nation, send white women and pot.”

Deters said the video, during which he also said, “I understand black culture,” was shot earlier this week.

Deters shoots a series of video blogs each week – five to 10 at a time – and they are posted each day on his Facebook page.

After shooting the series, he told his video guy that they shouldn’t post that one.

“I said, ‘We can’t post that one, that goes too far,’” he said.

But the video guy sent the files to Deters’ Web technician with that one included, so it was posted.

“I’m sure he just forgot about it,” he said.

Deters learned the video was posted Thursday when he got a call from a friend whose wife is black asking him how he could post such a thing.

“It wasn’t even supposed to be up in the first freaking place,” he said.

The video was quickly taken down, Deters said.

“I represent blacks, I have friends who are black, I have clients who are black,” he said. “There’s not a racist bone in my body. I don’t use the n-word, I don’t do any of that.”

During the video, Deters also said every black member of his flag football team was involved with white women and smoked pot.

Deters said it was a joke that he’s made with his flag football friends.

This guy is a clown. And now he is trying to throw his cameraman and others under the bus for his own irresponsibility. Do you want this clown on your airwaves? Yeah, I say controversial things on the air, but we always say that our show is meant to shock. I always preface it with absurdity. This guy is working for a mainstream radio station, and he goes and does this. This is different than a guy in a makeshift studio talking on internet radio. This guy is...famous. Heh, or he used to be.

Eric Deters 15 minutes are long past up. Darryl Parks needs to bury him on the ash heap of history.

Here is the clip....Shame on you Deters! Take responsibility. Own up to it. You said it. It was inappropriate. And to Darryl Parks, you can email us to for our audition tapes at tibradio@gmail.com

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GOV. KASICH HONORS OHIO SERVICE MEMBERS FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich and First Lady Karen Waldbillig Kasich honored Ohio’s service members by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse Veterans Plaza.  Kasich also issued a proclamation declaring Monday, May 30, to be Memorial Day in Ohio and ordered public flags flown at half-mast in honor of those who have lost their lives in service to the United States as members of the Armed Forces.

Said Kasich at the ceremony, “Memorial Day is not about barbeques, it’s not about hot dogs or baseball games.  It’s about a deep reflection to thank those who simply put their lives on the line for a cause, and in our country, it’s the cause of freedom.  Memorial Day is a time to mourn.  It’s a time to mourn for those that we’ve lost.  It’s a time to reflect on the service of those who, because of the grace of God, made it home.”

A copy of Gov. Kasich’s Memorial Day resolution can be read here.

Senator LaRose Announces Passage of Bill That Will Help Military Personnel Involved in Child Custody Cases

Release:

COLUMBUS— State Senator Frank LaRose (R- Akron) announced that the Ohio Senate voted Wednesday to approve House Bill 121, legislation that addresses special custody concerns impacting Ohio’s military families. Senator LaRose sponsored companion legislation in the Senate.

 

House Bill 121 gives military parents the option of participating in child custody and visitation rights proceedings via electronic means, such as video conferencing or over the telephone. It also prohibits a parent’s absence due to past, present or possible future military service from being the sole determining factor in awarding custody.

 

“Those Ohioans in the military make significant sacrifices while serving their country, which can be particularly difficult on their families and loved ones,” LaRose said. “The changes made by House Bill 121 will help alleviate the burden custody and visitation decisions can have on a parent who is called to active duty and ensure that their relationship with their child is interrupted as little as possible.”

 

In addition, House Bill 121 allows a parent with visitation rights who is called to active duty to delegate their visitation rights to a relative or to another person with a close and substantial relationship with the child and requires the other parent to facilitate contact between the parent and child while the parent is on active military service.

 

The Senate included an emergency clause in their version of the bill in order to ensure that the bill’s protections will be available to members of the Ohio National Guard who will be mobilized in the summer and fall.

 

The bill now moves back to the Ohio House, where members must agree to the changes made by the Senate. The bill would then become effective Ohio law immediately upon being signed by the governor.

