Innovation Ohio

What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy

Innovation Ohio Welcomes President Joe Biden Back to Ohio

Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement welcoming President Joe Biden back to Ohio in advance of tonight’s CNN town hall in Cincinnati:

“Joe Biden has only been in office a few months, but he’s already done so much for Ohio. We’re thrilled to welcome him back again today.

“Cincinnati, where the president will be tonight, has already benefited from $280 million in local COVID relief funds.

“Millions of families throughout Ohio are also receiving monthly payments to help with child care costs. 

“President Biden and Democrats in Congress are sending real, tangible support directly to Ohio families.

“Cincinnati is also home to the crumbling, congested Brent Spence bridge — a perfect example of the need to pass Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan.

“Ohioans need safe, reliable roads and bridges in order to get to work. We need broadband internet to do our jobs and help our kids with homework. We need the president’s infrastructure plan to pass.

“And, as Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown reminds us, infrastructure is about much more than roads and bridges. Infrastructure also includes child care, paid leave, and programs that help us build strong communities. 

“We’re hopeful that Congress will stand with Sherrod Brown, Joe Biden, and the majority of Americans and pass these human infrastructure programs quickly.

“We’re grateful to President Biden and to Ohio’s Democratic elected officials who voted for the American Rescue Plan. And we urge Congress to take the next step to pass a strong infrastructure package that will literally lay the groundwork for Ohio’s future.”

Mayors, Small Business Leader Discuss the American Rescue Plan and Local Aid

Yesterday, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, hosted three Ohio mayors and the Co-Chair of Small Business For America’s Future for a virtual “Local Aid Through the American Rescue Plan” panel.

Mayors Meghan George (Lakewood), Frank Whitfield (Elyria), and Steve Patterson (Athens) discussed how they are using local aid through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to support their communities.

“The American Rescue Plan ensures that Ohio’s state and local governments can continue to fund critical public services. It also provides flexible funds that allow state and local leaders to decide how to best continue providing relief — especially to our small businesses,” said Desiree Tims.

“The resources in the American Rescue Plan are giving us a once in a generation opportunity to make catalytic investments in our cities and small businesses,” said Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield.

Anne Zimmerman — founder and owner of Zimmerman & Co CPAs Inc. and Co-Chair of Small Business for America’s Future — also joined the panel to discuss local aid through a small business lens. SBAF co-sponsored the panel with Innovation Ohio.

“This aid is incredibly important for our community. 60% of small business owners say that relief from the American Rescue Plan will be used primarily to keep their workers on the job. Strong small businesses create a strong economy for all of Ohio,” said Anne Zimmerman.

The American Rescue Plan is sending Ohio’s state and local governments a total of $12 billion. $5.4 billion goes to the state. Another $6.6 billion goes directly to local cities, counties, townships, and municipalities to maintain critical COVID relief programs and avoid budget cuts.

“There are several key provisions that the American Rescue Plan is providing — including mitigating negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic and helping us support investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure,” said Lakewood Mayor Meghan George. “Every single household and every single business is going to benefit from the American Rescue Plan here in our community.”

“COVID had a significant impact on small businesses in college communities like Athens. They built their livelihoods around having students in the uptown area. I can’t imagine how much more of a negative, long-term impact we would have experienced if the American Rescue Plan hadn’t passed,” said Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. 

The full panel can be viewed online here.

As President Biden Visits Ohio, Desiree Tims Praises American Rescue Plan

COLUMBUS — Today, as President Joe Biden visited Ohio, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement praising the American Rescue Plan and its impact on the state:

“We are so grateful to have President Biden in Ohio today as the American Rescue Plan continues to help our state recover. 

“The president’s plan is having a real, direct impact on Ohioans’ lives. It provides support in so many ways — from child tax credits, to rental assistance, to small business relief, to protecting our veterans. It’s exactly the boost our communities needed. 

“I’m also thrilled to see the president place such a high priority on infrastructure. Rebuilding our state will mean stable, good-paying jobs in dozens of industries for thousands of people. And the result will be a stronger Ohio that’s ready to grow and flourish for years to come.”

Desiree Tims Condemns DeWine Decision to Reject Federal Unemployment Aid

COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning Governor DeWine’s decision to reject federal unemployment aid:

“Throughout the pandemic, Ohio’s Republican supermajority has made clear they’re willing to sacrifice human lives for the economy. 

