Darke County Ohio News

Dayton Business Journal... Report: Ohio oil production could save rust belt
by Brittany Hart, DBJ Staff Reporter - Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - An energy analyst says that oil production in Ohio could be a huge boost to the economy and even be the ‘savior of the rust belt’. Ohio’s oil production could be “the savior of the rust belt,” according to an energy analyst. The Buckeye state may become a large oil producer if acreage held by Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE: CHK) and... read more.

Mayoral candidates’ top achievements:
Bowers… Economic Development; Schmidt… Sex Offender Ordinance
By Bob Robinson - Mike Bowers, Mayor of Greenville and candidate for mayor, noted Economic Development as one of his top accomplishments, while Greenville City Councilman and candidate for mayor Doug Schmidt noted the sex offender ordinance and the development of GPAT as among his top... read more.

Miami Herald... Churches fight way out of recession, By Kathleen McGrory
Local churches, hurt by falling collections and rising financial pressures, say they are beginning to see a rebound... Pastor Wayne Lomax got the bad news a week into Lenten season. The bank was foreclosing on his Fountain of New Life Ministries in Miami Gardens. “I went to seminary, but I don’t remember them teaching anything like this,” he said. For the past three years, houses of worship have experienced the same economic hardships as parishioners... read more.

Kasich signs Teach for America Legislation
Creates Opportunities for the Brightest College Graduates to Teach in Ohio’s Schools - COLUMBUS – Delivering on a promise made in his State of the State address, today Gov. John R. Kasich signed House Bill 21 (Combs), legislation that will open Ohio’s classrooms to Teach For America. The bill received strong bipartisan support in the General Assembly. Joining Kasich for the bill signing were House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Gerald Stebelton, Senate bill... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... City to decide UPS hub deal this week, by DBJ Staff
Monday, April 25, 2011 - The Dayton city commission will vote this week whether to approve a deal that turns the former United Parcel Service Inc. facility at the Dayton International Airport over to California-based developer IRG. Dayton City Commissioners will be asked this week to approve a deal that turns the former United Parcel Service Inc. facility at the Dayton International Airport over to California-based developer IRG. The commission’s Wednesday agenda includes a... read more.

Toledo Blade... GOP to follow Kasich blueprint for budget talks, By Jim Provance
COLUMBUS — House Republicans are under pressure from local schools and governments to ease their pain in the next two-year budget, but proposed revisions that are expected Thursday will have to work within the financial constraints already outlined by Gov. John Kasich. There will be no revised revenue projections that might add more money to the pot, and the chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee on Monday repeated there will be no tax increases... read more.

The Darke County Commissioners... County Update for April
April is almost gone and hopefully all the rain that is associated with it. By the time this is written, maybe our farmers are finally getting their planting at least started and hopefully done. April is also tax time as we all know, but this year we all got a 3 day reprieve. We hope everyone’s taxes are paid, or all of your refunds are already back to you. April has been a mixed... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Honda forecasts production delays through June
by Dan Eaton, DBJ Contributor - Monday, April 25, 2011 - Honda Motor Co. Ltd. set a production record in fiscal 2011, but the automaker likely won’t be able to repeat that performance this year because of continuing problems in its earthquake-ravaged homeland. The Japanese company said Monday it produced 3.6 million vehicles in the year ended March 31, a company record... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Thousands of Ohio veterans haven’t applied for service bonuses from state
By Alan Johnson - 33,572 got checks; 3 times as many have not applied - Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Although 33,572 Ohio veterans have received bonuses from the state, more than three times that many who are eligible haven’t applied. The Ohio Department of Veterans Services reported yesterday that it has distributed $27.3 million in bonuses in the past nine months. The money comes from a $200million bond issue approved by Ohio voters in November... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Government kills fighter-jet engine to be built in Ohio, By Jack Torry
Loss means GE won’t be hiring at Cincinnati plant - Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration yesterday officially scrapped the alternate engine for a new generation of jet fighters, a move that means GE Aviation in Ohio will put off plans to hire hundreds of engineers for the project. The decision, announced by the Pentagon, was not unexpected because Congress this year eliminated money in the 2011 federal budget to continue building the second engine... read more.

Faber’s Newsletter...Capital Square and the Prevention, Retention & Contingency Program
April 25, 2011 - What’s Up on Capital Square? I wanted to take a minute a bring everyone up to speed with what we’ve been able to accomplish so far during this new, young General Assembly. We’ve all been working diligently to enact meaningful legislation on behalf of those we have been elected to represent, and I hope you’re happy with our progress. Below I have listed the bills that have already... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... GM set to regain top sales spot in 2011, by DBJ Staff
Saturday, April 23, 2011 - General Motors is likely to regain the top sales spot among automakers by the end of this year because of Toyota’s production slowdown, according to reports. GM (NYSE: GM) had long been the leading automaker ranked by global sales, but lost the top spot to Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) after GM filed bankruptcy and restructured during the recession... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Gas prices set new records, $6 possible, by DBJ Staff
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 - Gas prices across the country continue to set new records, with stations in some states starting to charge $5 per gallon. But some oil analysts say $6 gas could happen this summer, sparking an energy crisis that would be bad for the economy. In an interview with CNBC this week Richard Hastings, strategist at Global Hunter Securities in Charlotte... read more.

Kasich in Twinsburg... Small businesses can benefit from workers’ comp rate cut
by Emily Canning-Dean, Twinsburg Bulletin - April 28, 2011 - Twinsburg — Ohio Gov. John Kasich chose a local automotive technology business April 28 as the backdrop for his proposal to cut the base rate of workers compensation by 4 percent. The president of Mustang Dynamometer on Pinnacle Parkway said he is in full support of the cut, which will save Mustang about $10,000 per year... read more.

Kasich announces $65 million Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut
Average rate for manufacturing and commercial classes falls more significantly - TWINSBURG – In order to reduce the cost of doing business in Ohio to make Ohio companies and the state more competitive, Gov. John R. Kasich today announced he is seeking an overall 4 percent cut in workers’ compensation base rates for a total cut in premiums of approximately $65 million annually. Bureau of Workers Compensation Administrator and CEO Steve Buehrer submitted... read more.

Ohio BWC 2011 Rate Reduction Fact Sheet
What is happening? The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation is recommending a 4 percent reduction in average workers’ compensation base rates for all Ohio employers. This will result in an estimated savings of $65 million for Ohio employers. How does this impact individual employers? The rate change reflects an average reduction. Each employer’s actual rates incorporate overall claims cost trends within their specific industry, as well as their own individual performance... read more.

Mandel: $68.9 million available for Ag-LINK loans
Treasurer Mandel Announces $68.9 Million in Reduced Rate Loans for Over 800 Ohio Farmers through Ag-LINK Program - COLUMBUS – State Treasurer of Ohio Josh Mandel today announced approving $68.9 million in Agricultural Linked Deposit (Ag-LINK) funds awarded to over 800 farmers from all corners of the state. “Ag-LINK is a great program that offers Ohio’s farmers reduced rate loans to provide needed funds for a successful season. Through the Ag-LINK program... read more.

