Public Policy Advocates

House Committee Schedule

Senate Committee Schedule

House Approves Casino Relocation, Votes Down Senate’s Third Frontier Changes

The House of Representatives this week voted to approve a resolution which will place an issue on the May ballot asking voters to approve a change to the recently-passed Casino issue.  Originally, plans called for a casino to be built on a site in the Arena District of downtown Columbus.  However, faced with growing opposition to that site, Penn National gaming considered several alternative locations before settling on a west-side site, the former site of the Delphi automotive plant. 

In separate action, the House refused to agree to the Senate’s changes to HJR 12, the Third Frontier bond issue.  The Senate reduced the bond package from $950 million to just $500 million, and an additional $100 million for the Ohio Public Works program.  Because the two chambers could not agree on a final version of the resolution, a Conference Committee will meet next week to attempt a compromise.  The resolution must be passed by both chambers by February 4th in order to qualify for the May 4th ballot.

Senate Approves Delay of Changes to Workers’ Compensation Rating System

The Senate passed SB 213 Wednesday, a measure which would delay the implementation of proposed changes to the Workers’ Compensation Group Rating system for two years.  The BWC has recommended cutting the maximum discount for group rating, effectively raising premiums on companies enrolled in group rating.  The BWC has argued that changing the group rating discount will allow for lower premiums for companies that are not members of the group rating program.  The bill’s sponsor, Keith Faber, argued that now is not the time to be raising premiums on any companies, regardless of their enrollment in the program.

LetOhioVote Ballot Drive Falls Short of Threshold

LetOhioVote, a group seeking to put a referendum on the November ballot to repeal the Ohio law allowing for slot machines at race tracks, has fallen short of the required number of signatures, according to Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.  The group was required to obtain 241,366 signatures from registered Ohio voters.  Their initial filing yielded only 214,301 valid signatures, according to the Mrs. Brunner.  The group will now have 10 additional days in which they may circulate petitions to get the additional 27,056 signatures required to get on the ballot. 

House Natural Resources Committee Considers Oil & Gas Drilling Bill

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee began hearing SB 165, a bill that would put in place new restrictions on the oil and gas drilling laws in Ohio.  The bill, in its current form, would force drilling to be 150 feet away from residential property, a 50-foot increase from existing law.  The bill would also require more transparency on behalf of drilling companies when leasing land from the residential owners.  However, the committee chairman has stated a preference for making the bill even more restrictive, considering a possible amendment that would increase the distance from residences to 300 feet.

Ohio Receives $400 Million Stimulus Funding for Rail Project

Governor Ted Strickland announced Thursday that the state had received $400 million in federal stimulus funds for his “3C Rail Project.”  The state received about 75% of its original request of $564 million in order to begin implementing the Governor’s proposal.  The plan would create passenger rail service, connecting Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.  Initial estimates are that passengers would be able to travel from Columbus to Cincinnati or Cleveland in around 3 hours for $20, beginning as soon as 2012. 

Governor’s Race: Strickland Announces $6.2 Million Raised in 2009, Kasich Announces $5 Million

John Kasich’s 2009 annual fundraising report showed that he raised almost $5 million for his gubernatorial bid last year.  The report showed Mr. Kasich received donations from 9,838 individuals, and approximately $4.6 million from Ohio donors.  Mr. Kasich spent almost $1 million throughout the year, leaving him with just over $4 million cash on hand.  Governor Ted Strickland also released his report this week, disclosing approximately $6.4 million in donations, with more than $6 million cash on hand.  Both candidates appear to be in position to wage one of the most expensive races in the country in 2010.