GUEST COLUMN: "Remembering This Memorial Day" by St. Rep. Danny Bubp

St. Rep. Danny Bubp (R, OHD-88)

By St. Rep. Danny Bubp

Family barbecues, community get-togethers, and time spent in the warmth of the sun are all hallmarks of summertime in Ohio, kicked off every year on Memorial Day.   While Memorial Day is a day to ring in summer, its true purpose is much more solemn and meaningful—it is a day for us to commemorate America’s fallen soldiers, lost to us over the years of U.S. war and conflict.  These brave men and women paid the ultimate price on the battlefield, giving their lives so that we can live in peace and liberty.  We can all rest easily knowing that our armed forces are protecting our security and freedom with constant vigilance and unmatched dedication.

 

Setting aside a special day to recognize our country’s fallen heroes dates back to the Civil War era, and it has gradually evolved into the Memorial Day that we now know. Honoring all U.S. troops lost in the midst of war, dying to protect our freedoms and rights, is one of the most humbling experiences we can have as Americans. Having been deployed as a member of the Marine Corps, this day is especially moving to me. It has taken root in our American identities since its origin, resonating strongly in our hearts as we pay respect to our fallen heroes year after year.

 

Our familiar Memorial Day traditions keep the spirit of reflection alive.  Decorating the graves of soldiers remains a powerful reminder of individuals’ sacrifices for our freedom, and flying the flag at half-mast shows our united gratitude for those lost on the battlefield.  The National Moment of Reflection held at 3 p.m. lets us take time to think about the sacrifices of all American service members over the years, from the courageous militia of the American Revolution who died to establish a land of freedom to those in the Middle East who gave their lives to give us peace and liberty at home.  At this moment, we offer our eternal, united gratitude.

 

I am continually touched by soldiers’ willingness to stand between us and the enemy, putting their lives on the line for our safety.  In some ways, it may feel that one day out of the year is not enough to properly honor our dead.  Through civic engagement, we can pay respect to our lost soldiers by upholding the rights and freedoms they died to protect.  By simply casting a vote on Election Day or meeting with representatives in town-hall meetings, we can honor our fallen heroes by continuing the process of American democracy.

 

Memorial Day falls on May 30^th this year, marking the anniversary of our nation’s very first Decoration Day.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone attending parades, laughing with their families, and proudly flying Old Glory.  However, we must remember to keep the true meaning of Memorial Day in our hearts and minds amidst the celebration.  The sacrifices made by brave American soldiers are too great to go unrecognized. 

OH-18: Congressman Bob Gibbs' Upcoming Community Office Hours

Email:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A member of Bob Gibbs’ staff will be holding office hours in Knox and Belmont counties next week. During these office hours, Congressman Gibbs’ staff will be available to provide assistance to constituents on a variety of services and issues, including Medicare, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service issues, and matters regarding federal legislation.

 

Knox County

Tuesday May 31st

12pm-3pm

Public Library of Mt. Vernon and Knox County

201 North Mulberry Street

Mt. Vernon, OH

 

Belmont County

Friday June 3rd

12pm-3pm

St. Clairsville Public Library

108 W. Main Street

St. Clairsville, OH

As You Pump Gas, Remember Sherrod Brown

Release:

COLUMBUS - Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine today urged Ohioans to "remember Sherrod Brown" when they fill up their gas tanks before they travel for Memorial Day weekend. 

    

"Sherrod Brown has refused to do anything to reduce America's dependency on foreign oil or relieve the pain Ohioans feel at the gas pump," said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine.

"Ohio families who are fortunate enough to afford holiday weekend travel should remember when they fill up their gas tanks, that it's Obama's left-hand man, Sherrod Brown, who continues to prevent domestic energy reforms which could reduce gas prices and grow our economy."

    

Background Information:

Sherrod Brown opposed the Offshore Production & Safety Act of 2011, legislation that would restore domestic offshore energy production, create American jobs, and lower gas prices.  Brown's vote came on the heels of a recent USA Today/Gallup survey showing nearly 70 percent of Americans suffering "financial hardship" thanks to a national average of nearly $4-per-gallon gas.

