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Guest Column from State
Representative Jim Buchy |
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The 77th House District is known for its
agriculture, but along with our rural life comes the important role of
sportsmen. Sportsmen are responsible for hunting animals that can be a
nuisance to our crops. These outdoorsmen are critical to maintaining
wildlife population levels. Without their efforts, crops would be
destroyed, disease would run rampant and the limited habitat would be
over taken.
This year, sportsmen in our area noticed two changes.
Non-resident landowners were no longer able to hunt on their own land in
Indiana without purchasing an out-of-state license, and deer check was
done electronically, closing the longtime deer check stations in our
communities.
In the past, both Hoosiers and Ohioans who own land
in the other state have been able to hunt that land as a landowner
without a license. This was changed with an amendment that was tucked in
the 2011-2012 Fiscal Budget, HB 153. One of the basic tenets of freedom
is the ability to own private property. Asking a landowner to purchase
an out-of-state license to hunt on land that he or she own is an
overextension of government. As a result, I have been working with the
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to establish an agreement
with Indiana that would provide the benefits to local hunters that these
hunters rightfully possess.
The results of the returned surveys also illustrated
that hunters found the electronic deer check to be an effective way to
check in killed deer. Specifically, the data revealed that 159 out of
263 that responded to the question, or 60 percent, of licensed hunters
believed that the electronic deer check functioned well, while 80 out of
263, or 30 percent, of hunters believe that checking deer electronically
is not serving hunters well. |
| Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy |
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The Heartbeat Bill:
Putting Ohio on the Front Lines of the ProLife Movement The Heartbeat Bill establishes regulations banning abortions when an unborn child has a heartbeat:
*Source:
Legislative Service Commission, Bill Analysis Am. Sub. HB 125, As Passed
by the House. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
Week of Sunday
January 1, 2012
2011 Sparked a
Time for Renewal in |
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Members of the Senate
Majority helped in sparking job creation and economic growth
The past twelve months saw
We knew from the start
that job creation would need to be the centerpiece of any true and
lasting recovery and that is what led to the groundbreaking
JobsOhio initiative.
Proposed by Governor Kasich, the private-public partnership to attract
business and spark job creation received bipartisan support from the
legislature and is already having an impact across the state. Thus far,
the program has been involved in over 240 business projects and has
allowed for more than 82,000 jobs to be either retained or created. In
our area alone, JobsOhio
has been responsible for 560 new jobs and has retained nearly 3,000
existing, at-risk positions.
In all,
In addition to growing our
workforce,
Also underway is a renewed
effort to ease the tax burden felt by so many of our families. The most
recent state operating budget was highlighted by a series of measures
aimed at putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Ohioans.
Republican lawmakers approved more than $800 million in property tax
relief for our residents, as well as a 4.2-percent income tax reduction
that had previously been halted by the Strickland administration two
years ago. Perhaps most significantly, the budget bill finally did away
with the job-crushing estate tax that has been driving family-owned
farms and businesses out of
Any foundation for future
prosperity would be incomplete without evaluating the way in which
government operates. For too long, state government has been a
bureaucratic mess that misuses your tax dollars and sometimes works
against the best interests of our local communities. Senate Republicans
recognized this problem and wasted no time in proposing bold initiatives
geared toward creating a more efficient government. Last year saw the
passage of legislation that will now require the state Auditor to
conduct performance audits of various state agencies. The added
oversight tool will help to ensure that public funds are being used in a
manner that is both effective and worthwhile in handling interests of
the state.
Comprehensive regulatory
reform also became a reality in 2011. As chairman of the Regulatory
Reform Task Force in 2008, I led a bipartisan panel in reviewing and
evaluating the countless regulations that businesses must deal with in
order to operate in our state. We found that
With every new year comes
new opportunities, and my colleagues and I remain determined in building
on the successes of 2011. Recovery is no simple task and a great deal
of work remains at all levels of government. However, I am quite
confident that bright days are ahead for
As always, please do not hesitate to
contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any of the
matters we are considering at the Statehouse. I can be reached by phone
at (614) 466-7584, by e-mail at SD12@senate.state.oh.us or by writing me
at State Senator Keith Faber, Ohio Statehouse,
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter December 15, 2011 Santa Needs Helpers |
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All joking aside, while you and I prepare for this wonderful holiday, there are others who may not be catching the Christmas spirit. The economy, despite slow improvement, has seen better days. And while we begin Christmas shopping and caroling, let’s not forget those who have had their lives dramatically affected by recent economic hardships.
Visit http://www.operationwarm.org/, a site dedicated to ensure that all children can stay warm this winter. Although the weather is certainly pleasing right now, every Ohioan knows that when winter finally decides to show, it makes its presence known. If you have an old coat that you no longer wear, consider its potential to keep winter off the back of someone else. While I talk about charity and giving back this Christmas, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a certain group within my district that needs no reassurance. They have already helped many needy children this year. It pleases me to acknowledge the Parkway Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA) for their hard work in an effort to bright the holidays for others. With the help of Cub Scout Pack 98 Webelos, the staff of Parkway Schools, and the freshman class, the program raised over $1400 in toys and money for Toys for Tots. What an amazing feat. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference with this program. It’s vital that we stop and think about what this holiday is really about. Family. Friends. A sense of togetherness. It’s a season that celebrates humanity. So let’s do our part. Consider giving back this Christmas to those that need it the most. Every child deserves an exciting, warm Christmas morning. Let’s follow the example of the Parkway FBLA. |
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Representative Buchy Files as a Candidate for the 84th Ohio House of Representatives Seat |
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Celina, Ohio- Ohio State Representative
Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) filed petitions to seek election as State
Representative from the new 84th Ohio House District. The new district
is comprised of Mercer County and portions of Auglaize, Darke and Shelby
counties. Representative Buchy is currently filling the unexpired term of Jim Zehringer (R-Fort Recovery) who was appointed Director of Agriculture in January. Representative Buchy serves on the State Government and Elections Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and is Vice Chairman of the Economic and Small Business Development Committee. Representative Buchy says, “I have enjoyed being an active part of changes to how we do business in Ohio. I want to return as your State Representative to continue this progress and help get Ohio moving again.” In the past year as Representative, he has had several key legislative accomplishments. Representative Buchy was sponsor for HB 229 a bill that streamlined operations at the Ohio Department of Agriculture and promoted growth of Ohio Agriculture. He made an amendment to the budget to allow schools to have “e-days” in lieu of calamity days. In addition, he worked actively to promote business growth through an 18 month use tax amnesty program and took a leadership role in the passage of the Heartbeat Bill; which could save a bus load of unborn children each day. Currently, Representative Buchy is working to pass HB 276, which will define algaculture and anaerobic digesters as part of agriculture under Ohio law. This bill will have a major impact on the 84th House District. It will reduce the amount of nutrients that enter our water cycle by providing alternative uses of agricultural byproducts. Representative Buchy will be on the Republican primary ballot in March. If successful the General Election will take place in November of 2012. |