Kasich signs BWC and Industrial Commission Budgets
COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich signed House Bill 123 (Hottinger) and House Bill 124 (Hottinger), legislation setting appropriations for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and Industrial Commission (IC) for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. Both bills received broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate. Kasich was joined for the bill-signing ceremony by BWC Administrator Stephen Buehrer, IC Executive Director Tim Adams, bill sponsor Rep. Jay... read more.

Darke County tied to U.S., World Economy, By Bob Robinson, Editor
GREENVILLE – U.S. Representative (Dist. 8) and Speaker of the House John Boehner was in Greenville at Rebsco, Inc. Monday to talk to selected local business owners and the media about the challenges being faced with the Obama economy. See links below for the Politico report, and the ABC News report, also supplied by Politico. The focus of the ABC story was gas prices and subsidies... read more.

Politico... John Boehner: No promises on debt limit vote, By Jake Sherman
4/26/11 - GREENVILLE, Ohio —Speaker John Boehner won’t guarantee a vote on raising the debt limit, the latest threat in an increasingly high stakes game of chicken with the White House over whether Congress will inch closer to letting the nation default on its credit. Boehner, in an interview with POLITICO here Monday, also demanded that President Barack Obama give in to Republican... read more.

ABC from Politico... John Boehner: Oil companies should pay their ‘fair share’
By Darren Goode - House Speaker John Boehner says he’s open to calls from the White House to curb some of the $4 billion in oil and gas subsidies and tax incentives, as Washington continues to feel the heat over high gas prices. Oil and gas producers are “gonna pay their fair share in taxes and they should,” Boehner told ABC News. “I don’t think the big oil companies need to have the... read more.

Politico... GOP to make hay in May over gas
Republicans are getting ready to capitalize on record prices at the pump with a May focus on oil and gasoline. The government shutdown battle put the issue on the back burner even though prices at the pump have been rising steadily since February. Now, with President Barack Obama already on the defensive, the GOP is ready to pounce. House Republicans are planning bill introductions, hearings, markups and floor votes on legislation aimed at expanding domestic... read more.

Rasmussen Reports... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, April 23, 2011 - It was a week for looking back, but when Americans did look ahead, they didn’t like much of what they saw. A year ago last Wednesday, an explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig marked the beginning of the most devastating oil spill ever in the Gulf of Mexico. Most voters (54%) now think the cleanup from that spill has been fairly successful and appear less concerned about the long-term effect on the environment. But voters still give low grades... read more.

Politico... Freshmen feel the heat back home
LANSFORD, Pa. — Any lawmaker in a swing district can expect to take criticism from his right flank at a town hall meeting. But at an American Veterans outpost tucked deep in the Pocono Mountains this week, freshman Republican Rep. Lou Barletta took heat from every direction — from Democrats angry with the tax cuts in the GOP budget, to conservatives who thought he caved on the last... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Mayor: Dayton’s future bright despite challenges
by Joe Cogliano, DBJ Staff Reporter - Thursday, April 21, 2011 - As Ohio cuts funding to local municipalities and the federal stimulus runs its course, Dayton is on its own going forward. However, that reality that should be empowering, not disheartening, says Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzell. “This new economic world requires us to be faster, sharper, leaner, more creative,” Leitzell said. “Whether or not... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... GOP’s new district map has to upset some Ohioans in Congress
By Joe Hallett and Jack Torry - Sunday, April 17, 2011 - After taking the lead for Republicans in redrawing congressional districts after the 2000 census, Scott Borgemenke vowed he would never do it again. “It’s the only time the Democrats call you a gerrymandering racist and the Republicans call you a traitor because you’re not doing enough for the party,” said Borgemenke, then the chief of staff for Ohio House Republicans. Following every decennial federal census... read more.

Politico... Senate Democrats bank on incumbency, By David Catanese
4/16/11 - Democratic senators confronting stiff electoral headwinds next year are emerging from the first fundraising quarter with an uplifting takeaway: They’re outraising their opponents out of the gate. Despite the daunting prospect of defending 23 seats and the residue of the hypercharged 2010 environment, most Democratic incumbents in battleground states stockpiled at least $1 million to begin the year as they hunker down to protect their four-seat majority. Comparatively, just two... read more.

Daily Caller... EPA official says jobs don’t matter
04/16/2011 - The Obama administration has repeatedly said job creation is a top priority, but apparently the memo seems to have missed the bureaucrats at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This became evident when EPA Assistant Administrator Mathy Stanislaus testified Thursday before an Environment and Energy subcommittee hearing that his agency does not take... read more.

Brown Takes Southwest Ohio Values to Washington
Fights for Workers and to Save Jobs from Going Overseas - Sen. Brown is fighting for Ohio workers by working to enforce existing trade agreements and ensure laid-off workers receive the retraining they need. Brown fought to extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program, a critical life-line for workers who lose their jobs due to foreign trade. TAA provides training and re-employment services designed... read more.

Boehner tours Rebsco, By Bob Robinson
First of two parts - U.S. Speaker of the House and District 8 Congressman John Boehner toured Rebsco, Inc. Monday afternoon as part of a tour of his district, where he is meeting with selected businesses and individuals. The Rebsco media event attracted the attention of ABC’s Good Morning America and national online news service Politico, as well as local and regional media... read more.

Dayton Daily News... Boehner raises $1.5 m in first quarter, By Jack Torry
Monday, April 18, 2011 - WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner raised more than $1.5 million during the first three months of this year, giving his congressional campaign bank account $1.92 million to spend next year. In documents filed with the Federal Elections Commission, Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., and Republicans Mike Turner of Centerville, Steve Austria of Beavercreek, and Jim Jordan of Urbana have already amassed deep campaign treasuries. All four easily won... read more.

Politico... Standard & Poor’s steps on White House’s deficit-reduction sales pitch
By Carrie Budoff Brown & Abby Phillip - 4/18/11 - President Barack Obama opens a three-day campaign Tuesday to sell voters on his deficit-cutting plan — his first sustained attempt at explaining why the country may need to accept higher taxes and fewer government benefits. But even before he began his push, the White House had to deal with the repercussions of a Wall Street rating firm’s skepticism that Obama and congressional Republicans can ever reach an agreement on... read more.

GHS students weigh in on debate, By Bob Robinson, Editor
“Do adults want to know what needs to be done? Go to the high schools. Talk to the kids. Experience it!” - “They seemed more concerned about what’s happening now… they need to look at the kids in high school. They are the ones who will be leading in the future.” Two Greenville High School seniors, Angela Borgerding and Prital Mehta – both GHS Key Club officers – attended the Mayoral... read more.

Darke County Sheriff… Aggravated Robbery Suspect Captured
The Darke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Robbery at the Pak-a-Sak (convenience store) located at 3433 SR49, Arcanum, OH. On Friday night, April 22, 2011 at approximately 9:34 P.M., deputies along with Arcanum Police Department were dispatched to the Pak-a-Sak located at 3433 SR49, Arcanum, OH, in reference to a Robbery that had just occurred. The clerk advised that the suspect was wearing a black sock hat pulled over his face, stated that he was armed with a gun and... read more.

