Public Policy Advocates

House Committee Schedule

Senate Committee Schedule

Gov. Candidate Kasich Picks State Auditor as Running Mate

Likely Republican nominee for Governor John Kasich announced his pick for Lieutenant Governor on Thursday, State Auditor Mary Taylor.  Mrs. Taylor was elected to her position in 2006, and is currently the only statewide Republican officeholder.  Before running for her current post, Mrs. Taylor also served in the Ohio House.  GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine called the ticket “unbeatable.”  Meanwhile, Governor Ted Strickland is also expected to announce his running mate in the next several days.  The names said to be under consideration are Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, former Franklin County Judge Yvette McGee Brown, Toledo Rep. Matt Szollosi and Mansfield Rep. Jay Goyal.

Mr. DeWine declined to comment on who would replace Mrs. Taylor as the Republican choice for Auditor.  Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern was confident in his party’s chances of winning the seat after the departure of Mrs. Taylor.  He went as far as to thank Mr. DeWine for “conceding” the race to the Democratic candidate, Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper.

Bipartisan House Vote Advances Effort to Renew Third Frontier Bond Package

HJR 12, aimed at continuing and expanding the state’s Third Frontier program, passed the House by a vote of 85-13 Wednesday.  This latest proposal would place a bond issue on the May ballot to approve $950 million in funding over the next 5 years for high-tech initiatives.  One of the resolution’s sponsors, Rep. Jay Goyal (D-Mansfield) said “by continuing key investments in the Third Frontier program, Ohio will expand the number of high-paying technology jobs in Ohio’s job market.”  The resolution now moves to the Ohio Senate, where it is expected to pass, but many Senate Republicans would prefer to see the package reduced, to mitigate the amount of debt the state would take on.

Race for Cuyahoga County Executive Takes Shape

Rep. Matt Dolan (R-Novelty) announced Wednesday that he was resigning his seat in the General Assembly to run for the newly-created position of Cuyahoga County Executive.  Mr. Dolan, who currently resides in Geauga County, said “I love Cuyahoga County, I love Cleveland. My father grew up there, I lived there for awhile. We’re invested there.”  Ken Lanci, chairman and CEO of the Consolidated Graphics Group, also announced his candidacy for the County Executive slot on Wednesday.  On the Democratic side, no candidates have formally announced their intentions, however a number of names have been mentioned as possible candidates including Reps. Tim DeGeeter (D-Parma) and Kenny Yuko (D-Highland Heights), and Parma Mayor Dean DePiero.

Senate Finance Committee Begins Debate on House Foreclosure Bill

The Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee met Tuesday to take up ten separate pieces of legislation, signaling a busy legislative session ahead.  The committee began examining House Bill 3, a measure passed last year by House Democrats, aimed at providing relief for individuals affected by the credit crisis.  The plan would enact a six month moratorium on foreclosures, allowing families time to re-evaluate their home loans and get their finances in order.  Senate Republicans voiced serious concerns over the bill’s constitutionality. 

The Committee also heard testimony on a number of tax-related initiatives including a measure that would provide a tax credit to businesses who hire previously-unemployed individuals.  SB 193, sponsored by Sens. Schuring and Gibbs, would allow for a $2,400 business tax credit as long as the new employee had been unemployed for at least 4 weeks, the company keeps the employee for at least two years, and the monthly wage is greater than the unemployment benefit the individual is currently receiving. 

Speaker Previews Priority Legislation for Remainder of 2010 Session

House Speaker Armond Budish provided a preview Tuesday of the legislation his chamber plans to act on in the coming months.  Among the priority legislation is a measure (HB 166) that would allow local governments to engage in transportation innovation authorities (TIAs).  Mr. Budish said that previous concerns over new tolls being levied as a result of these projects have been addressed, and the legislation is ready to move forward.  In addition to the TIA legislation, Mr. Budish said the House would be working on a measure that would provide incentives for banks to provide loans to small businesses, who have had a difficult time receiving credit in the current economic climate.  Mr. Budish also indicated that his caucus would be taking a look at ways they could help reign in the cost of textbooks for students.

Sen. Coughlin Proposes Ballot Issue Privatizing Lottery, Turnpike

Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) introduced SJR 9 this week, which would seek approval from voters to allow the Ohio Lottery to be run by an outside firm, and allow the state to lease its turnpike.  Sen. Coughlin believes that the state can save a great deal of money by privatizing these two bureaucracies.  Also included in the measure is the creation of a scholarship program that would use the revenue from the privatization of these state programs to provide grants for college students worth up to $7,000 per year.