Gas prices to limit travel over Memorial Day weekend: "According to the American Automobile Association, 'high gas prices are expected to limit auto travel and vacation spending this Memorial Day weekend.'" ("High gas prices to limit auto travel over Memorial Day weekend," Miami Herald, 5/19/11)

Businessmen say increased gas prices damage economic recovery: "Buffett and Welch both expressed concern that rising gas and food prices will hurt consumer spending.  Welch says the increase in gas prices sucked $100 billion out of the economy in the first quarter." ("Buffet, Welch say gas prices could hurt economy," Associated Press, 5/2/11")  

Gas prices lead to financial hardship for Americans: "As gas prices hover near $4 a gallon, nearly seven in 10 Americans say the high cost of fuel is causing financial hardship for their families, a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds. More than half say they have made major changes to compensate for the higher prices, ranging from shorter trips to cutting back on vacation travel. For 21%, the impact is so dramatic they say their standard of living is jeopardized. Nationally, the price of a gallon of regular gasoline averages $3.96. That's up 38%, or $1.09, from levels a year ago. In seven states, gas prices have passed July 2008s record of $4.11 a gallon." ("7 in 10 Americans Say Gas Prices Hurt," USA Today, 5/17/11)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce:"S. 953 would be an important step towards addressing domestic energy production. The bill would bring a much-needed end to the de facto moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration and could create tens of thousands of jobs, many for American oil and gas employees who have lost their jobs due to the moratorium. Moreover, the legislation would expand opportunities for firms to produce more energy in the U.S. in an environmentally responsible manner. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Letter To U.S. Senators, 5/17/11)

National Association of Manufacturers: "[T]he legislation will open more areas in the OCS for drilling which will expand the ability to explore and develop our domestic sources of energy more effectively. Increasing access to domestic sources of reliable energy, both onshore and offshore, is essential to the long-term health of American manufacturing. While investments in new energy sources and efforts to boost efficiency gains play critical roles in meeting our nation's future energy demands we cannot ignore the critical need to develop and utilize our domestic sources of energy." (National Association of Manufacturers, Letter to U.S. Senators, 5/18/11)

OHD-55: Even More Candidates Edition

A mini-update on the race to replace Bill Coley in the Ohio House.  Coley moved to the Ohio Senate when Gary Cates left...

Don Spurlock and Dave Schivone are supposedly also interested...   Another name mentioned is Phil Morrica.

Spurlock  is head of the Steering Committee, so that ought to be real interesting...

The rest of the roster can be found in this post.

BUTLER COUNTY: Auditor May Reduce Taxable Value of Damaged Property Brought on by Storms

Release:

Valuation Deduction Forms Available to Citizens on Auditor’s Website

HAMILTON, OHIO – As a result of the recent series of storms that brought strong winds and high water to parts of Butler County, County Auditor Roger Reynolds reminds property owners that they may claim a reduction in the taxable value of their property that has been destroyed or damaged. This reduction does not apply to damage to personal property such as furniture or appliances.

Last night, the latest storms appeared to take their strongest toll on Liberty Township, Fairfield and Middletown. Some homes and businesses received substantial damage.

Ohio law enables property owners to claim the reduction at any time, regardless of the cause of the damage. The amount of reduction is prorated based on the calendar quarter in which the damage occurs. Property owners must file an application with the county Auditor’s Office for a reduction no later than Dec. 31 in the year that the damage occurred. Refunds or credits may be available.

Auditor Reynolds noted, “With the heavy storms that caused flood damage and wind damage recently, the residents of Butler County need to be mindful of the relief that this law provides. This law provides tax relief to those homeowners who suffered property damage. The amount of tax relief will depend upon the extent of the damage.”

Property owners should take pictures of the damage and file them with the Application for Valuation Deduction for Destroyed or Damaged Real Property (DTE 26).

Those interested in seeking a reduction may download DTE 26 form by going to the bottom of the Auditor’s home Internet page at www.butlercountyauditor.org or by contacting the Auditor’s Real Estate Department at (513) 887-3154.