“Today we learned they’re also willing to starve Ohioans out of their homes to help their donors turn a profit.

“Some politicians are claiming businesses can’t find workers because people make more on unemployment than they could at a job. They’ve convinced Governor DeWine to reject free unemployment dollars from the federal government in order to terrify Ohioans back to work.

“The problem? These politicians are either misinformed or lying to you.

“In reality, many of the industries struggling to find workers tend to pay better than unemployment. Americans are probably worried about applying for jobs where they would have to work in-person during an ongoing global pandemic.
 
“Sadly, despite the dangers, many Ohioans have been forced to trade their safety for shamefully low pay just to feed their families during the pandemic.

“During this time, employees learned that their employers and their government viewed them as disposable. Many were forced to serve clientele who ignored health orders, refused to wear masks, and placed everyone around them at risk.
 
“Now that the economy is starting to recover and more jobs are available, these workers can be more selective. And they should be.
 
“There are plenty of employers who aren’t worried about a staffing shortage. In a competitive market, many employers have learned they can attract quality staff by paying them better and offering good benefits.

“The loser companies are the ones complaining. They don’t want to pay a living wage, so they’re trying to starve Ohioans into submission instead. And Ohio’s Republican supermajority is helping them do it.

“Today’s decision is another attack on hardworking Ohioans who deserve better. It’s also meddling in the free market.

“Ohio politicians have managed to make a decision that’s bad for both workers AND the economy.”

Celebrating the American Rescue Plan on this Special Mother’s Day — Statement from Desiree Tims

Today, as Ohio celebrates our first Mother’s Day with access to a COVID vaccine, we can also find joy in the many ways the American Rescue Plan is supporting moms and kids.

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan is providing direct relief to hardworking Ohio parents. It’s sending the families of 2,591,800 Ohio children $300 per month, per child. That is real, tangible support when Ohioans need it most.

President Biden’s plan is also helping get Ohio parents back to work. It’s investing about $1.3 billion to help child care programs reopen safely and expand existing COVID-safe care.

Ohio moms deserve the relief of knowing they can trust their children to reliable caregivers while they’re working hard to pay the bills.

Many Americans have also struggled to put food on the table during the COVID pandemic. That’s why the ARP is providing 1,465,000 Ohio families with an extra 15% to spend on food and nutrition through September.

In addition, it ensures that 600,000 Ohio children will have access to school lunches through the summer months. 

On this extra special Mother’s Day, we can be grateful for science, strong leadership, and policies that help support all the incredible moms throughout our state. 

In Solidarity,
Desiree Tims
President & CEO
Innovation Ohio

Biden’s Visit — Statement from Desiree Tims

With President Biden visiting Columbus later today, we wanted to share a few thoughts about the groundbreaking American Rescue Package.

The American Rescue Package will help us build back better. Money in your pocket and a shot in your arm – it’s that simple. The American Rescue Package is the first step towards rebuilding after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ARP will help keep food on the table and keep struggling families out of poverty. Most Ohioans will receive $1,400 under the rescue plan, plus additional funds for children. This is exactly what Ohio families need. Some estimates show that the ARP will cut child poverty in Ohio in half.

The American rescue package will provide massive support for our local communities. The ARP will give local governments in Ohio $4.6 billion to help pay for first responders, public health professionals, and vital city services. It will also provide $5.5 billion to the state of Ohio.

The ARP will keep health costs down and help reopen schools. The American Rescue Plan’s investments in healthcare and schools will help Ohio families afford quality healthcare and safely get our kids back to school – in person.

President Biden’s visit shows how important Ohio still is politically. With all the important elections in 2022, including the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, it’s no surprise that President Biden would come to Ohio this early. It’s another reminder that Ohio isn’t a red state, it’s a rigged state. Over the next two years, we have an incredible opportunity to rebuild progressive power in Ohio!

I hope you’ll help spread the word!

In solidarity,

Desiree Tims
Innovation Ohio CEO

The Work Continues — Statement from Desiree Tims

Today kicks off the start of Women’s History Month. This month is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the role women have played in shaping American history.

From activists calling for bold action, to artists and athletes influencing culture, to elected officials advancing pro-women policy, women have long been at the forefront of movements for social change. But this recognition of the women who have paved the way in history must extend beyond the month of March.