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy I Stand By my Vote for Collective Bargaining Reform |
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Since returning to the Ohio House of Representatives, I have enjoyed company with so many constituents. The hospitality shown to me and the time I have been able to spend in each community of the 77th House District is much appreciated. Since late February much of my time has been spent with constituents talking about the balanced budget passed in Ohio and collective bargaining reform. Government must live within its means and we need a smaller government that stays out of our lives. For that reason it was without hesitation that I supported legislation that would give our local governments and citizens control over their own budgets. Ohio is out of money and the public in many cases is not supporting tax hikes to fund the exploding size and cost of government. I stand behind my vote in favor of Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 was part of the five part plan to turn this state around. In particular, Senate Bill 5 amended collective bargaining laws for the first time in 28 years. This is necessary reform that I believe would have kept young people in this state and would have primed the pumps for Ohio’s comeback. Throughout the process I communicated with my constituents and your concerns were brought back to my colleagues who made changes in the bill as a result. One of those changes was allowing citizens to have the final say on a controversial contract by an up or down vote of the community. Once SB 5 became law, my efforts were you united with other state leaders to bring the facts of the law around the state. I met many of you at community meetings, in service clubs, and at public events. I had visits with local police chiefs, fire chiefs, sheriffs, mayors, city administrators, teachers and school superintendents. I urged support for Senate Bill 5 because these reforms would allow public employees to remain on the job even when budget times are tough. On Tuesday, the voters in Ohio rejected Issue 2 overwhelmingly. Interestingly, the entire 77th House District turned it down by only 573 votes out of over 46,000 votes cast. The people spoke and I accept their decision. My plans are to remain in communication with constituents as we work in Columbus to solve our budget problems and promote job growth in Ohio. We will work on many topics over the coming months that must be addressed. I will personally be promoting changes to agricultural law that would promote cleaner water in our farmland without increased regulation. We will likely tackle pension reform, capital improvements, continued job creation, and changes at the local government level to reduce high operation costs. Ohio is too great of a state to sit back and let her fail. Tuesday night presented more challenges in fixing this State but I look forward to many opportunities to take new steps to turn Ohio around. We are lucky to live in a state with a great history. As your State Representative I will work to find ways to keep young people in Ohio and get the economy pumping once again. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter |
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Earlier this year, Senate Bill
5, an overhaul of
1.
Requiring that public employees pay at least 15% of their healthcare
premiums
2.
Requiring that public employees pay at least 10% toward their pensions
3. The
implementation of a merit pay or performance-based compensation system
Sincerely,
Senator Keith Faber
President Pro Tempore 12th Senate District |
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Guest Column from State
Representative Jim Buchy “Black-Gold” Rush Set To Begin in Days |
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A major part of Ohio’s history is the oil
boom of the 1800s, but that “black-gold” eventually dried up. The shale
this state sits on still contains oil and natural gas, and new
technology will allow us to harvest this natural resource. What does
this mean for Ohio? It means jobs, improvements to our state parks, new
wealth in the poorest areas of our state and affordable energy in a time
when Ohio is lacking in all the above. Ohio sits
upon the two shale formations: the Marcellus shale, estimated to be the
second largest natural gas field in the world—being able to supply the
U.S. demand for natural gas for the next 20 years—and the Utica shale.
Previously, these deep formations could not be tapped but we are no
longer limited by technology of the past. Some new and updated
technologies are providing more access than previously possible. The
combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing will allow
our state to reap the opportunities that lie beneath. Horizontal
drilling simply means that drilling turns horizontal after reaching a
certain depth, decreasing the number of well-bores needed. Once this is
achieved, hydraulic fracturing—a method by which highly pressurized
water is used to crack the shale—is enacted to break up the shale and
release the natural gas deep inside. This process has been used for
more than 60 years and has been safely performed in over one million
wells nationwide. The
presence of an energy company alone will provide jobs for Ohioans, but
many more opportunities exist. Peripheral companies, such as those that
manufacture pipes and other equipment used in drilling, will be
attracted to Ohio in an effort to profit off Ohio’s booming new
industry. This is economic stimulus without the government spending a
penny. Additionally, various other industries will find Ohio’s immense
supply of cheap energy appealing. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce has
stated that “in 2009 a Pennsylvania study estimated Marcellus gas
producers have already spent a total of $4.5 billion to develop the
resource, resulting in the creation of 44,000 jobs. The same study
estimated employment in the state would expand by more than 88,000 jobs
in 2010 and 111,000 jobs in 2011.” It is also thought the tapping of
the Bakken formation in North Dakota helps to explain the state’s 3.2%
unemployment rate, the lowest in the nation. This is good for Ohio. House Bill
133, which will go into effect on September 30th, will begin
the first steps in tapping Ohio’s natural resources. Funds obtained
through the leasing of state lands will be used to upkeep and renovate
state parks for the future enjoyment of our citizens. In short, this
act will help to provide jobs and enhance Ohio’s beautiful state parks. The exploration and extraction of natural gas from shale formations in Ohio means prosperity and a higher standard of living for Ohioans for generations to come. Hydraulic fracturing has proven to be safe. The economic benefits are present in other states. This is a step in the right direction, and I trust the people of this district will share in the benefits that are about to come to this state. |
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Senator Faber’s
Weekly Newsletter September 12, 2011 |
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There is
still a lot to be accomplished this year, so please make your voice
heard. I try to utilize this newsletter as an additional resource to
not only inform my constituents on the weekly happenings in Columbus,
but to encourage constituents to contact my office to request assistance
on state matters, ask questions related to Ohio laws and regulations,
and simply to share their opinion on proposed state legislation or any
other issues you care about.
It’s great
to be back in
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Guest Column from State
Representative Jim Buchy |
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There has
been a lot of talk about the balanced budget, but people never talk
about the sacrifices made to balance the budget. Throughout the
process, my colleagues and I met with many citizens who discussed why
their cause was important and why funds should be left intact for the
program. In those meetings, I never once was asked by anyone to seek an
increase in funds. Ohioans know the legislature and Governor Kasich are
serious about turning Ohio around. The trick to balancing this budget
was making smart cuts.
Over the
past 25 years Ohio Government has ballooned while our population has
dwindled in comparison with the other states. We have witnessed our
seats in Congress drop because Ohio has been back pedaling. We must
turn this state around. Everything you have viewed in Columbus this
past year has been part of that shift in ideology. Ohio is open for
business and a key part of the plan to turn around Ohio was a balanced
budget that didn’t raise taxes. Ohioans cannot afford a tax increase.
In this column, I will explain some of the cuts that were made, and what
we have done to ensure services are still provided to citizens.
