Chairman Matt Borges
ORP Update for July 6
Greetings!

The Fourth of July was not the only reason Ohioans had to celebrate this weekend. Ohio also closed the books on the 2014 fiscal year and thanks to effective and responsible management, our state had an $800 million budget surplus. Remember that when our Republican leaders took office they faced an $8 billion budget hole left by the Democrats.

Governor John Kasich and our Republican leadership got to work and are leading Ohio to a remarkable turnaround. What's more, Kasich and Republican legislators have used four straight state surpluses to return money to the taxpayers who earned it. With over $3 billion in tax cuts and a 75% tax cut for small businesses, Ohio is growing stronger every day.

The Columbus Dispatch praised Governor Kasich's dedication to turning the state's economy around in an editorial this week. The article pinpoints how a laser-like focus on creating jobs and balancing budgets has allowed Ohio to set an example for other states and the nation to follow.

FitzGerald's campaign still on the ground

Democrat gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald has failed to manage his office in Cuyahoga County and continues to make blunder after blunder. His most recent blunder, the nomination of Jeannet Wright for Treasurer, has yet again proven that Ed is unfit to lead. The Cleveland Plain Dealer condemned FitzGerald for not even handling easy challenges that could be described as "good government 101."

Of course our key cards were out in full force again this week trying to uncover what Ed FitzGerald is hiding by still refusing to release the public records.

Veterans' bill aids transition to civilian life

This week, Governor John Kasich was at the University of Cincinnati to sign a bill that will help our veterans earn class credit for their military service. Credit will be assessed based on the areas where they have experience due to their service. The bill aims to make the transition for veterans returning to civilian life from combat easier.

Gov. John Kasich also stopped by the new GE facility in Cincinnati for their groundbreaking. The project is expected to create 1,800 new jobs and will be a substantial investment in the community.

Fourth of July weekend celebrations

Lt. Governor Mary Taylor joined Governor Kasich Thursday and Friday to walk in a few parades to celebrate Independence Day across Ohio. The Lt. Governor walked in the Stow parade while Governor Kasich spent his holiday greeting Ohioans along parade routes in Centerville and Lebanon.

Senator Rob Portman and his wife Jane celebrated the 4th of July weekend with hundreds of supporters by walking in three parades across Ohio. They started in Columbus for the Red, White, and Boom parade on the 3rd before heading north to walk in the Lakewood parade and the Wellington parade on the 4th.

I hope you had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend celebrating our country's independence with family, friends, and fireworks!

Portman legislation passes Senate

Despite the gridlock in Washington, Senator Portman also had some big legislative wins this week. His Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 2013 and his World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2014 were both signed into law by the president this week. His algal bloom bill improves the way the federal government deals with harmful algal blooms in freshwaters like the Great Lakes and Grand Lake St. Marys, and his WWII Memorial Prayer Act honors our veterans by adding the prayer President FDR prayed to the nation on D-Day to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.

Sexual Assault Kit Testing Initiative going strong

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine released a status update on the progress of DNA testing being conducted as part of the Ohio Attorney General's Sexual Assault Kit Testing Initiative. A total of 140 law enforcement agencies in Ohio have submitted 8,001 rape kits for testing by the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (as part of the SAK Testing Initiative. Forensic scientists at BCI have completed testing on a total of 4,108 rape kits submitted, which has led to 1,474 hits. All leads have been passed along to authorities to pursue justice for the victims.

July's Ohio Business Profiles

Every month Secretary of State Jon Husted picks a handful of Ohio companies to be a part of the Ohio Business Profile. In an effort to recognize the ongoing advancements the state has made in the aerospace industry, Secretary of State Jon Husted announced that July's Ohio Business Profile features a wide variety of companies that support this important business sector under the theme "Ohio Takes Flight."

Ohio's treasury office improves finances

Treasurer Josh Mandel wrote an op-ed in the Cincinnati Enquirer this week highlighting the work he has done over the last three and a half years in the Treasurer's office. Treasurer Mandel worked tirelessly to correct the mess Democrats left behind and quickly turned the state's checkbook around. When he entered office, Ohio's financial ranking was 43rd in the county and it is now 7th in the county.

"We've set an example for fiscal responsibility and transparency and have been laser-beam focused on thoughtfully collecting, protecting and investing your hard-earned dollars," Mandel stated.

Conservative principles ground Auditor Yost

Auditor Dave Yost addressed the Logan County Republican Party during their annual garden party this week. During the outdoor event, Auditor Yost spoke about the importance of conservative values and how adhering to them has led to the state being better off in all aspects. Intense and rigorous audits have saved taxpayer dollars, reduced fraud, and identified corruption across the state. For examples of Auditor Yost's hard work, look at how he identified an ambulance company that over-billed the state for $170,000.

Once again I hope you had a safe and happy Fourth of July. Our hard work continues again next week in the push to November. United with a common goal we can keep Ohio's comeback going.

Sincerely,
Matt Borges
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party