Friday, April 18, 2025

ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

OneOhio Recovery Foundation directors wondered recently whether belt-tightening by President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) presented an opportunity for the agency to step up support for drug prevention and treatment programs marked for federal funding cuts. That question, raised by a half dozen board members, was part of a larger discussion of OneOhio's funding philosophy and long-term sustainability as opioid settlement dollars continue to flow through 2040. "This threat of lost funding from the federal side of programs across Ohio is something we didn't see coming but we're now dealing with," Chairman Don Mason said.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced $3 million in state funding this month to help Ohio's drug task forces fight the trade in illicit substances. Thirty-eight local law enforcement agencies are receiving grants ranging from $9,000-plus to more than $130,000, the latter including the Cleveland Department of Public Safety, Mansfield Police Department, and Franklin, Licking and Summit County sheriffs' offices. "Ohio's drug task forces are a major deterrent to those pushing drugs in our communities," DeWine said in a statement. "Their work is indispensable in rooting out traffickers and suppliers, and we are proud to continue offering this support." The 2025 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund targets drug trafficking, pharmaceutical diversion and organized criminal activity associated with the drug trade through intelligence gathering, information sharing and multi-agency coordination.

AGRICULTURE

Visitors to the 2025 Ohio State Fair will be charged $10 per vehicle to park at the fairgrounds, the Ohio Expositions Commission decided Thursday. Parking at the Ohio State Fair has been free since the COVID-19 pandemic, but state officials determined that a parking fee was necessary to offset increasing operational costs. In 2019, the parking fee was $5 per vehicle. Ohio Expo Center and State Fair Executive Director Adam Heffron said the Ohio State Fair will continue to offer a free park-and-ride option to fairgoers on the weekends, and possibly during other days of the fair. In other action, the commission approved a new building naming policy.

ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Following the House-passed version of the budget that includes $600 million in bond funding for a new Cleveland Browns stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County are requesting $350 million in state funding to help pay for renovations to Paycor Stadium, according to a document from the team and the local government. The total cost of the stadium renovation is expected to cost around $830 million, according to the Bengals and Hamilton County.

Ohio State University (OSU) head coach Ryan Day and a contingent of about 200 members of his team, coaching staff and university administrators were honored for their national championship win at the White House on Monday. The ceremony included a greeting and speech from President Donald Trump, remarks from Vice President JD Vance, and Day delivering a three-minute talk about his team. Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel attended the ceremony and took part in some of the group photos. The team's captains presented the president with a helmet signed by the members of the 2024 team and a jersey adorned with the number 47.

As the General Assembly considers a proposal from Haslam Sports Group to help pay for a new Cleveland Browns stadium with $600 million in state bonds, Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) has introduced legislation banning public money from going to professional sports teams with losing records. The "Public Access to Professional Sports Act" -- SB171 -- would prohibit public dollars from going to a professional sports franchise unless the team has won at least half of its games in three of the last five seasons. The Browns had a losing record in three of the last five seasons and went 3-14 last season. The legislation would also require that if a franchise were to leave the city where they play, they would have to repay the taxpayers for all funds they received.

The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) Board recently approved 75 grants through the Individual Excellence Awards (IEA) program, the agency announced recently. Award funding totals $375,000 for FY25, OAC said.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost immediately went to the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, April 10 seeking to continue a stay that was lifted earlier in the day when the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that he had likely violated the First Amendment rights of a group of Ohio citizens seeking to put a ballot initiative ending qualified immunity for police officers before Ohio voters. It is the latest in the battle between the plaintiffs in the case, including Cynthia Brown, Carlos Buford, and Jenny Sue Rowe, who are all members of the initiative petition committee, and Yost in state and federal courts over his rejection of their petitions eight times.

The petition, titled "Protecting Ohioans' Constitutional Rights" would create a private right of action against state government actors who deprive a person of state constitutional rights, without qualified immunity for the government actors involved. However, Yost had rejected the petition numerous times as part of his statutory review process to determine if the summary language was a fair and truthful representation of the proposed amendment.