Survey Reveals Women’s Facebook Opinions
(NAPSI)—More than 400 women revealed their secret Facebook habits and opinions in a survey that showed there’s a fine line between friend and “frenemy.” The survey was conducted by Eversave, a company offering daily deals called “Saves,” to better understand the effect of social networking on deals. However, results also uncovered the surprising love/hate relationship women have with the social networking site. The survey found one reason women like Facebook is... read more.

Dayton Daily News... Colleges spend more even as state funding levels off
By Christopher Magan, Staff Writer - Monday, April 18, 2011 - COLUMBUS — Despite facing a decline of state support for higher education funding, colleges and universities across Ohio are spending more than ever before thanks to growing enrollment, rising tuition and alternative funding sources. The proposed 2012 state funding for higher education is back to levels last seen in 1999, according to a Dayton Daily News budget analysis. The 13 percent drop comes from the loss... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... College students present policy ideas to state senators: Higher Education
By Karen Farkas - Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Students from the University of Akron’s Bliss Institute of Applied Politics got a firsthand look at how higher education policy evolves when they presented a proposal to state legislators recently. Their idea is to raise tuition to fund expanded learning communities for low-income, first-generation college students. The students say the communities, in which 20 to 30 students typically attend class, study and live together... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... No surprise
Gov. John Kasich’s first 100 days set course for eventful term - John Kasich marked his first 100 days in office last week, a gubernatorial milepost that, in his case, does not end a political honeymoon. The differences - with unions and Democrats, especially - started before he took office. Those who voted for Kasich and now say they’re angry must not have paid attention to his campaign. Kasich was not coy... read more.

Politico... John Boehner visits Iraq, By Jake Sherman
4/16/11 - Boehner’s office in Washington did not provide more details about the trip. House Speaker John Boehner was in Iraq on Saturday and met with the country’s top officials, Agence France-Presse reported from Baghdad. The Ohio Republican met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey. Boehner, in a statement released by his office, said... read more.

Newsmax... FEC Investigators Digging Into Obama’s 2008 Campaign
Saturday, 16 Apr 2011 - Barack Obama raised a record-shattering $750 million on his way to winning the 2008 presidential election. But that stunning flood of cash has triggered an investigation by the Federal Election Commission, which is taking a detailed look at the campaign’s records and transactions. According to Roll Call, the audit of Obama’s financial records began two years ago. It was not required by law, since the Obama campaign did not accept federal matching funds and... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Kasich’s Beginning: An adventurous, divisive 100 days, By Joe Vardon
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - Catch your breath, Ohio. The John Kasich administration turns 100 days old today. Through 99 days with the GOP’s Kasich in charge and a Republican-dominated legislature, state government has embarked on a transformative journey stunning for its breakneck pace and for the opposition it’s stirred. The same could be said for the 58-year-old Kasich, who continues to doggedly pursue his agenda despite low polling numbers and organized protests targeting... read more.

State Senator Beagle Helps Public Libraries
COLUMBUS – On April 13, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 120, legislation that makes it clear that county prosecutors may represent taxpayer-funded public libraries. State Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City) introduced the bill in response to a federal court ruling which made it unclear if the long-standing practice of county prosecutors representing public libraries in legal matters could continue. Without assistance... read more.

Boehner: Cut DOJ Funds to Pay for DOMA Defense
Apr 18, 2011 - Boehner Says DOJ Funds Should Be Cut To Pay For DOMA Defense; Asks Leader Pelosi To Join In Supporting Redirection of Funds - Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today sent the following letter to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) regarding the House’s intent to protect taxpayers from any cost associated with the Obama administration’s refusal to defend the... read more.

Dayton Business Journal ... Fight over space shuttle sites continues, by Joe Cogliano
Monday, April 18, 2011 - Congress is getting into the fray over where the retired Space Shuttles will be put on display, with one Senator calling for a federal investigation of the site selection process by NASA and another Congressman proposing a bill to take a shuttle from New York and give it to Texas. An effort is underway in Congress to take one of the retiring space shuttles away from New York... read more.

Mayoral candidates agree to agree, By Bob Robinson
Tuesday’s Mayoral debate was largely a discussion of issues in which the candidates typically agreed, although there were occasional differences in approach. Tina Chalmers, Editor of The Daily Advocate, conducted the debate. Afterwards the audience asked questions. One question noted the similarity in responses to most of the issues. Candidate Doug Schmidt, Greenville City... read more.

Newsmax... Poll: Economic Crisis Batters Obama, Could Doom Re-election, By David Alliot
Tuesday, 19 Apr 2011 - The darkening economic cloud has sent President Barack Obama’s job performance ratings plummeting to just 47 percent — just 1 point higher than his lowest ever mark — according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. And his economic approval ratings are his worst since September, when he stood at 41 percent approval and 57 percent overall disapproval. In the event that the White House didn’t receive the message, Wall Street drove the point home on... read more.

Politico... Nancy Pelosi fades as power player, By Jonathan Allen
4/14/11 - During the past election season, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) could have starred in a remake of the Hollywood cult classic “Attack of the 50-Foot Woman.” In an endless string of campaign ads, Republicans caricatured her — even put her image on billboards — as a political monster. But now, the former House speaker more closely resembles “The Incredible Shrinking Woman.” Her diminished stature has affected the way she is perceived in Washington’s power game... read more.

Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
April 18, 2011 - 2011 Discounts at Grand Lake Saint Marys; New Ohio River Fishing Regulations
Hello all. It’s getting warmer, so don’t forget to take advantage of the great savings at Grand Lake Saint Marys this year. From ODNR: Camping, getaways, shelter house rentals and state dock fees will be discounted at 50 percent during the 2011 season at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, according... read more.

Zehringer discusses first 100 days, By Bob Robinson
Ohio Agricultural Director Jim Zehringer addresses funding, Grand Lake St. Mary’s, HSUS, agriculture in Ohio and public perception... GREENVILLE - “You know, you’re very fortunate to have this man serving you in Columbus again,” said Ohio Agricultural Director Jim Zehringer pointing to State Rep. Jim Buchy (Dist. 77). “All I heard walking around the Statehouse was ‘we’re so happy to see Buchy back’… uh... read more.

Kasich Marks 100 Days in Office
Highlights Progress and Emphasizes Need to Continue Working - COLUMBUS – Today marks 100 days since Gov. John R. Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor were sworn into office. By emphasizing teamwork, communication and a change in the way the state does business, Gov. Kasich and his Cabinet directors have implemented significant policy changes that are already positively impacting Ohio. “I was looking at this [fact sheet] last night…this is nine pages of work... read more.