Medicaid is a partnership program between
governments at the state and federal levels. States are required by the
federal government to fund certain services. When I came to Columbus in
1983, Medicaid was new to the state. At that time a few of my wise
colleagues proclaimed that Medicaid would one day bankrupt this state.
They were right. The level of funding fluctuates as the population
shifts and as new mandates are added and eliminated. Due to more and
more mandates being implemented, Medicaid has ballooned to nearly half
the state’s budget. Education
is the second largest item in our budget. The federal influence in
education is not nearly as impactful in education and thus to balance
the budget Education has to feel a sting. In the last budget law makers
supplanted large cuts with one time stimulus dollars. To close the 8
billion dollar budget deficit and increase education funding to make up
for the loss of stimulus would be impossible.
In lieu of
increasing funding to match the levels of the previous budget, which
included the stimulus and state dollars, my colleagues and I have
actively worked to remove state mandates such as all-day kindergarten.
We also removed the mandate to purchase new textbooks. The money set
aside for those textbooks was released to administrators to make
decisions for spending. The folks on the ground are most capable of
making financial decisions. At the state level we are working to provide
them more ability to balance their budget as they see fit. State funds
are extremely tight but cuts were felt across the board. Better tools
and better money management will enable each agency to continue
providing vital services to Ohioans. Another
area of the budget with significant cuts was the Local Government Fund (LGF).
The LGF was cut by 50% for the 2012 Fiscal Year and in the 2013 Fiscal
Year local governments will sustain another 25% cut of state monies.
Local governments receive much of their funding from the local tax base,
but state monies that supplemented local operations are being cut
substantially. I know these were smart cuts because when it comes to
working with our tax dollars our local officials are some of the most
financially savvy individuals. I have witnessed their preparation for
tough budget times and they will be able to streamline operations to
continue providing services.
In
addition, economists predict we will see an influx in dollars to local
governments when we turn the state economy around. The process has
already begun. The stream of bills passed and regulation changes over
the past year have resulted in Standard and Poors increasing Ohio’s
credit rating. The momentum is there for Ohio to see a boom of economic
activity and I trust it will make a substantial difference for our local
governments. In my
family business we always make a sacrifice at the top before asking
employees to join in the hardship. This is an attribute of leadership
that has been engrained in me. The Governor also holds this
understanding. The Office of the Governor was cut along with the Ohio
Consumer’s Council, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio
Lottery Commission and numerous other agencies. Budget cuts were felt
from top to bottom, but along with those cuts we provided tools to help
the agencies maintain services to Ohioans. Ohioans want this state turned around. In state government we are making decisions that will bring business and jobs to this state once again. Ohio has a great location and immense resources. We must remove the laws, regulations, and tax burden that currently deter business from putting Ohioans to work. The cuts in the budget were surrounded by tough decisions but the end result will be a better Ohio. |
| State Representative Jim Buchy: Strengthening our Schools, Promoting Education in Ohio |
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From the Desk of State Representative Jim Buchy Dear
Neighbor, As a
state representative, there is nothing that I take more pride in than
the quality of our schools and the role our teachers play in preparing
the next generation for the working world. Education is the backbone of
any community, and that fact certainly rings true right here in Ohio.
For this reason, I am committed to ensuring that our education system is
as strong, comprehensive and balanced as possible. The
state budget that was recently signed into law by the governor
prioritized our schools in a comprehensive, multi-faceted manner. We
invested in our schools by ensuring that all school districts receive at
least what they received in state aid last year, even when the state was
faced with a staggering $8 billion deficit. We also included a
performance-based pay system for teachers, which will reward teachers
for success in the classroom and ensure that our schools are staffed
with motivated, passionate educators. The
budget also expanded school choice options in Ohio by increasing the
number of and eligibility for vouchers. This effort will not only give
parents more options for their children, but it will also help motivated
students from underperforming schools receive a better, higher quality
education. The
Legislature has also repealed several unfunded or underfunded mandates
that were forced onto our school districts during the previous General
Assembly, including the requirement for all-day, every-day kindergarten
in every Ohio school district. We found it important to give school
districts more control over their finances and decide for themselves if
they are financially able to afford this program. We
also acknowledged the unpredictability of Ohio’s weather—especially our
often-dangerous winters—and restored Ohio’s excusable calamity days to
five. We also gave school districts more flexibility by providing two
new options to make up for calamity days: “e-days” (teachers prepare
and distribute classroom materials via the Internet) and “blizzard bags”
(lesson plans and other materials are prepared in advance pending
inclement weather so students can complete assignments from home).
The link below will lead
you to a brief survey that will help keep me aware of the issues that
are most important to you and our area.
Education is our gateway to a prosperous future as a state, and I am
pleased that the Ohio House has truly put students first during this
General Assembly. Thank you for your phone calls, e-mails and letters
that have kept me informed and guided my decision-making in Columbus. If
you have other ideas for strengthening our community, I may be reached
by calling (614) 466-6344, e-mailing District77@ohr.state.oh.us, or
writing to State Rep. Jim Buchy, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio
43215.
Sincerely, Jim
Buchy State
Representative Ohio
House District 77
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy |
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Balancing an $8 billion budget was a difficult process, but balancing it without tax increases was something many doubters did not believe could happen. When the budget became law it actually included changes to tax policy that lower taxes and provide opportunities for Ohio’s citizens to pay their back taxes without penalty. Tax increases stifle the growth of business and put a damper on any chance of economic recovery. The policy changes in this budget will encourage businessmen to invest in their business and create jobs. It will also encourage economic activity in Ohio. The budget eliminated the estate tax, created two tax amnesty periods, and if the state is conducting an audit on individuals or businesses, the state will be responsible to refund any overpayment of tax for the same period they are conducting the audit. The elimination of the estate tax is aimed at helping families, small businesses, and farmers across Ohio who currently pay this unfair double-tax. The existing law only allowed for the first $338,333to be exempt from taxation. If you include specific exemptions only in place for farmers there could be up to $1.5 million of an estate exempt. In House District 77, farmers who own more than 357 acres of farm land with no buildings, homes, equipment or livestock are subject to the estate tax even with the most exemptions possible for farmers. Only 30 states have an estate tax in place and of those 30, the average exemption is $1.7 million. In Ohio, the tax will not be eliminated until 2013 so that local governments have ample time to prepare for the loss of this revenue source. This elimination is a commonsense move that will provide Ohioans the opportunity to maintain family businesses and pass them from generation to generation without fear of the double-tax that has caused many businesses to change hands. This general assembly has been focused on bringing jobs to Ohio. The fear of the unknown is often a deterrent to investment. The budget includes two amnesty programs that will allow Ohioans to be sure they have paid all their taxes and it will remove the threat of an audit returning a large tax bill in the future. There will be a three month general amnesty program that welcomes Ohioans to come forward in 2012 to pay back taxes and ensure their tax responsibility is met. In addition, Senator Faber and I worked closely to get two more features in the budget. A use tax amnesty program and equal look back on audits for citizens and the government, were both the result of two separate calls that came from people in the district. Use tax is a tax on goods that should have been charged sales tax but for whatever reason sales tax was not collected at the time of sale. The Ohio Department of Taxation reports that 96 percent of audits turn up unpaid or underpaid use tax. The potential of future audits on use tax would have hampered economic growth in Ohio’s business sector. An opportunity for amnesty will take place from October 1, 2011 through May 31, 2013. During this period businesses will receive notice from the Ohio Department of Taxation with further details about the opportunity to take part in the amnesty program. If businesses or citizens are subject to an audit in the future, they will be able to receive payment from the government for taxes that they overpaid for the same look-back period as the tax department is auditing them. This is established by a provision of the bill that redefined the look-back period for audits. These commonsense approaches will benefit Ohioans. I supported Governor Kasich’s budget because it accomplished many of the goals supported by the people who elected the governor and my colleagues. I was also pleased by the way this budget reels in the size of government and promotes business and job growth in Ohio. These changes in the Ohio tax structure, along with other tax changes, will make a huge impact in Ohio moving forward. |
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Guest Column from State
Representative Jim Buchy Ohio’s Balanced Budget |
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Over the past few weeks I have been
witnessing our lawmakers in Washington barter over raising our nation’s
debt ceiling. This country has over $14 trillion in debt and it will
continue growing.