A special unit at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal identification and Investigation (BCII) returned more than $35,000 to a Cincinnati-area senior citizen who fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam, Attorney General Dave Yost said Thursday. In August 2024, the 73-year-old Delhi Township woman received a pop-up message on her laptop saying the device had been hacked. She called a phone number described as a Microsoft hotline and spoke to someone who turned out to be a scammer. The fraudster told her to withdraw money and convert it to Bitcoin to fix her computer, ultimately stealing $41,750 in multiple transactions through a Bitcoin ATM.

FY26-27 BUDGET

Auditor of State Keith Faber is still reviewing new budget language that would shorten the forecasting period for Ohio school districts, but he did recently tell lawmakers he has concerns about how the current forecasting system works and is preparing new public reporting tools in response. The House-passed version of HB96 (Stewart) would cut from five years to three years the period over which Ohio school districts must forecast their finances. In turn, the auditor's office would look at whether districts are likely to go into deficit in the first two years of the three-year period, rather than the first three years of the five-year period. Faber's office and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce work together to provide fiscal oversight of school districts. Those in or approaching financial crisis can be required to develop plans for improvement or be put under the oversight of a state-appointed commission, depending on the circumstances.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and the Ohio Children's Trust Fund (OCTF) launched an awareness campaign to promote prevention and support for Ohio families. The OCTF theme, "Ensure They Shine," emphasizes the importance of creating environments where Ohio's children can grow up safe, supported and ready to thrive. OCTF, a resource within the DCY, works year-round to strengthen families and prevent child abuse. While April offers an opportunity to bring additional focus, OCTF works every day to fund programs that support families and protect children from harm.

Sens. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), who co-chair the Black Maternal Health Caucus and sit on the Senate Finance Committee, detailed in a press conference Tuesday how they will work to promote budget items in HB96 (Stewart) related to Black maternal health. Their remarks followed a summit on that topic which they hope to make an annual event. Also speaking at the press conference was Groundwork Ohio Policy Director Caitlin Feldman, who called for restored funding to support Help Me Grow home-visiting programs, community-based infant vitality programming and the $1,000 Child Tax Credit after their removal in the House. The summit earlier in the day had been moderated by former Rep. Shayla Davis and included remarks by Reps. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) and Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente, former Sen. Charleta Tavares and Ohio Commission on Minority Health Executive Director Angela Dawson.

DEATH PENALTY

Death penalty opponents are hoping the voices of murder victims' families will advance the fight against state-sponsored executions. They rallied at the Statehouse Wednesday to announce the formation of Ohio Homicide Co-Victims for Repeal (OHCVR) and the release of Ohioans to Stop Executions' (OTSE) new report, “The Human Cost of the Death Penalty.” OTSE Executive Director Kevin Werner joined Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., executive director of the Ohio Council of Churches and co-chair of OHCVR, and Sister Joanne Gross of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, fellow OHCVR co-chair, to respond to Attorney General Dave Yost's recent letter to the Trump administration seeking assistance in his effort to restart Ohio executions.

EDUCATION

Ohio's colleges and universities are trying to find expedient ways for applicants to get through educator preparation programs (EPPs) if they don't check every box, Melissa Askren-Edgehouse told the State Board of Education (SBOE) members on Monday. In addition, Board President Paul LaRue told Hannah News he's waiting to see the progress of a provision in HB96 (Stewart) that would shrink the size of SBOE's membership from its current 19 to five. "It's still early in the process. I think everybody's trying to figure out what makes sense," said LaRue. "I think we have a great board as it is, but I understand the Legislature trying to troubleshoot and do things. So it's still early in the process. ... I think everybody, at the end of the day, wants what's best for students in Ohio."

Two elementary schools in Mount Vernon have been named national finalists in the "Court of Creativity" contest held by the Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike's Subs, the organizations announced on Wednesday. Twin Oak Elementary School and Columbia Elementary School will receive a $1,000 cash prize for being named as a top 10 finalist in the contest. This is the first time two schools from the same city have been named finalists in the contest, the organizations said. The Court of Creativity is a nationwide contest inviting elementary students to showcase their talents through basketball-themed projects inspired by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. From STEM experiments and custom jersey designs to original videos, trick shots, and schoolwide productions, the entries blended creativity and education to celebrate teamwork, perseverance and school pride.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Thursday approved an update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM), following a presentation on the topic by Senior Planning Manager Joe Macneil. Macneil said the OSDM has been updated each year since its first publication in 1997 and is one of the "most comprehensive and frequently cited" documents of its kind. Wyoming, Washington and Arkansas used it as a basis for their own guidelines. As part of an annual adjustment to the budgeting methodology, Macneil said the recommendation was for an inflation rate of 4.95 percent that would be applied to new construction cost sets, the assessment cost guidelines and the Career Technical Program. He also noted that was set before news of tariffs.