At Innovation Ohio, we recognize the unprecedented moment we are in right now to advance real, systemic change for the lives of women. Here’s a look at some of the work Innovation Ohio and our program, the Women’s Public Policy Network, have been leading in the fight for gender equity:

The women throughout our country’s history have brought us to where we are today, but it will be on all of us to continue to move the needle forward for change. We hope you will join us in this fight!

Chip in to support our work

In Solidarity,

Desiree Tims
Innovation Ohio CEO

Lame Duck – Gun Hearings Wednesday, Marathon Sessions Thursday

Since our Monday coverage, the schedule has changed a bit and we have more clarity about what the rest of the week will look like.

The House and Senate will each hold their final session of the year on Thursday at 11 am. Expect these to go well into the afternoon or evening with all the measures likely to come up for a vote. It’s safe to assume that the bills scheduled for committee hearings and votes this week will be on the agenda.

In committee action, more gun bills are set to be heard in committees today (HB425, Duty to Notify and HB796 Duty to Retreat).

A conference committee debating a bill to combat theft in office by public officials (Senate Bill 10) may add language to the bill to strip power from the Franklin County Prosecutor to investigate wrongdoing by Statehouse officials, now that a Democrat is set to occupy that office.

A proposal (House Bill 798) to partially repeal HB6 — but keep portions bailing out coal & nuclear plants and eliminate Ohio’s renewable energy standards — will be heard today, but it seems unlikely that will make it to the floor of both chambers this week.

A Senate bill prohibiting medication abortion via telemedicine (SB260) will be on the House floor tomorrow while a House bill to make it harder to sue your employer for civil rights violations (HB352) is likely up for a Senate vote.

Bills likely up for a vote in Senate session Thursday:

Bills likely up for a vote in House session Thursday:

Lame Duck Continues Despite Statehouse COVID-19 Outbreak

Still operating without a mask mandate as at least two lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending committee hearings and session, it appears that things are still business as usual at the General Assembly this week. Two days of hearings are scheduled on dozens of bills as the House and Senate work to wrap up the 2019-2020 legislative session.

Ironically — as COVID keeps some lawmakers away from the building — the agenda once again are more bills to strip power from the Governor to control the pandemic. Republicans also seem intent on moving multiple bills that would loosen Ohio gun laws, including proposals to eliminate the Duty to Retreat in armed conflicts (also know as “Stand Your Ground”).

A detailed list of committee hearings we’re watching is provided below, but bills we are watching this week include:

  • Rollbacks of COVID-19 public health orders (SB374 and HB621), elimination of statewide mask mandate (SB387) and changes to testing data requirements (HB624)
  • HB6 repeal (HB798)
  • Stand Your Ground (HB796, SB383) and Concealed Carry (HB425) gun bills. … see “Statehouse Meetings and Events” below for a full rundown of the committee hearings and events we’ll be watching this week

The following bills were introduced since our last update. You can keep an eye on all the bills we’re tracking here.

New Legislation This Week

  • House Bill 798 (Hoops) – Nuclear Subsidies – to delay for one year the charges and payments for nuclear resource and renewable energy credits, and revise certain other laws, enacted by H.B. 6 of the 133rd General Assembly, to amend Power Siting Board law and other electric utility law, to prohibit certain restrictions on solar energy systems, and to declare an emergency.
  • House Bill 799 (Reineke, Lang) – Face Masks – to terminate certain provisions of the “Director’s Order for Retail and Business Compliance for Facial Coverings throughout the State of Ohio,” issued on November 13, 2020, and to declare an emergency.

Take Action to Keep Democracy Open

  1. Tell Senate Leader Obhof and House Speaker Cupp to make virtual testimony available as an option for policy experts and everyday Ohioans to safely participate in committee hearings at allontheline.org/OHTestimony
  2. Copy & share this tweet from your personal account calling for virtual testimony. Or write your own tweet sharing the link to take action at allontheline.org/OHTestimony:

    We want options for virtual testimony at the Statehouse to #KeepDemocracyOpen by making the process
    ✅ Healthy & Safe
    ✅ Transparent & Fair
    ✅ Accessible to all of us!
    ➡️ allontheline.org/OHTestimony

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