Governor Kasich and my colleagues in the
state government have passed a budget that will ensure Ohio has good
credit in the future. In fact, as a result of the strong economic
policies supported in this General Assembly, the Standard and Poor’s
credit agency has upgraded the credit rating of this great state. At
the same time, the federal government has brought this country to the
brink. The same credit agencies are speculating lowering the credit
score of the country even after the debt ceiling has been raised.
Quite simply, the national debt is getting
to high and the country should not continue to spend more than it takes
in. We must cut spending, yet leaders such as the President believe the
answer is to raise taxes on families and businesses; this should not be
an option. Tax increases stifle economic growth. In Ohio, our local
economies will receive the benefit of a balanced state budget that did
not increase taxes. I personally would support a constitutional
amendment to require the United States to balance the budget just like
we do in Ohio.
Higher taxes and increased costs are the
wrong direction for government. In Ohio, we are working to lower the
tax burden. The cuts in government spending impact various agencies and
organizations, and are sometimes unpopular, but those cuts are
imperative to continue providing the important services of the state.
The previous Ohio budget under the Strickland administration was
balanced using stimulus dollars, which created an $8 billion gap between
spending and revenue when we began working on this budget. At the end
of June, Governor Kasich signed a balanced budget that was achieved by
reducing spending. The agencies and organizations that have received
cuts are also working with the General Assembly to develop new ways to
save dollars and reduce the costs of operation. Cutting spending is not
difficult when the public is willing to find new ways to reduce the
costs of doing business.
Many local schools have witnessed a direct
decrease in total funding dollars from last year due to expired stimulus
dollars, but to offset this we have reduced the burden of unfunded
mandates such as requiring the purchase of new textbooks or requiring
all-day kindergarten. As a result of questions raised by administrators
in this district, the budget included a provision that released money
set aside for textbooks to be used by administrators in other ways
providing students the most needed educational materials.
The budget also included an outline for the
procedure of using the internet to make up missed school days due to
inclement weather. This also found its genesis in our local schools.
By permitting the option of making up school days online, the costs of
operating the school building will be reduced and provide savings for
school administrators. Reducing the costs and size of government starts
with YOU; your opinions are important and will make a direct impact in
helping the state continue to balance a budget with less spending and
less taxes. The fair season has started and I look forward to seeing many of you at the local fairs and parades. I value your opinion and believe you have many ideas to reduce the costs and size of government in this state. Please see me at the fair or contact my office to further discuss your ideas. |
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Governor Signs
Buchy’s Omnibus Agriculture Legislation |
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COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy
(R-Greenville) today attended the ceremonial signing of House Bill 229,
which will make a number of changes to Ohio law in order to allow for
added flexibility, interaction and efficiency in the Ohio Department of
Agriculture’s regulatory interactions.
The provisions for the bill were
developed in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture under
the leadership of Director Zehringer (Fort Recovery). These provisions
are all part of a plan to bring agri-business and jobs to Ohio.
Representative Buchy said, “I was
pleased to work with leadership on both sides of the isle to make these
needed revisions to Ohio law. The updates will be an asset to the
Department of Agriculture and encourage agri-business to grow in Ohio.”
Among other measures, House Bill 229
will:
·
Renames three existing divisions
in the Department of Agriculture to allow for reorganization of the
roles within the department.
·
Provides an alternative option
for the permitting of major concentrated feeding facilities when local
governments have not formerly submitted final recommendations within 75
days of initial notification of application for a permit
House Bill 229 was introduced in May
and received strong bipartisan support in the legislature.
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
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Balanced
Budget & Tax Relief
After many weeks and countless
working hours, the final version of the biennial budget has passed.
This budget has been the subject of much debate over the past couple of
months, but as we cross the finish line, I believe that we can all be
very proud of the result. Looking towards
Tax Breaks for
This budget provides a historic
property tax break. Over $1.7 billion annually will be put back in the
hands of
InvestOhio
As part of the overall goal of
making
Use Tax
Forgiveness
The often misunderstood use tax
has troubled small businesses in
Education
The Senate’s version of the
budget included extra funding to reward high-performing schools. The
final budget includes this measure to allocate additional resources for
schools rated Excellent and Excellent with Distinction, to ensure that
our most valuable education programs are recognized for their talents
and their efforts.
Repeal of the Estate Tax
The budget will finally
eliminate what is commonly known as the “Death Tax” by 2013. This tax
has been a burden on
Grand
The recently passed budget holds
promise for all of the residents of our great state, and some of the
provisions are particularly beneficial for the residents of Grand Lake
St. Marys. One of the greatest challenges to implementing solutions at
Dredging Funds
Continued dredging is of extreme
importance to minimizing or preventing the return of an algae bloom like
those we’ve seen in recent years. For 2012 and 2013, $1.5 million
dollars each year will be made available for dredging in
Additional Projects
I have also allocated $2 million
for further projects in Grand Lake St. Marys State Park. These funds
can be utilized for wetland mitigation, continued dredging, and
Banning Bath Salts
The safety and welfare of the
citizens of the 12th Senate District and of As I have become more aware of the
abuse of this drug in
Developments in Agriculture
Sincerely,
Keith Faber
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Rep. Buchy Releases
Statement on Passage of Historic Budget |
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COLUMBUS—Today, the
Ohio House of Representatives passed a historic budget that successfully
fills an $8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes on Ohioans. In
addition to improving government efficiency and making Ohio more
economically competitive, Substitute House Bill 153 makes significant
improvements to the programs and services that matter most to Ohioans,
while at the same time respecting Ohio’s taxpayers.