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) Thursday announced the following dates for five regional Ohio AI summits that will take place this spring. OESCA is hosting the summits in partnership with aiEDU, InnovateOhio and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), OESCA said.

- Southwest Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, April 22 at Xavier University in Cincinnati

- Northwest Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 1 at Glass City Center in Toledo

- Northeast Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, May 6 at Mid-Ohio ESC in Mansfield

- First Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Wednesday, May 7 at Indian Creek School District in Wintersville

- Second Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 8 at the ECO Center on Ohio University Eastern Campus in St. Clairsville.

ELECTIONS

With the House approving a biennial budget that includes language abolishing the Ohio Elections Commission, the chair and vice chair told Hannah News they believe the panel still serves an important role in the state. The House Finance Committee first added a provision to a substitute version of biennial budget HB96 (Stewart) that eliminated the Election Commission's funding. It followed up with an omnibus amendment that abolished the commission entirely. In an interview with Hannah News, Chair Christina Hagan and Vice Chair Shayla Davis, both former members of the General Assembly, acknowledged concerns over the speed of the commission's work, saying they, along with other members of the commission, have worked to address the issue. Hagan, a Republican, said she always appreciates the "sincere and dedicated streamlining" of government services and finding efficiencies, but added, "In this case, there are a lot of intricacies that we hope that they'll consider and they'll be very aware of through the remainder of the process." Concerns were raised about the capacity of local boards of elections and the secretary of state's office to handle the commission's caseload effectively.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose Wednesday announced the launch of his office's latest data dashboard that tracks past election results and statewide voting trends. The interactive dashboard currently tracks the results from 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 statewide elections, and lets users filter results down to race and county.

When it comes to an executive order on voting and elections issued by President Donald Trump last month, voting groups opposed to it say that even if all of it was struck down by the courts, it still sends a message. "The goal was, and is, to send clear marching orders to the states and to Congress to tell them what Trump wants them doing," Liz Avore, a policy advisor for Voting Rights Lab, said in a webinar with reporters Thursday to levy criticism against the executive order and the federal SAVE Act. Trump's sweeping executive order includes provisions requiring the providing of proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections; sharing information with the U.S. Department of Justice on suspected violations of state and federal election laws discovered by state officials; and requiring states to adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards on what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote.

ELECTIONS 2026

Rep. James M. "Jim" Hoops became the latest to announce a campaign for the Ohio Senate, saying Monday that he will run for the First District Senate seat currently held by term-limited Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon). The announcement by Hoops sets up a likely primary with former Rep. Craig Riedel, who announced he will run for the seat earlier this month. Hoops is in his final term in the House serving the 81st House District. He also previously served in the Ohio House from 1999-2006.

Former state Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelson) quietly last week filed paperwork designating his campaign committee for a state treasurer run. While Edwards has not officially announced his campaign, he filed a designation of treasurer paperwork updating the campaign for the statewide run. According to his annual campaign finance report filed in January, Edwards has $763,882 on hand. A former chair of the House Finance Committee, Edwards joins a crowded Republican field vying to succeed Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is term-limited and running for secretary of state. Other Republicans running for the statewide office include former Sen. Niraj Antani, Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren.

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) announced his campaign committee has raised $1 million since his appointment to the Senate seat earlier this year.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

- Ohio Value Voters endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor.