Dayton Daily News... ACLU of Ohio warns against private prisons, By Laura Bischoff
Thursday, April 14, 2011 - The ACLU of Ohio sounded the alarm bells on Thursday against the state selling off five prisons and hiring private contractors to then house inmates in the facilities. ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link said private companies with a profit motive cut corners on staff training, inmate health care and education, and safety policies that often end up costing the state more money in the long run. The civil rights group released a 22-page... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Senate panel passes bill to eliminate estate tax, By Jim Siegel
Local governments fear loss of additional revenue - Friday, April 15, 2011 - A bill to eliminate Ohio’s estate tax in 2013 passed a Senate committee yesterday, a move local governments see as another potential blow to their already strained budgets. But supporters say it’s time for Ohio to eliminate a tax that they say drives wealthy seniors out of the state. “Repealing Ohio’s death tax will help keep more of our family farms in business, and it will also help keep more of our small... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Ohio’s new farm chief can overturn denial of egg farm, By Spencer Hunt
Leery of trucks, Union County officials balk - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - A state hearing officer said the Ohio Department of Agriculture should reject a proposed egg megafarm in Union County because local officials don’t support it. The decision, released yesterday, was a setback for Hi-Q Egg Products. The Iowa-based company had objected to former Agriculture Department Director Robert Boggs’ decision to withhold a permit needed to build the farm that would contain... read more.

Dayton Daily News... Ohio’s decline in prison recidivism among steepest in U.S., study says
By Tom Beyerlein - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - The national criminal recidivism rate “remains stubbornly high” despite huge increases in state spending on prisons over the past two decades, according to a study issued Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States. The study singled out Ohio as having one of the steepest declines among the states studied in the number of convicts who returned to prison for parole violations. More than four in 10 convicts in the United States... read more.

New York Times... Obama’s Debt Plan Sets Stage for Long Battle Over Spending
By Mark Ladnler and Michael D. Shear - April 13, 2011 - WASHINGTON — President Obama made the case Wednesday for slowing the rapid growth of the national debt while retaining core Democratic values, proposing a mix of long-term spending cuts, tax increases and changes to social welfare programs as his opening position in a fierce partisan budget battle over the nation’s fiscal challenges. After spending months on the sidelines as Republicans laid out their plans... read more.

Cincinnati Enquirer... Kasich’s indecision impacts Cincinnati casino, by Alexander Coolidge
Apr. 11, 2011 - Failure by the state of Ohio to finalize key casino taxes and fees may delay the opening of Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati by three or four months, into 2013, developers said Monday. They say Gov. John Kasich’s indecision is making it difficult for them to close financial deals necessary to proceed with the $400 million project at Broadway Commons downtown. The administration says it needs time to study the taxes and fees to make sure taxpayers... read more.

Fox News... Senators Boast New Deficit Reduction Plan Will ‘Make Everybody Mad’
April 17, 2011 - Get ready for another deficit reduction plan. And this one, like the others on the table, will tick off a lot of people, its authors say. Two members of the so-called “gang of six” -- a bipartisan group of senators working to craft a long-term spending plan -- said Sunday they’re making progress on their proposal, despite concerns expressed last week that the talks could be in trouble. And, in claiming the plan would take a balanced approach, they predicted Republicans and... read more.

Treasurer Mandel Presents the “Real Money, Real World” Simulation
EAST CLEVELAND – State Treasurer of Ohio Josh Mandel’s office provided a “Real Money, Real World” workshop today at Shaw High School in East Cleveland as part of a statewide effort to increase student financial literacy. The Real Money, Real World interactive budget simulation is part of the Treasurer’s presentation at the Smart Money Matters event, and is intended to increase students’ awareness of the impacts of financial choices on home budgeting... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, April 16, 2011 - Talk, talk, talk. That’s apparently all voters expect out of Washington, DC, because they don’t anticipate serious budget solutions any time soon. Just 31% of Likely Voters, in fact, think it is at least somewhat likely that President Obama and congressional Republicans will reach an agreement to significantly cut long-term government spending trends before the 2012 elections. But then most voters also believe neither side is likely to propose a serious plan... read more.

Politico... Barack Obama leaves GOP in no mood to deal, By Glenn Thrush & Manu Raju
4/14/11 - President Barack Obama extended a fiscal olive branch to Republicans on Wednesday. Then he beat them up with it. Obama’s long-anticipated speech on the deficit at George Washington University was one of the oddest rhetorical hybrids of his presidency — a serious stab at reforming entitlements cloaked in a 2012 campaign speech that was one of the most overtly partisan broadsides he’s ever delivered from a podium with a presidential seal... read more.

Dayton Daily News... Kasich outlines budget’s impact on seniors, By Katie Wedell, Staff Writer
VANDALIA — Proposed changes in the way nursing homes and home health care solutions are funded will save the state money while increasing choices and quality of care for Ohio’s seniors, Gov. John Kasich said Monday. Kasich, along with Director of the Ohio Department of Aging Bonnie Kantor-Burman, visited the Vandalia Senior Center to outline the changes in the governor’s proposed budget that affect senior care. “We want everyone who has a health issue... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Gas prices at $5 per gallon possible, by DBJ Staff
Sunday, April 10, 2011 - With violence in Libya and the Middle East sending oil prices even higher, gas prices have soared in the past several weeks to near $4 per gallon. But several petroleum industry analysts say gas prices could reach record prices this summer, even hitting $5 per gallon. Gas prices have increased 50 cents in Dayton during the past month, and have jumped 25 cents this past week. The region’s highest price Friday was $3.89 per gallon... read more.

Ohio News Network... Kasich Defends Early Childhood Budget
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In these tough budget times, Gov. John Kasich visited a Columbus early childhood, education and family center to make it clear that his priorities do not include big cuts to certain children’s programs. “Nobody, as a result of what we’ve done in the budget, is being dropped from the rolls. They’ll all be able to get childcare,” said Kasich. That’s music to ears of Linda Day-Mackessy, vice president of the Columbus YMCA, reported ONN’s Jim Heath... read more.

Gov. Kasich’s Week in Review... Saturday, April 9 through Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011 - Gov. John R. Kasich and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Michael Colbert visited the YMCA Early Learning Center in Columbus to discuss how The Jobs Budget supports child care efforts - Kasich and Ohio Department of Aging Director Bonnie Kantor-Burman spoke to members of the Vandalia Senior Center about initiatives in The Jobs Budget that will improve care and independence for Ohio’s seniors... read more.

Senate Bill 5 repeal process has started
First step in the process has been submitted and certified - COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today certified that We Are Ohio, the group seeking a state referendum on Senate Bill 5, has met the initial 1,000-signature requirement on each of the two petitions they filed to qualify for the November 2011 ballot. Petitioners collected 2,835 signatures for the short version of the petition, of which 2,506 were deemed valid, and 2,866 for the long version of the petition... read more.

Ohio City & Village Classifications Released
Official Roster of City and Villages based on 2010 Census Data - COLUMBUS – Secretary of State Jon Husted today released an official roster of cities and villages throughout the state following a review of the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Report. In total, Ohio will have 247 cities and 691 villages. Under Section 703.06 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Secretary of State’s office reviews the 10-year Census report and verifies the population totals of all municipalities and villages... read more.