In response to the
passage of Sub. H.B. 153, State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville)
has released the following statement: “This state is facing unprecedented challenges. I continue to be impressed by the work of the governor and my colleagues to put Ohioans to work and streamline government. The use of one-time stimulus dollars in the last budget left the state with an $8 billion budget gap. Ohio residents asked leaders to balance the budget without raising taxes. By streamlining operations, this budget has been balanced without tax increases. Important services will still be available for Ohio citizens, because agency heads have reorganized the way they provide services, and they have minimized the costs of those services to the taxpayers. This is the 10th budget I have been a part of, and I have never seen a budget with such sound principles and job-friendly policies.” |
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Buchy
Welcomes Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan to House Session |
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“I was
proud to introduce Ellen to my colleagues,” Buchy said. “She is a truly
outstanding individual.” A
recent graduate of Ball State University with a degree in
telecommunications, Ellen is a 2007 Graduate of Celina High School and
previously served as the Miss Lake Festival in 2008. She has completed a
number of community service activities including speaking nationally
about lightening safety. Lightening safety will be her platform issue
over the next year.
In addition to competing in the Miss America scholarship program, Ellen will be meeting with Ohioans and speaking with school groups and professional groups. She will continue working for various charities, including a charity bike ride for Children’s Miracle Network. |
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Guest Column from
State Representative Jim Buchy |
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Representing so many towns across the 77th House District, I knew going into this term what a hard task the legislature was taking on. With a struggling economy that is affecting the lives of those in our region of the state, my focus from the first day forward has been to find jobs for Ohioans and provide business-friendly policies that will bring about economic growth. In addition to the many bills we have focused on in this area, there are also other issues facing our state that must be addressed. For instance, we must not only be looking out for the health and well-being of our citizens, but also the right to life itself. That’s why the Ohio House recently considered and passed a number of bills that will help protect the lives of those who are the most vulnerable—the unborn. As a person who believes life begins at conception, it is certainly fitting that we have policies and laws to safeguard them from harm. The first of the bills we passed is House Bill 79. This bill helps to prevent Obamacare from covering elective abortions in Ohio, allowing our state to opt out of a provision for this coverage in the federal healthcare reform law. But we also have considered even stronger legislation that will save lives by limiting the point at which an abortion can be performed in Ohio. House Bill 78 prohibits an abortion if the baby is able to live outside of the womb, which is generally around 22 to 24 weeks. This will require a determination to be made on the viability of a child. If a child can live outside of the womb this law says that child’s life cannot be ended. Similarly, House Bill 125, also known as the “Heartbeat Bill,” prohibits individuals from performing an abortion on pregnant women before testing whether the babies have a detectable heartbeat. When a heartbeat is found, according to standard practice, an abortion will be prohibited by law. This is said to be one of the strongest pieces of pro-life legislation in the country, and I am proud to say I have not only co-sponsored this legislation, but I also worked in support of this legislation as it navigated the Ohio House. I’ve received a great number of calls and e-mails in support of these bills to help safeguard life. As the House continues to debate legislation like this, I want you to know that I will continue to fight on the side of life. Although the debate can be contentious at times, calling for the respect of all, it is one of the most important issues for Ohio to be addressing. |
| Buchy: Ohioans Should Have the Freedom to Determine Fate of Job-Killing Health Care Mandates |
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COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today expressed disappointment that despite unanimous support from the House Republican Caucus, the Ohio House failed to pass Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would propose an amendment to the Ohio Constitution to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their health care and health care coverage. In order for this resolution to successfully pass from the House, only one additional vote from the minority caucus was necessary; however, partisan motives obstructed this common-sense initiative. Commonly known as the Ohio Health Care Freedom Act, S.J.R. 1—and its House companion bill, House Joint Resolution 2—would allow the citizens of Ohio to vote on whether to prohibit any law or rule from forcing any person, employer or health care provider to participate in a health care system. “I respect the ability of Ohioans to choose what is in their Constitution,” Representative Buchy said. “I am disappointed that not one Democrat could stand up against the big-brother mentality that has been exhibited by proponents of Obamacare. This is a decision that should be left to the citizens.” Had S.J.R. 1 received just a single Democrat vote, the issue of whether Ohioans should be forced by the federal government to purchase health insurance would have appeared on the November ballot. However, despite the duty of a state representative to reflect those back home, the House Democrats chose instead to act as a barrier between the federal government and the people. As a caucus, the House Republicans believe that all Ohioans should have a choice of whether or not they should be forced into government-run health care or if they should have the freedom to choose their own health care in the marketplace. “Citizens should not be fined for failure to have health insurance,” Representative Buchy said. “Since its inception, Obamacare has catered to interest groups and Democrat donors by providing an exception to more than 1,400 organizations, big businesses and unions. As a supporter of Ohio’s small business, I believe this exemption should be available to everyone.” A Quinnipiac Poll following the passage of the health care overhaul in 2010 found that Ohioans opposed these federal mandates 56 to 33 percent. The passage of S.J.R. 1 would have respected the vast majority of Ohioans by permitting the option of including a constitutional amendment on the November 8, 2011 ballot. According to this constitutional amendment, no law or rule may force any person, employer or health care provider to participate in a health care system, prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance, or impose a penalty or fine for the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance. It also stated that these provisions are to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their own health care and health care coverage, based on the best interests and unique situations of their own families. |
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Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June
19-25