- Republican Vivek Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign announced the endorsements of Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Adam Bird (D-Cincinnati), Steve Demetriou (R-Chagrin Falls), Josh Williams (R-Oregon), Nick Santucci (R-Niles), Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), Mike Odioso (R-Cincinnati), Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), Tom Young (R-Centerville), Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria), Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), Thomas Hall (R-Middletown), Diane Mullins (R-Hamilton), Matt Kishman (R-Minerva), Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar), Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk), Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), Tex Fischer (R-Youngstown), Brian Lorenz (R-Powell), Beth Lear (R-Galena), David Thomas (R-Jefferson), Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), Kevin Miller (R-Newark), Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown), Bernie Willis (R-Springfield), Meredith Craig (R-Smithville), Johnathan Newman (R-Troy), Angie King (R-Celina), Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Laramie), Gary Click (R-Vickery), D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), Justin Pizzulli (R-Franklin Furnace), Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta), Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville), and former House Speaker and current Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill).

ENERGY/UTILITIES

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) awarded nearly $70,000 in utility damage prevention grants Wednesday to government jurisdictions, companies and post-secondary schools for training and education. Funded programs promote public awareness, training and other incentives to reduce the number and severity of underground utility incidents.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank President Beth Hammack offered her perspective on the "uncertainty" facing businesses and individuals Wednesday during remarks to the Columbus Metropolitan Club. She also detailed how the Federal Reserve System works, noting her comments were her own. The Cleveland Fed represents all of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Kentucky and the northern panhandle of West Virginia. While the Fed's board of governors is part of the federal government, the 12 reserve banks themselves are not. Hammack added their best-known responsibility may be setting monetary policy, while other functions include promoting financial stability; supervising and regulating financial institutions; supporting the nation's payment system; and promoting consumer protection and community development.

GAMING/GAMBLING

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) will "very likely" face a lawsuit from Kalshi after the commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to the financial services company for offering sports event trading to Ohioans, OCCC Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Andromeda Morrison said Wednesday. In the cease-and-desist letters, which were also sent to financial services companies Robinhood and Crypto.com, OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler said selling sports event contracts is no different than offering sports gaming, and demanded the companies stop offering sports event contracts to Ohioans.

GOVERNOR

Gov. Mike DeWine Wednesday told reporters that he is confident that microchips will be manufactured in Ohio despite delays by Intel on its planned Licking County facility. Asked about the Intel delays, as well as Microsoft's recent decision to "pause" construction of a $1 billion data center project in Ohio, DeWine said "no company is going to walk away" from the billions of dollars they have already invested in developing the Ohio sites.

DeWine also spoke about the closing of the Chillicothe paper mill, saying his administration had not been informed that it would be closing before the announcement. Later, his office announced a series of action steps following the closing of the mill by Pixelle Specialty Solution. Those steps include the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (ODJFS) beginning to work immediately to assist the 826 employees Ohioans affected by the closure. ODJFS' Rapid Response team, which assists individuals after layoffs, is reaching out to the management of Pixelle to set up Rapid Response sessions. Pixelle employees who attend these sessions will receive information explaining how to access free reemployment services, how to apply for unemployment benefits, and more.

The DeWine administration says HB217 (Cockley-Ritter) could be the perfect vehicle for Missing Person Working Group recommendations discussed in draft form Thursday and scheduled for final release in early May. Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Andy Wilson laid out six categories for the governor's working group report: legislation, training, resources, policy, programs, and research. The first category also encompasses the remaining five and could be amended into Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Kevin Ritter's (R-Marietta) bill requiring law enforcement to enter missing person reports into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) within 30 days of receipt. "I think this is the vehicle now to advocate for any other recommendations we have," Wilson told working group members.

GREAT LAKES

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Buffalo District will continue repairs to the Cleveland West Pier this week, USACE announced Monday. Visitors to Wendy Park and boaters on the Cuyahoga River were asked to observe all safety signs and instructions as USACE and Cleveland Metroparks complete improvements to the recreation spot and piece of federal infrastructure, USACE. Repairs include encasing 1,320 feet of the 1,430-foot pier with a new concrete overlay, held in place with steel sheet pile. The pier ensures safe navigation for vessels traveling from the Lake Erie up the Cuyahoga River, provides access to the historic U.S. Coast Guard Station and serves as a popular fishing spot for residents and visitors to Wendy Park.