Fox News... Chicago Elementary School Reportedly Bans Lunches Brought From Home
Published April 11, 2011 - A public elementary school is under fire from some students and parents for banning school lunches brought from home, the Chicago Tribune reports -- a report the school district denies. Little Village Academy, a public school on Chicago’s West Side, prohibits students from bringing homemade lunches unless the child has a medical excuse, according to the newspaper, which quotes school officials saying the rule is meant to encourage healthful... read more.

Buchy says first 100 Days Successful, Recognizes Additional Work that Lies Ahead
COLUMBUS—Tuesday, April 12th marks the 100th day that the House Republicans have presided over the Ohio House. Today, State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) applauded the accomplishments of the House thus far during the 129th General Assembly, recognizing that still more work needs to be done. “I have been impressed by the leadership of the House and our Governor,” said Buchy. “On the campaign trail, my colleagues talked about less government... read more.

Republican candidates meet with Women’s Club, By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
“I have spent 31 years with the city of Greenville” stated Greenville City Auditor Nancy Myers as she addressed the Darke County Republican Women’s Club (DRWC) at their recent regular monthly meeting. “As auditor, I deal with all city departments and work with the city economic development committee.” The DCRWC invited the Republican candidates, whose names will appear on the Republican... read more.

Dayton Daily News... No shuttle for Dayton, By John Nolan and Jack Torry
Region’s bid came in fifth out of 21 Air Force museum gets space artifacts - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - NASA’s decision Tuesday not to donate a space shuttle to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force angered members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, who called for a federal investigation. They urged the U.S. Government Accountability Office to review NASA’s selection process that left out other sites in the country’s interior, including Chicago, Tulsa and Houston... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Sen. Sherrod Brown blasts NASA denial of Dayton’s space shuttle bid
By Sabrina Eaton - Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 1:03 PM - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown wants U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the process by which the National Aeronautics and Space Administration decided to distribute four retired space shuttles to museums around the country. Dayton’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will not get one of four retired space shuttles, Brown said. NASA administrator Charles Bolden is scheduled to announce which facilities... read more.

Atlas Shrugged Opens Friday
This... this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. Ayn Rand’s magnum opus finally makes it to the big screen. Let me say that again... ATLAS SHRUGGED, Ayn Rand’s masterpiece... is going to be playing... on at least 277 screens spread across this great country. We’ve done it. We made it. The John Galt Line WILL be making its inaugural run this week - and we are all going to be its first passengers. Buy your tickets - Shows are selling out all over the country. Buy your tickets... read more.

Fox News... Winklevoss Twins Lose Legal War With Facebook
Published April 11, 2011 - SAN FRANCISCO – The billionaire’s battle over the founding of Facebook is finally over. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Monday that Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss -- the former Harvard University classmates of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg -- can’t undo their settlement over the social networking site. The appeals court ruled that the twins were savvy enough to understand what they were agreeing to when they signed the agreement in... read more.

Politco... Winners and losers in the shutdown showdown, By Meredith Shiner
4/9/11 - Government workers aren’t going to miss a paycheck after all. Tax refunds will arrive on schedule. And the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington is full speed ahead. But now that the government has kept its doors open, the mics around the Capitol have gone quiet after weeks of political posturing to “win” the debate, and the details of the budget deal are out, the winners and losers of the shutdown showdown 2011 have emerged. Just because a compromise was struck in... read more.

WSBTV Channel 2... Mosque Makeovers With Your Tax Dollars
November 12, 2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C -- A Channel 2 Action News investigation found that the State Department is sending millions of dollars to save mosques overseas. This investment has received criticism as the United States makes an effort to slash nearly $4 trillion in government spending. Plenty of outrage following the announcement made Thursday afternoon by a government commission that suggested huge cuts to the budget, including eliminating the interest... read more.

President Barack Obama’s Budget Message... The Country We Believe in
Wednesday 13 April 2011 - Truthout link and video - Good afternoon. It’s great to be back at GW. I want you to know that one of the reasons I kept the government open was so I could be here today with all of you. I wanted to make sure you had one more excuse to skip class. You’re welcome. Of course, what we’ve been debating here in Washington for the last few weeks will affect your lives in ways that are potentially profound. This debate over budgets and deficits is about more... read more.

Toledo Blade... Senate Bill 5 debates may hinge on help or harm to middle class, By Jim Provance
Labor battle likely headed for ballot - COLUMBUS — Any campaign to defend a new law undercutting the power of public employee unions cannot cede the high ground of fighting for Ohio’s middle class if it hopes to win a looming referendum fight, the law’s advocates say. Outside the Statehouse on Saturday, opponents of Senate Bill 5, some 11,000 strong, held yet another rally to protest the law and to launch a petition drive to put the law on hold pending a repeal vote... read more.

Politico... Clock ticking on Gang of 6 talks, By Manu Raju & Meredith Shiner
For the past few months, a bipartisan group of six senators has quietly tried to broker a grand bargain that would make a huge dent in the national debt and become a springboard for a once-in-a-generation deal on entitlements and spending. But the so-called Gang of Six’s slow-moving negotiations may get overrun by classic Washington partisanship. President Barack Obama is planning to give a national address Wednesday on entitlement reform — putting a partisan mark on a long-term... read more.

Truthout... Charter Schools Outsource Education to Management Firms, With Mixed Results
by Sharona Coutts, ProPublica - Sunday 10 April 2011 - Since 2008, an Ohio-based company, White Hat Management, has collected around $230 million to run charter schools in that state. The company has grown into a national chain and reports that it has about 20,000 students across the country. But now 10 of its own schools and the state of Ohio are suing, complaining that many White Hat students are failing, and that the company has refused to account... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Brown among senators voting against EPA curbs
Sunday, April 10, 2011 - With the vote of Sen. Sherrod Brown, the Senate last week turned back efforts by conservative lawmakers to prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from issuing regulations to restrict the emissions of greenhouse gases thought by some to cause global warming. The Ohio Democrat joined 49 other senators in opposing the measure, which was backed by businesses and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The measure needed 60 votes to pass... read more.

People in Action… Trocano, Wallischeck voted Volunteers of the Year
The vote is in… more than 800,000 of them. HandsOn West Central Ohio’s Darke County Volunteer of the Year is Pete Trocano of Union City (OH), a volunteer through RSVP, Darke County Solid Waste District. Trocano, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has “two loves in his life: family and volunteering.” According to his nomination, “He has helped the Darke County... read more.

Internships at Front Porch Strategies
Front Porch Strategies is an award winning national voter contact firm based out of Columbus, Ohio. Our passion is helping Republican candidates, elected officials, and conservative causes win by personally connecting them with voters and constituents. We are currently looking for ambitious interns with a sincere interest in advancing in Republican politics, campaign management, marketing and business. If you’re prepared to take an in-depth look at the business side of politics... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Dayton officials upset over shuttle news, by Joe Cogliano
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - The party never got off the ground at the Air Force Museum. More than an hour before NASA officials announced permanent homes for the retired space shuttles, word was spread through the museum that Dayton — and the entire Midwest — were left out. The fact that U.S. Rep Mike Turner, R-Centerville, canceled an appearance to speak to the crowd prior to the announcement was a pretty good clue that bad news was coming. Also, few local dignitaries... read more.