Number of Lightning-Strike Fatalities Dropping – Staying Indoors is Key to Safety COLUMBUS, OH – In the annual coordinated effort with the National Weather Service and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, Governor John R. Kasich recognizes June 19-25, 2011 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and encourages all Ohioans to practice lightning and severe weather safety and preparedness during this week and throughout the summer.According to the National Weather Service, the number of annual lightning-strike fatalities is decreasing. Twenty-nine people died of lightning strikes in 2010, including one Ohioan. In 2009, 34 people died. This year, one person has died from a lightning strike. On May 23, a 31-year-old Missouri police officer was struck while performing search and rescue efforts after a massive tornado destroyed the town of Joplin, Mo. He was one of a dozen emergency responders from Kansas City who volunteered to help with recovery efforts. The tornado killed more than 130 people. Ohio averages 30-50 days of thunderstorm activity annually. But this year, with the eastern half of the nation experiencing extreme severe storms, flooding and tornadoes, Ohio has already exceeded record rainfall for the months of March, April and May. Summertime is the peak season for thunder and lightning storms. Lightning Safety Awareness Week is conducted each year during the last full week of June – the beginning of summer. The purpose of the week is to help safeguard people from the hazards of lightning and to lower deaths and injuries caused by lightning strikes. Review your severe weather safety plan. Check the items in your disaster supply kit. Conduct tornado and fire drills. Know where to go and what to do during severe storms. Check weather forecasts daily and plan outdoor activities accordingly. Just remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Watch for developing thunderstorms – Thunderstorms are most likely to develop on spring or summer days, but can also occur at night and any time of the year. Listen to weather reports on local radio or television stations. Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio that will sound an alert and broadcast watches and warnings when hazardous weather is in or near your area. -more- Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Page 2 of 2 Seek shelter before an approaching thunderstorm – Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from where it’s raining. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek shelter immediately. Minimize the risk of being struck during outdoor activities – Most lightning strikes occur during the summer when people are participating in outdoor water or sporting events. At the first clap of thunder, stop outdoor activities and try to find indoor shelter immediately. If swimming, boating or fishing, get out and away from the water as quickly as possible. Shelter in a house or other substantial building offers the best protection. Things to avoid while indoors – While inside during a thunderstorm, do not use land lines or corded telephones. Do not use computers or other electrical equipment that will put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools, bathtubs, showers and other plumbing. Wait 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going outside again. By knowing what to do during severe weather, you can greatly increase your safety and the safety of those around you. For additional information on lightning safety, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness site at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov or the National Weather Service site: www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. |
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter June 9, 2011 Special Budget Edition |
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Greetings to all of my friends in the 12th Senate District. It is with great pleasure I inform you that as of yesterday, June 8th, the Ohio Senate passed Ohio’s new budget bill for the biennium. After countless hours of committee and hearing testimony, we have finally produced a reform-focused budget that reduces spending and eliminates an $8 billion dollar shortfall while allowing Ohioans to keep more than $800 million in tax cuts that went into place on January 1st of this year. This biennial budget was both difficult and unprecedented. No former administration has ever been asked to correct an $8 billion deficit. Not only were we able to accomplish this feat, but we did so without raising taxes on the residents of this great state. In fact, we implemented a tax cut that Ted Strickland postponed. During such turbulent economic times, it would simply be wrong to put this $8 billion deficit on the back of the taxpayer. The cuts were difficult, but I’m proud of the work we have done to bring some much-needed fiscal responsibility back to Columbus. At the same time, we focused the limited resources we have on important priorities such as funding for our schools and support of local governments. The Senate budget provides additional support for public education by adding $115 million to ensure every school district in Ohio will receive at least their current level of basic state aid (excluding federal stimulus funding) over the next two years. The additional funding includes $30 million in incentives to reward high-quality schools that achieve a rating of either excellent or excellent with distinction. Also under the Senate plan, baseline local government support increases to $750,000, meaning that counties that receive $750,000 or less from the state’s local government fund will not see any cuts. This will especially benefit smaller rural counties that have a greater reliance on state support. Some of you weren’t happy with how things were going on Capitol Square. Many of my constituents who are public employees talked about their pay freezes and financial sacrifices they have made to stay employed. Some of you demanded that politicians not be shielded from the woes of the economy. And you’re absolutely right. That’s why I’m proud to inform you that in this budget bill there is a legislative pay cut provision. I worked diligently on this provision and offered it during Finance Committee. Despite receiving some opposition from my colleagues across the aisle, the provision was ultimately accepted because many of us knew that this was fair and just. Constituents of the 12th Senate District, I promise you that I have kept your best interests in mind while diligently working on this budget. Some of the amendments that I added to this bill include the following: “Distressed” Watersheds; Lake Facilities Authority Authorizes the creation of Lake Facilities Authorities for the purpose of remediating watersheds declared by the Director of Natural Resources to be a “watershed in distress.” Increased Dredging Funds Increases funds available to the Department of Natural Resources for dredging by $1.5 million each year. Grand Lake St. Mary’s Algae Mitigation Redirects funding to combat the toxic algae bloom outbreak on Grand Lake St. Mary’s that is causing deterioration of the water quality and making the lake unusable for recreational activity. Use Tax Amnesty Program Helps small businesses by creating a use tax amnesty program to run from the effective date of the legislation to May 1, 2013, and prohibits the tax commissioner from assessing any taxpayer participating in the program for outstanding use tax liability incurred before January 1, 2010. I can’t emphasize how excited I am to see this budget pass. This is the beginning of new era for Ohio, an end to reckless spending and a period of living within our means. By erasing this deficit, we are giving the economy in Ohio a chance to once again thrive and bring business back to this great state. It has been a pleasure listening to the opinions and suggestions of all of you, and it has been a pleasure serving in the interest of my constituents. I thank you again for all of your support and God bless. Sincerely, Keith Faber
President Pro Tempore 12th Senate District
Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter I’ve heard from many of you who have contacted my office through e-mail, by phone, or even by letter. I cannot stress how important these lines of communication are. I want to again express my appreciation for taking time out or your day to share your thoughts and opinions with my office. Regardless if we agree or disagree, I always take your point of view into consideration. With that in mind, I still hope to hear from you about what you would like to hear from me in this space. This newsletter is a venue for the concerns of my constituency that I will always try to address. I’ve been keeping an eye on Grand Lake Saint Marys and have been sure to keep you up to date with news surrounding our lake. I’m confident that the right minds are handling this situation. But if there is something else in the district that you’d like to talk about or if there’s anything you need clarification on, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Again, this space
is yours as well as it is mine, so if there is anything going on in your
county that you would like people to know about, I’m always willing and
able to help get your message out to the rest of the district. Thanks
again for allowing me to take a few moments out of your Monday morning,
and God bless.