HANNAH NEWS’ MEET THE FRESHMEN

Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) says her mother's commitment to neighbors and community got into her DNA at a young age and has never waned. She believes a higher power called her to act on those convictions as a member of the Akron Board of Education and Akron City Council, as president of Summit County Council, and now as a member of the Ohio General Assembly. When former Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) resigned to become Summit County Clerk of Courts, Sims "sensed great support" -- both above and below -- for a successful legislative campaign. Now ranking minority member of the House Government Oversight Committee; member of the House finance, local government, and agriculture committees; and one of six members of the joint Sunset Review Committee, she says the influential House Finance Committee appointment helped her get up to speed.

Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) learned the ropes of politics at a young age from his grandfather, who climbed the ranks from trial judge to state appeals court to the federal bench in the Northern District of Ohio. Not all of his grandfather's political characteristics transferred to Synenberg -- the judge was a Republican -- but he was left with a desire for connection to the community. Synenberg has plenty of policy ideas, but given his status as one of 99 in the House, he said his first priority is maintaining the connection to his constituents. Among Synenberg's initial legislative proposals is HB178 (Click-Synenberg), which would require schools to provide a moment of silence each day, something he sees as important for student mental health.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey recently announced the approval of $8 million in funding in the latest round of ODHE's Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program from the FY24-25 state operating budget. The goal of the RAPIDS program is to align state investments against regionally verified workforce demand to achieve outcomes including supporting the industry sectors most in need at the regional level; driving local and regional partnerships; and developing regional strengths in delivering sustainable, equipment-dependent workplace education, training and skills.

Youngstown State University's (YSU) STEM Workforce Education and Innovation announced its recent partnership with the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), supported by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), offering students a pre-apprenticeship program for broadband industry careers. Previous joint initiatives between YSU and WIA created opportunities to connect individuals with high-growth careers in telecommunications, broadband and 5G technology. The new program will expand these initiatives by adding a "formalized pre-apprenticeship training program between the organizations" which they say will ensure "direct employment pathways and ongoing workforce development opportunities for graduates," according to the university.

HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS

The Ohio Department of Development (DOD) recently announced $1.2 million in grants to help more than 1,000 Ohioans recovering from substance use disorder obtain access to safe and stable housing.

The awards, funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Recovery Housing Program, will support 11 Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health (ADAMH) boards across the state in administering transitional housing assistance, DOD said. The Recovery Housing Program provides rental subsidies for individuals in recovery with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The transitional housing options serve as a critical foundation for residents working to rebuild their lives and establish long-term stability.

JUDICIAL

Lawyers may not disclose in an affidavit to disqualify a judge that they have opened a disciplinary complaint against the same member of the judiciary which has yet to be certified by the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct, its members say, but that does not prevent attorney clients from doing so if they file an affidavit to remove a judge under R.C. 2701.03(A). In its first advisory opinion of the year, Op. 2025-01, the board withdraws 27-year-old Op. 1998-02 to state that disciplinary "grievances, proceedings, documents and deliberations are confidential" until board members find probable cause to certify a complaint under Rule V of the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio. It amends Op. 1998-02 by emphasizing that the same prohibition against attorney disclosure applies to a disciplinary complaint filed by a client, but it says nothing about non-attorney disclosure of a client disciplinary complaint in an affidavit of disqualification, presuming the client is not a member of the bar.

In its second opinion of the year, Op. 2025-02, the board says lawyers may mortgage a client's home or other real estate to secure agreed legal fees if the promissory note is "fair and reasonable" and the client has been advised to seek the advice of independent counsel. "Under the arrangement, the lawyer can foreclose on the mortgage to satisfy the promissory note if the client fails to pay the fees," board members state.

The decades required for Ohio Death Row inmates to exhaust all appeals -- a concern on both sides of the capital crimes debate -- has just gotten incrementally longer. Supreme Court of Ohio rule amendments effective this month extend a number of filing deadlines on death penalty appeals to the high court from 90 to 120 days. Other changes to its Rules of Practice include expedited Supreme Court review of lower-court bail decisions previously opposed by Justice R. Patrick DeWine; a first-time right of parties before the Court to seek a halt in the execution of its decisions; and increased access to justice with the purge of certain Latin phrases and abbreviated references to Court rules.