Politico... Showtime for President Obama on deficit, By Glenn Thrush, Carrie Budoff Brown & David Nather
4/12/11 - When it comes to deficit reduction and entitlement reform, President Barack Obama has been a master of mixed signals, his critics say. As a candidate, Obama promised to deal with the exploding deficit – so committed to tackling the underlying issue of entitlement reform that he told the Washington Post he’d make the “hard decisions… under my watch” shortly before his inauguration almost 27 months ago. But as president, such high-minded goals have run... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Honda shutdowns may last through June, by Dan Eaton, DBJ Contributor
Friday, April 8, 2011 - Honda Motor Co. may face North America production delays of two to three months, a top official said Thursday. John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. executive vice president, told trade publication Automotive News the current time line for temporary shutdowns is between 60 and 90 days. The automaker, which has its North American production headquarters in Marysville, began idling plants for short periods of time March 30... read more.

NBC4... Ohio Education Reform Leader: Schools Can Cut Costs And Be Successful
By Patrick Preston - April 8, 2011 - Sommers Advocates For Parents, Districts To Have More Control - Ohio Governor John Kasich’s point person for reforming Ohio schools stressed his desire to support innovative and creative teaching methods, close failing schools, and increase parents’ ability to choose their child’s school. In his first televised interview, Robert Sommers, the Director of the Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education, said he would support a... read more.

Diebold Announces New $105 Million HQ Campus in NE Ohio
Kasich, Diebold officially announce the company will remain in Ohio - COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich joined Diebold, Inc. officials in announcing that the company will keep its corporate headquarters in Ohio and build a new corporate campus to consolidate five facilities across Northeast Ohio. “What Tom [Swidarski, president and CEO of Diebold, Inc.] is excited about and I’m excited about is the world headquarters for Diebold. Remember, 16,000 people... read more.

Reuters... Ohio union curbs savings pegged at $1.27 bln
Mon Apr 4, 2011 - CHICAGO - A new law curbing collective bargaining rights of government workers in Ohio could save the state and local governments more than $1.27 billion a year, according to an analysis of the law released on Monday. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services said it examined measures in the law limiting government health insurance payments to 85 percent of total premium costs, as well as the elimination of step pay increases and pay... read more.

Politico... Democrats embraced policy riders in past, By Jonathan Allen
4/7/11 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and President Barack Obama hate policy riders. They have no place in spending bills, the top Democrats have said during the latest budget debate. Unless, of course, they’re Democratic policy riders. “We’re happy to debate these, but on a legislative vehicle, not a spending vehicle,” Reid said Thursday. Republicans say that’s a different tune than he was singing in 2009, when he, President Barack Obama and then-Speaker... read more.

Toledo Blade... Lieutenant governor touts reform plan during local GOP event, By Tom Troy
Taylor says Ohio will benefit - The Kasich administration hit the ground running with dramatic change because it felt a sense of urgency, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor told supporters in the annual Lincoln Day Dinner for the Lucas County Republican Party Thursday night. Ms. Taylor, sworn in just three months ago, told the Republican party faithful at the Gladieux Meadows banquet hall on Heatherdowns Boulevard that she and Gov. John Kasich believe their efforts to cut taxes... read more.

Insider Report from Newsmax.com - April 10, 2011
Headlines (Click link for complete stories): 1. GOP Fights Obama’s Land Buy Plans 2. Saudi Minister: Oil Could Spike to $300 a Barrel 3. Report: Hospital Errors Affect One-Third of Patients 4. High-Speed Rail Sold With ‘False Promises’ 5. ‘What Would Reagan Do?’ Videos Launched 6. We Heard: John McCain, Egypt, Laura Ingraham... read more.

Horner agrees to go global
Greenville eleventh grade student, Elizabeth Horner, was contacted by www.inquirer.net’s U.S.A. Director of Sales, based in Daly City, California , Esther Chavez. Inquirer.Net’s website that is currently reaching a worldwide audience of 2.9 million unique visitors and 30 million page views per month, offered Horner a spot in their youth channel and to go global. The website is the on-e-line news... read more.

Fox News... Congress Reaches Historic Deal, But Fiscal Battles Loom on the Horizon
Published April 10, 2011 - A series of spending battles await Congress following the expected passage of the 2011 budget bill next week, as Democrats and Republicans will continue clashing over the nation’s fiscal responsibilities moving forward. With a last-minute budget deal, Congress averted a federal government shutdown Friday night. On Saturday, President Obama signed a short term spending deal that will allow the government to pay for federal operations through Friday... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Counties say cuts hit them too hard, By Jim Siegel
Group presses for power to hike sales-tax rate - Friday, April 8, 2011 - Using words like devastating, local-government leaders told lawmakers yesterday they are bearing too heavy a burden for the state’s budget woes, and it will force cuts in safety forces. “Counties realize they’ve got to do their fair share,” said Larry Long, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. “But the problem we have is we think we are being asked to do too much.” Among the... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Ohio universities cutting budgets to offset funding decline, By Karen Farkas
Friday, April 08, 2011 - CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio’s universities face an average 13 percent drop in funding next year -- even though Gov. John Kasich’s proposed budget shows an overall 2.7 percent increase in state support for higher education. That’s because colleges will no longer have the one-time infusion of federal stimulus funds that were used to bolster budgets over the past two years as the state struggled through the economic downturn. To counter the loss, college officials... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, April 09, 2011 - It’s the economy, stupid. Remember that one? It was the political mantra that propelled Bill Clinton into the White House. President Obama would do well to remember it now that he’s declared his candidacy for a second term. Concern about inflation is increasing, as Americans say overwhelmingly that they are now paying more for groceries and expect to pay even more for them in the future. Eighty-seven percent (87%) say they are paying more for groceries now... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Treasurer Mandel takes aim at Brown, By Joe Hallett
Republicans eager for 2012 Senate race - Sunday, April 3, 2011 - CLEVELAND - James Wert, finance chairman of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party, ended his introduction of Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel to 750 activists at the party’s annual dinner Wednesday night with this plea: “Run, Josh, run.” But Josh just ran; he’s been treasurer for only three months. Even so, Mandel is planning to run... read more.

Dayton Business Journal… University of Dayton gets $1 million donation, by Brittany Hart
Thursday, April 7, 2011 - Fiore Talarico will give $1 million to the University of Dayton. Talarico, a 1974 UD graduate, will provide the gift over a five-year period to support the university’s Center for Professional Selling, which launched in May. Talarico, a retired Houston businessman, has bought and sold nearly 40 companies in industries ranging from pharmaceutical research to pizza. He has worked as a venture capitalist, a fundraiser for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign and... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Ohio Senate approves two more ‘calamity’ days, By James Ewinger
Friday, April 08, 2011 - The Ohio Senate voted Wednesday night to grant school districts two snow/calamity days, passing a pared-down version of a bill the House introduced in March. The net result is that two calamity days stripped away by former Gov. Ted Strickland are likely to be back in force. Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign the bill. But missing were provisions from the earlier bill that would have added more days by allowing students... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Midwest employers say top talent scarce
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - A Manpower survey reveals that many Midwestern companies find it hard to find top talent to hire when having job openings. Recovery may be slowed by shortage of skilled workers - Executives at roughly one out of every five companies in the Midwest say they “often find it difficult to fill key positions,” a Right Management survey found. The survey of 700 companies across the United States and 158 in the Midwest also shows that 64 percent... read more.