Record Rains Cause Concern for Livestock
Facility Operators The $3,456,932 contract is being funded through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and implemented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. HAB Aquatic Solutions will focus the concentrated alum treatment on 4,900 surface acres of the central lake. This revised plan for the project takes into account the dynamic changes in water quality resulting from heavy rains in the area this spring. State officials note that the community and lake visitors are likely to see increased tanker-truck traffic bound for the designated staging area at West Bank Boat Ramp. These tanker trucks will be delivering nearly 2,631,300 gallons of alum-based chemical, which is being supplied from plants in Ohio. The state offers the following information about the alum treatment project: The public is asked to respect restricted areas at the West Bank Boat Ramp staging area for safety purposes. Two vessels with large application booms will stage from the West Bank Boat Ramp. Viewing the application process from shore will be difficult since the work will take place near the center of the lake. While watercraft are not restricted in the application area, boaters are asked to give the application vessels wide berth and right of way as they move across the lake. The aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate, when applied to the water, do not present a hazard to people or aquatic life. The buffered dose prevents changes in the water’s pH that not on protects human and aquatic health, but helps reduces the possibility of damage to boat hulls. The Ohio EPA and U.S. Geological Survey will be monitoring water-quality information before, during and after the project. Residents and
visitors are reminded that this year’s alum treatment is intended to
help reduce the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms at Grand
Lake St. Marys. Dredging and rough fish removal, along with installation
of a treatment train and other water quality initiatives continue –
action steps the state and the lake community consider integral to
helping improve the water quality of the 13,000-acre recreational lake
in western Ohio. Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter May 31, 2011
Preparations Underway
for Alum Treatment at Grand Lake St. Marys The $3,456,932 contract is being funded through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and implemented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. HAB Aquatic Solutions will focus the concentrated alum treatment on 4,900 surface acres of the central lake. This revised plan for the project takes into account the dynamic changes in water quality resulting from heavy rains in the area this spring. State officials note that the community and lake visitors are likely to see increased tanker-truck traffic bound for the designated staging area at West Bank Boat Ramp. These tanker trucks will be delivering nearly 2,631,300 gallons of alum-based chemical, which is being supplied from plants in Ohio. The state offers the following information about the alum treatment project:
Residents and visitors are reminded that this year’s alum treatment is intended to help reduce the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms at Grand Lake St. Marys. Dredging and rough fish removal, along with installation of a treatment train and other water quality initiatives continue – action steps the state and the lake community consider integral to helping improve the water quality of the 13,000-acre recreational lake in western Ohio.
Algae Advisory Update If ODNR recognizes an algal bloom in a state body of water, cautionary signs will be posted indicating that harmful algae may be present and individuals and their pets should avoid contact with the algae and the water until the state can confirm that blue-green algae bloom is present. If you notice blue-green algae, please be advised to avoid direct contact with it and the water that it is in. Also, similar to any other untreated open water body, avoid ingesting any water. Blue-green algae grows into "blooms" through photosynthesis when the weather is hot and there is enough sunlight. Hotter weather and more sunlight allow the "blooms" to grow larger and more rapidly. These "blooms" are of highest concern because they can produce neurotoxins (which affect the nervous system) and hepatotoxins (which affect the liver). The commission would be responsible for conducting an in-depth review of Ohio’s highest-governing document, promoting an exchange of experiences and dialogue, considering problems inherent to the process of amending the Constitution, and issuing recommendations to the General Assembly on substantive constitutional amendments. “During my previous stint in the Ohio House, I served with Speaker Batchelder. I am once again impressed by his leadership.” Representative Buchy said. “We cannot progress as a state without reviewing our Constitution and modernizing provisions that hold this state back.” According to the Ohio Constitution, the question of whether or not to hold a constitutional convention must be decided by the voters every 20 years. In 1972, the 108th General Assembly established the Constitutional Revision Commission to study the content and structure of the Ohio Constitution. Based on the mold of the previous commission, the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission will explore possible reforms and better prepare Ohio for the challenges that lie ahead in the next 20 years. The commission will be comprised of a total of 32 members—12 bipartisan members of the General Assembly and 20 additional members. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while engaging in the performance of official duties. House Bill 188
passed by a vote of 96-1 and will now move to the Ohio Senate for
further consideration. Buchy Announces
House Passage of Constitutional Modernization Bill The commission would be responsible for conducting an in-depth review of Ohio’s highest-governing document, promoting an exchange of experiences and dialogue, considering problems inherent to the process of amending the Constitution, and issuing recommendations to the General Assembly on substantive constitutional amendments. “During my previous stint in the Ohio House, I served with Speaker Batchelder. I am once again impressed by his leadership.” Representative Buchy said. “We cannot progress as a state without reviewing our Constitution and modernizing provisions that hold this state back.” According to the Ohio Constitution, the question of whether or not to hold a constitutional convention must be decided by the voters every 20 years. In 1972, the 108th General Assembly established the Constitutional Revision Commission to study the content and structure of the Ohio Constitution. Based on the mold of the previous commission, the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission will explore possible reforms and better prepare Ohio for the challenges that lie ahead in the next 20 years. The commission will be comprised of a total of 32 members—12 bipartisan members of the General Assembly and 20 additional members. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while engaging in the performance of official duties. House Bill 188 passed by a vote of 96-1 and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy The State of Ohio Agriculture Agriculture is one of the top issues for our local communities, and for that reason it has been a priority for my office. Currently, I am working on HB 229, an agricultural omnibus bill. The bill has passed committee and awaits a vote on the House floor. This bill will streamline regulatory operations at the Department of Agriculture and help Director Zehringer operate the Department more efficiently. The bill addresses regulatory issues at the department from inflatable rides to permitted farms and from grape production to horse racing. As the state legislature works on this bill, it is well known that this spring has been very concerning in the Ohio agriculture community. The large amounts of precipitation have caused a late planting season, and the late season could cause significant problems. I will continue to monitor the issue. The first week of June opened a planting window that was much needed. There are still many concerns about the late planting season. It may result in lower yields and a later harvest. According to a June 5th USDA NASS Crop Condition Report, only 58 percent of Ohio corn was planted while the five-year average is 99 percent by that same date. Soybeans are understandably even further behind. The report said 26 percent of Ohio soybeans were planted with a five-year average of 88 percent. There have been several good days for planting since this report, and the statistics are likely to increase significantly in the next report. The wet spring in Ohio is causing havoc for Ohio agriculture. Outside of Ohio, crop planting has been much more successful and may offset the issues arising in Ohio. There are many concerns for our communities when crop planting is running this far behind. The first of those concerns is the potential of higher grain prices for feeding livestock. House District 77 contains 40 percent of the permitted livestock operations in Ohio. The cost of providing feed for these large livestock operations will greatly affect the communities. With the increased costs, prices in the grocery store will rise. Another issue is the accessibility of corn for ethanol plants. In Ohio there are several ethanol plants, and their production capabilities largely rely on local corn. If there is not local corn, many have the capacity to produce the fuel with corn that can be trucked in or brought to the Ohio facilities by rail. Agriculture is very important to the local and state economy, and issues such as the late planting season must be monitored closely. For farmers, the wet weather means more than just getting the planters in the fields later. It also results in the necessity for these environmental stewards to work with the federal and state agricultural agencies to ensure they are meeting requirements of the programs they have enrolled in. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), cover crops and crop insurance are all subject to deadlines that have been affected by the wet spring. If you are a farmer and you have not discussed these issues with the local Farm Service Agency, the Ohio State Extension Office and the Division of Soil and Water you may want to consider using the next rainy day to speak with these experts. The first five months serving you as state representative have been rewarding, and I appreciate the warm welcoming I have received from so many in the district. The issues being addressed in Columbus will impact your lives. The contact you have made with the office to oppose and support these measures is important, and I will continue to communicate with the residents of the district. The issue of agriculture will continue to be at the forefront in my office, and I will use my experience to keep Ohio food the safest and least costly in the world. These communities are some of the best places in the world to live and rear a family, and maintaining strong agriculture is crucial to protecting our families. |
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Buchy Presents House
Commendation to Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Inductee |
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COLUMBUS—Recently, State Representative Jim
Buchy (R-Greenville) presented a House commendation to Wilbur Mullen of
Greenville, who was inducted into the Ohio Department of Aging’s 2011
Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Mullen has spent his life serving others
throughout the world by providing assistance to communities and
countries that have been ravaged by floods, famine, earthquakes and war.