LOBBYISTS

Premier Health recently announced Joe Rosato as its new system director of government affairs, effective April 7. In his new role, Premier Health said Rosato will lead its efforts to build and strengthen relationships with lawmakers, regulatory bodies, and other key stakeholders. His primary focus will be on state and federal advocacy, working closely with lobbyists in Columbus and collaborating with key industry associations such as the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Previously, Rosato served as the director of government relations at the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), where he helped shape health care legislation. He has also held positions with the Ohio Restaurant Association and Ohio Bankers League.

Rex Elsass, the founder of The Strategy Group Company, a national political advertising agency, Wednesday announced his retirement after a three-decade career. He now plans to pivot to "dedicating his life to a new mission: leading the REID Foundation, an organization committed to combating addiction, mental health challenges, and abuse with innovative 21st-century treatments." Elsass noted in his release that since its founding in 1994 the company has been involved in electing "one U.S. president; six governors; 30 U.S. senators; and 146 U.S. representatives."

OHIO HISTORY

Ohioans are set to commemorate the repose of President Abraham Lincoln at the Ohio Statehouse on April 29, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when nearly 50,000 mourners passed by Lincoln's coffin in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse. The free, public event will include Civil War reenactors, display of a historic 36-star flag, artifacts, cannon firings and a replica coffin. In addition, Civil War medical displays and an artillery camp will be set up on the front lawn of the Statehouse, accompanied by music from the era. The Ladies Aid Society will host a tent with interactive activities, while reenactors portraying James A. Garfield and his wife will walk around the Statehouse grounds. Additionally, cannon firings on the hour will entertain visitors during the event.

The Ohio History Day state contest, an annual event affiliated with National History Day and coordinated by the Ohio History Connection, will be Saturday, April 26, at Capital University, in Bexley. Ohio History Day supports history education in local schools by allowing students to tell stories from history that inspire them. Students go beyond their textbooks to create imaginative exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites and scholarly papers. Over the past months, competing students have researched and developed history projects related to the theme of "Rights and Responsibilities in History."

PENSIONS

As budget bill HB96 (Stewart) moves to the Senate after passage by the House, representatives of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) now expect legislative action on state employee pension reform to wait until at least the summer. STRS Director of Government Relations Marla Bump said SB69 (Romanchuk), declaring intent to reform the law governing the state's public retirement systems, probably won't see concerted efforts by the Legislature until after the budget passes, as Sen. Romanchuk also sits on the Senate Finance Committee. Bump said Romanchuk's goal upon the introduction of SB69 as a placeholder bill was to reduce the 30-year amortization period of the retirement systems to between 15-20 years. But now he has backtracked, according to Bump, and he's currently looking to each individual retirement system to tell him what should be included in the bill. Bump added that other legislators are also being deferential to Romanchuk.

The State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board voted Thursday to consider changes that could include a COLA increase as well as lower the age of benefits eligibility for the state's retired teachers. The changes to benefits were voted by the board to be included in its annual actuarial valuation. STRS is due to submit its proposed FY26 budget to the Ohio Retirement Study Council by Friday, April 18. Among the changes approved for review is a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase to be paid to eligible benefit recipients in FY26. The board also approved a proposed temporary change to make 32 years of service credit the minimum requirement for unreduced benefits while adjusting the years of service required for reduced retirement benefits to 27 or more years from June 1, 2025 through May 1, 2033.

PEOPLE

Franklin County Administrator Kenneth N. Wilson has been elected to serve on the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), according to Franklin County commissioners. Wilson’s joining the board of directors comes as he transitions to immediate past president of the National Association of County Administrators this summer.

The Ohio Children's Alliance (OCA) recognized Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn as its 2025 Champion for Children award recipient. Cornyn received the award during OCA's spring conference. The award "recognizes a public partner or elected official who advocated for public policies during the past year that aim to sustainably improve the provision of services to children and families."