Darke County Drug Task Force Prescription “Take It Back” Day
On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Darke County Drug Task Force, consisting of the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenville Police Department, will be joining with the Family Health Center in order to provide the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft; simply by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. All agencies involved are urging citizens of all ages to bring their medications for disposal to the... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Kasich asks for 3-year ‘pathways’ to bachelor degrees
By Karen Farkas, The Plain Dealer - Sunday, April 03, 2011 - CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gov. John Kasich has ordered the state’s four-year universities to prepare “pathways” to three-year degrees. But there already are avenues for motivated students to graduate in less than four years, and other options may not be feasible, some college officials say. As part of the governor’s commitment to make college more affordable, his budget proposal submitted to the legislature requires... read more.

Politico… Republican House freshmen have their moment, By Marin Cogan
4/7/11 - This is why the freshmen came to Washington. A promise to cut spending is what animated their campaigns, it’s what caused them to revolt when their own leaders originally proposed $33 billion in cuts, and it’s why they’ve protested on the Senate steps for the past seven days to put political pressure on Democrats to pass a funding bill that cuts $61 billion from the government... read more.

Taylor Accepting Applications for Small Business Advisory Council
Members will advise CSI Ohio on business impact of new rules and regulations - Columbus - Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor today announced that she is accepting applications to fill five seats on the nine-member Small Business Advisory Council established in state law as part of CSI Ohio: The Common Sense Initiative. “We are looking for individuals with a small-business background who can provide guidance to CSI Ohio as we review new rules and regulations and identify those that place... read more.

Toledo Blade... Labor law backers say voters get voice on public contracts, By Jim Provance
COLUMBUS -- Supporters of a just-signed law restricting the collective bargaining power of public employees have pointed to a potential referendum process as a victory for taxpayers who would have a say in final contracts. The process would allow local voters to decide whether they approve of a contract for public employees that had been approved by a local legislative body. The entire bill is expected to be subject to a statewide referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot if... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... McDonald’s to hire 50K during one-day event
Monday, April 4, 2011 - McDonald’s Corp. has announced an event on April 19 during which the fast-food chain plans to fill 50,000 crew and management positions. The one-day event will seek to bring in and hire a combination of both full and part-time positions in close to 14,000 U.S. restaurants, McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) reported. McDonald’s said it and its franchisees will spend more... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Opponents of SB 5 fill Kasich’s email inbox, By Joe Vardon and Darrel Rowland
Sunday, April 3, 2011 - To relay her disgust over Senate Bill 5 to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Bexley teacher Deborah Forsblom asked him in an email, “Are we living in the year 1930 or 2011?” “When I read the proposal for Senate Bill 5, I could just hear Woody Guthrie singing to help laborers have the courage to stand up for their right to have a union,” she added. David Gannon, who lives near Canton, emailed the governor to say, “Your misreading of the will of the... read more.

House, Senate vote to stop EPA’s Energy Agenda
Apr 7, 2011 - Washington - Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) issued the following statement after the House voted to protect jobs and rein in the Environmental Protection Agency’s backdoor national energy tax: “It is encouraging that bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate have voted to rein in the EPA, and a clear indication of the American people’s continued opposition to a job-crushing national energy tax. The Obama Administration should heed... read more.

Cleveland Plain Dealer... Casino gambling at Ohio’s race tracks a matter of survival
By Dave Davis, The Plain Dealer - Saturday, April 02, 2011 - CLEVELAND, Ohio--The future of Ohio’s emerging gambling industry is in the hands of a man who doesn’t seem to care much for games of chance. As a resident, John Kasich voted in 2009 against a state constitutional amendment allowing casinos to be built in Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. Today, 18 months later, he leads a state with four casinos under construction and soon must decide whether Ohio... read more.

Ohio Supreme Court focus: “Interpreting” not “legislating” By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe
“Our Constitution is on display, the ink is faded, but the beliefs live on, that our rights come from God, not governments. That government’s job is to protect our God given rights.” said Supreme Court of Ohio (SCO) Justice Robert R. Cupp as he spoke to those assembled at the Greenville Country Club for the Darke County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Justice Cupp addressed... read more.

Politico... John Boehner: Democrats ‘win’ in government shutdown
By John Bresnahan & Jake Sherman - 4/5/11 - Speaker John Boehner is warning his Republican colleagues that Democrats would “win” a government shutdown and the GOP would suffer a political catastrophe if the federal government runs out of money at the end of this week. “The Democrats think they benefit from a government shutdown. I agree,” Boehner said during a closed-door, 90-minute meeting on House Republicans on Monday night, according to several lawmakers... read more.

Politico... Paul Ryan’s proposal poses a predicament for GOP, By Alexander Burns & Alex Isenstadt
4/5/11 - The dramatic 2012 spending plan unveiled Tuesday by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan amounts to a test of political will for the GOP’s most vulnerable lawmakers, some of them only a few months into their maiden terms. The decision before them boils down to this: Will they stake their seats on a risky vote to overhaul the federal budget, including the popular Medicare entitlement program? So far, the most popular answer is: maybe... read more.

Dayton Business Journal... Congress votes to repeal health care reform provision
By Kent Hoover - Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - Congress has voted to repeal a provision in President Barack Obama’s health care reform law that small businesses say would be a paperwork nightmare for filing 1099 forms with the IRS. The U.S. Senate approved a bill Tuesday to repeal a health care reform provision that requires businesses to file a 1099 form with the Internal Revenue... read more.

Politico... House GOP to distribute shutdown plan, By Jonathan Allen
4/4/11 - Republican leaders are preparing the House for a government shutdown, as they plan to distribute a pamphlet about the mechanics of a partial congressional work-stoppage to all lawmakers’ offices Tuesday morning, according to several senior House aides. It’s the strongest signal yet that House Speaker John Boehner believes the White House and Congress could fail to... read more.

Kasich: $36 Million for RX Drug Abuse Treatment and Employment
Includes Creation of 23 County Opiate Task Forces - COLUMBUS – Gov. John R. Kasich announced $36 million in new funds to help Ohioans addicted to prescription drugs get the treatment they need so they can get back into the workforce. Kasich made the announcement at a prescription drug abuse summit of drug addiction, health care and criminal justice professionals. “Prescription drug abuse and... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Kasich plan would let parents overhaul failing schools
By Jennifer Smith Richards - Can’t fix failing schools? Parents could get tough on Ohio’s districts - Gov. John Kasich’s budget plan would give parents the power to force radical changes on chronically underperforming schools. “Failing to address the concerns of parents could for the first time come at a high cost,” said Chad Aldis, executive director of School Choice Ohio, which pushes for charter schools and private-school vouchers. The “parent trigger” would apply to... read more.