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County, Chief Executive Officer Scott Osiecki has announced his retirement, effective Sept. 1, 2025, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal celebrated 125 years of existence during an event Wednesday, with Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon pointing to how the mission of the office has expanded. The event was attended by Gov. Mike DeWine, agency staff, leadership from various Ohio fire departments, and community leaders. Formed in 1900 with a staff of 20 through the passage of then SB51, Reardon said the office originally was created to combat arson. He said it was one of the first in the nation. The first fire marshal appointed was S.D. Hollenbeck. Today, the office has a staff of over 200 and has grown to include fire code enforcement and training future firefighters at its Reynoldsburg campus.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Deputy Administrator John Logue has been nominated to serve as director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA), Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday. If confirmed by the Senate, Logue would replace Anne Vogel, who was appointed as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 5 administrator. USEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on Monday that President Donald Trump appointed Vogel to the position. Logue has served in multiple leadership capacities at BWC, including administrator/CEO and deputy administrator. He joined BWC in 2019 as chief of strategic direction, overseeing the Division of Safety & Hygiene, and the offices of analytics, business intelligence, data warehouse and business transformation. He was also involved in the creation of the Workforce Safety Innovation Center.

The DeWine administration recently promoted a variety of state-offered free employment services for people reentering society after incarceration and businesses which employ them as part of April's being "Second Chance Month." "There are plenty of people who have paid their debt to society and are ready to be positive contributors to our workforce," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a prepared statement. "I say to the employers in Ohio: give these people a chance." OhioMeansJobs.com, the state's career and job search website, has a section of resources specifically for "restored citizens" seeking employment following incarceration. Thirteen state correctional facilities have certified in-house OhioMeansJobs centers as well which enable inmates to improve their skills, search job listings and connect to local services so they can begin working upon release. They can also receive job training -- including registered apprenticeships, certificate programs and college degrees -- during their incarceration, and federal rules allow access to financial aid through the Second Chance Pell Grant.

Also in connection to “Second Chance Month,” the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) recently issued a reminder to Ohio employers that they can receive federal tax credits of up to $9,600 for hiring individuals from certain designated groups. Groups include restored citizens, public assistance recipients, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who face barriers to employment. In addition, employers can receive $5,000 worth of free fidelity bond coverage for each at-risk, hard-to-place job seeker they hire, ODJFS said.

STUDIES/POLLS

A recent report by personal finance site WalletHub found Ohio was 30th among states with the most dependence on the federal government, placing it behind neighbor states. Kentucky was second-most dependent; West Virginia, third; Indiana, ninth; Pennsylvania, 20th; and Michigan, 24th. The five most-dependent ones were Alaska, Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi and South Carolina. The five least-dependent states were New Jersey, California, Delaware, Massachusetts and Utah. WalletHub also listed states by two subrankings, with Ohio 45th nationally and last among neighbors for state residents having the most dependency, and 16th nationally and third among neighbors for the state government's dependency on the federal government.

TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE

An Ohio law requiring social media websites to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before allowing use by a child under age 16 is unconstitutional, U.S. District Court Judge Algenon Marbley ruled Wednesday. "This court lauds the state's effort through the act to protect the children of this state. This court finds, however, that the act as drafted fails to pass constitutional muster and is constitutionally infirm. And in this constitutional democracy, it cannot be gainsaid that even the government's most noble entreaties to protect its citizenry must abide in the contours of the U.S. Constitution, in this case the First Amendment," Marbley wrote in his decision permanently enjoining the Social Media Parental Notification Act, which was passed as part of 135-HB33 (Edwards). Marbley had blocked enforcement of the law with a preliminary injunction in February 2024.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

With transportation budget HB54 (Stewart) signed into law and construction season starting earlier this month, a number of new policies will go into effect, ranging from a study on the best type of pavement to use, help for villages in maintaining certain state highways, creation of a new transportation department division, and addressing abandoned telecommunications and utility lines. Hannah News examined what made it into the final version of HB54, based on the Legislative Service Commission (LSC) analysis of the bill that was signed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Unless otherwise specified, these provisions become effective July 1, 2025.

In a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)'s DriveOhio initiative and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), a pair of tractor-trailers with automated truck platooning technology traveled I-70 between Columbus and Indianapolis Monday, according to the agencies. The trucks were equipped with platooning technology provided by Kratos Defense that electronically links the two vehicles and allows the driver of the lead vehicle to control the speed and direction of the second truck, enabling it to precisely follow the path of the leader. ODOT and INDOT said that while the majority of automated vehicle testing to date has been done in regions with warmer and more predictable weather, it's crucial to assess technology performance in adverse weather conditions to deliver the safety benefits of this technology to residents in the Midwest.