Faber: Ohio Spring Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 18
Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter April 4, 2011 - COLUMBUS, OH - Spring wild turkey hunting opens in all 88 Ohio counties on Monday, April 18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The season continues through Sunday, May 15. “Hunters may see three-year-old gobblers this spring based on the strength of the 2008 hatch,” said ODNR Wildlife Biologist Mike Reynolds. “Overall, turkey numbers should be... read more.

Politico... Microsoft files complaint against Google, By Tony Romm & Mike Zapler
3/31/11 - Microsoft asked European regulators Thursday to go after Google on antitrust grounds, accusing the search giant of trying to “entrench its dominance” on the Web. It’s a major escalation in the war between the two tech titans. Microsoft and other Google foes say Google’s powerful search engine and its move into other markets — from advertising to mobile phones to travel — has stunted industrywide competition. Google has described itself as under siege... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Schools may take $852M hit, By Jim Siegel, Alan Johnson and Joe Hallett
Latest breakdown of state cuts puts Franklin County districts at $92M... Wednesday, March 30, 2011 - Over the next two years, Franklin County schools would lose $74 million in state funding through reduced state tax reimbursements, on top of the nearly $18 million they stand to lose through changes in basic state operating funds, according to new data released last night by the state budget office. Statewide, schools would lose an additional $579million in reimbursements... read more.

Rasmussen... What They Told Us: Reviewing Last Week’s Key Polls
Saturday, April 02, 2011 - With America bogged down in Afghanistan, the nation’s longest-running war, President Obama made a nationally televised address Monday night to explain his decision to use U.S. military forces in Libya, too. But the president’s speech doesn’t appear to have made voters more confident about his handling of the situation in Libya, nor has it made them feel more strongly that Libya is important to U.S. national security. Scott Rasmussen in a new... read more.

Insider Report from Newsmax.com
Headlines (Click the link for complete stories): 1. Obama to Launch Re-election With Video; 2. Medicaid Wastes $329 Million a Year on Brand Drugs; 3. Gallup: Americans Least Worried About Global Warming; 4. Soviets Lied About Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 First Space Flight; 5. U.S. Ninth Worst for High School Dropouts; 6. We Heard: Joyce Kaufman, Donald Trump, Bill Moyers... read more.

Politico... Reform regulations fire up health debate, By David Nather
4/1/11 - The Senate wrapped up its work Thursday without repealing the hated paperwork requirement of the health care law. Again. But the long-delayed accountable-care-organization regulation finally came out — providing details on a part of the law with the potential to thoroughly transform care delivery. Just about everyone in Washington who deals with health care policy is reading through the 429-page proposed rule on how to set up ACOs. The new entities will be networks... read more.

USA Today... CEO pay soars while workers’ pay stalls, By Matt Krantz and Barbara Hansen
The heads of the nation’s top companies got the biggest raises in recent memory last year after taking a hiatus during the recession. At a time most employees can barely remember their last substantial raise, median CEO pay jumped 27% in 2010 as the executives’ compensation started working its way back to prerecession levels, a USA TODAY analysis of data from GovernanceMetrics International found. Workers in private industry, meanwhile, saw... read more.

Politico... Govs face budget blowback, By Alexander Burns
It was supposed to be one of the clearest messages of the 2010 elections: Voters were finally fed up with government spending. It felt like the usual rules had changed, and that Americans were worried enough about the size of government to support a new era of belt-tightening. They wanted leaders to make the tough choices – and would stick by the ones who did. Now, a new wave of polling has challenged that consensus, raising serious questions about whether voters... read more.

Boehner says no agreement on budget stalemate
Apr 1, 2011 - Washington - At a press conference today, Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) said there is “no agreement” with Senate Democrats (who have yet to pass a bill or offer a credible plan of their own) on government funding and that Republicans are fighting for “the largest spending cuts that we can get” to end the uncertainty facing small businesses. Below is a link to the video and Boehner’s full remarks... read more.

Senate Bill 5 Reforms needed to Help manage Costs, By State Senator Keith Faber
March 28, 2011 - "Reforms in Senate Bill 5 Needed to Help Governments Manage Costs, Workforces during Difficult Economic Times" - Many of you have contacted my office to express your opinions on Senate Bill 5, and I sincerely appreciate your participation in the process. Your opinions were noted, and I welcomed the many constructive suggestions for improvements in the bill. As I said in my speech... read more.

Weekly Republican Address... Boehner on Cutting Spending and Tackling Job Creation
WASHINGTON, DC – Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) discusses the new House majority’s efforts to cut spending and tackle the big challenges facing job creation in America. In the address, Boehner, a former small business owner, talks about how the spending binge in Washington is creating uncertainty for private-sector job creators and holding our economy back. He reiterates Republicans’ commitment to fighting... read more.

Government Shut Down Prevention Bill... Has been introduced...
112th CONGRESS - 1st Session - H. R. 1255 - To prevent a shutdown of the government of the United States, and for other purposes... This Act may be cited as the ‘Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011’... If the House has not received a message from the Senate before April 6, 2011, stating that it has passed a measure providing for the appropriations for the departments and agencies of the Government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011... read more.

Treasurer Mandel Outlines Plans to Increase Efficiency and Leverage Technology
COLUMBUS – State Treasurer of Ohio Josh Mandel presented the Treasurer’s office budget today before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Finance and Appropriations. The Treasurer’s budget would reduce general revenue fund operating expenses by 6.5%. “The primary function of the Treasurer’s office is to protect and invest the state’s money, and it is my commitment to do so with integrity and transparency,” said Treasurer Mandel... read more.

Wicker and Boehner Continue to Seek Answers for Delphi Retirees
WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Congressman John Boehner (R-Ohio) today highlighted the initial phase of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) non-partisan, independent analysis of the federal financial assistance provided to the General Motors (GM) Corporation and its treatment of non-unionized Delphi retirees. The report contains a specific timeline of the events that transpired. “This is an important step in learning why Delphi retirees were... read more.

Columbus Dispatch... Suburban officials discuss sharing services, By Dean Narciso
Joint dispatching center interests townships, cities - Spurred by the desire to contain costs, a group of seven townships and cities - including Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Upper Arlington and Worthington - met yesterday to brainstorm setting up a joint communications center for their police and fire agencies. But some agencies that already handle dispatching for several jurisdictions weren’t invited. Organizers said they wanted to meet with agencies... read more.

Eminent Domain: Property Owners Beware!, By Jan Boyer, Senior Scribe
“We will know the true value of water when it is gone!” With this time honored quotation, Judge Julie Monnin concluded an eye opening talk to 60 citizens about eminent domain and the pitfalls property owners could face when drilling companies come knocking on their doors. Municipal Judge Monnin’s presentation was a continuation of the League of Women Voters’ goal to provide... read more.

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