He has prepared and shipped supplies to war-torn European countries
during World War II, provided milk to refugee farm families through
shipments of cattle and other livestock, organized workers to rebuild a
home destroyed by a tornado in Xenia, and served in various leadership
capacities at an organization that represents nonprofit long-term care
facilities in Ohio.
He became the CEO of Greenville Brethren
Retirement Community in the 1970s and helped to lead the facility out of
a financial crisis. Today, the facility is one of the largest employers
in Darke County.
“Wilbur Mullen has been a pillar of the
community,” Rep. Buchy said. “He was rightfully selected for induction
into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. I was honored to present
him recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives for his efforts
prior to the induction ceremony.” The Department of Aging honors older Ohioans for their contributions to their communities, state and nation, as well as their achievements to promote productive and enjoyable lives. Since 1977, more than 350 individuals have been inducted into the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to benefit humankind after the age of 60, or for the continuation of efforts begun before that age. |
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Buchy Announces Passage of Legislation to Increase
Schools’ Options for Dyslexic Students
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COLUMBUS—State
Representative Jim Buchy(R-Greenville) has announced that the Ohio House
of Representatives passed House Bill 96, which identifies dyslexia as a
specific learning disability and will establish a pilot project to
provide early screening and intervention services for children with
dyslexia.
House Bill 96 compels
the superintendent of public instruction to administer the pilot project
through voluntary partnerships among school districts and regional
public libraries. The state superintendent will evaluate the project and
report results to the General Assembly. Additionally, the bill specifies
in state law that dyslexia is a learning disability for which a child
may receive special education services. “I am happy to support
this legislation,” Buchy said. “Providing for the support of students
with dyslexia is something I have long believed is important. The
federal IDEA has been successful in expanding access to services for
Americans with disabilities and it is critical that Ohio schools provide
the additional help needed by students with dyslexia. It is clear that
dyslexia impedes learning and now Ohio law codifies that fact.” According to the
nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission, any costs incurred through
the enactment of this legislation would be voluntarily acquired by
school districts and regional libraries that choose to participate in
the pilot project. These costs may be offset by funding provided by the
Ohio Department of Education and by any private or non-state funds that
the ODE is able to obtain to support the project. House Bill 96 passed by
a vote of 93-1 and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further
consideration.
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
Visitors to Park Beaches at
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ODNR--Recreational
users of the three public beaches at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park are
advised against swimming and wading, water should not be swallowed, and
surface scum should be avoided, according to the
Addition of a third dredge and a longer dredging season
Rough fish removal
Water quality testing
Funding for in-stream treatment trains
Alum
testing demonstrations earlier this spring
City of
A public meeting on this grant application is scheduled
for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in the City Council Chambers at |
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May 16,
2011 |
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Dredging and rough fish removal
efforts, along with installation of a treatment train and other water
quality initiatives continue – action steps the state and the lake
community consider integral to helping improve the water quality of the
13,000-acre recreational lake in western
“While we are disappointed that
we cannot complete the entire alum treatment as originally designed,
Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission members are encouraged by
the adjusted alum application being implemented yet this spring,” said
Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission facilitator, Tom Knapke.
“Our community cares about a successful outcome and will pursue new
innovations and opportunities to improve our local economies surrounding
the lake. By working together, environmental renewal is possible, and
the benefits of regional growth – economically and recreationally – will
be our reward.”
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| Buchy Announces House’s Approval to Amend Gun Ownership and Concealed Carry Laws |
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COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed two bills to enhance gun ownership and concealed carry rights for all Ohioans. The first bill, House Bill 54, allows for restoration of gun ownership rights under certain conditions, which would bring Ohio into compliance with a recent Supreme Court/BATFE ruling that states that to restore gun ownership rights for someone under firearm disability, there must be a complete restoration. House Bill 54 expands the categories of those who may apply for relief from a disability against acquiring, having, carrying or using any firearm so that any person who is prohibited from acquiring, having, carrying or using firearms may apply for relief. “As a strong supporter of second amendment rights, I am proud to support any bill that provides increased opportunity for responsible citizens to legally own firearms,” Rep. Buchy said. The second bill, House Bill 45, will simplify the provisions related to the carrying of firearms in vehicles by eliminating the “micromanaging” provisions that dictate where a gun must be stored in a vehicle, which allows law-abiding citizens to avoid accidental violations. It retains the current procedures that are followed when a licensee is pulled over and approached by a law enforcement official. House Bill 45 would also permit license holders to carry in establishments that serve alcohol provided that the individual is not consuming alcohol. It does not change the current law prohibiting an individual from possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Establishments would still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry. “Current law allows criminals to operate in restaurants without the threat of private citizens defending their families,” Rep. Buchy said. “I support measures that give responsible citizens the ability to protect themselves and their families. These trained gun owners understand the law and they will act with responsibility while carrying firearms.” In addition to simplifying existing concealed carry laws, House Bill 45 will bring Ohio’s carry regulations in line with most other states’ regulations. According to the Buckeye Firearms Association, of the 48 states that issue concealed carry licenses, 42 allow licensees to carry in restaurants as long as they are not drinking. House Bill 54 and House Bill 45 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter
May 7 and 8 are
Ohio's Free Fishing Days |
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ODNR - Ohioans are encouraged to
take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" on May 7 and 8 and experience the
great fishing During the rest of the year, anglers 16 years of age and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. In late winter and early spring, anglers reel in excellent catches of steelhead trout and walleye from northern The Free Fishing Free Days weekend offers Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience the fun of fishing. For anyone taking a young angler, there's nothing more rewarding than teaching a kid to fish.
Hunter's Bag
7,744 Wild Turkeys during First Week of the Season
“
Let’s see how each
county in the district did: Auglaize – 15
Allen – 23
Darke – 11
Mercer – 8
Preble – 32
According to the numbers, |
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Buchy Announces Passage of Fiscally Responsible Biennial
Budget |
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COLUMBUS—State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) has announced that after several
weeks of debate and discussion, the Ohio House of Representatives passed
a fiscally balanced budget bill that reduces government spending, avoids
tax increases, and invests in Ohio’s immediate and long-term future.
House Bill 153—the
product of 57 committee hearings, 811 witnesses and nearly 200 hours of
testimony—maintains a commitment to Ohio’s job climate and fiscal
sustainability. It successfully makes significant reductions in the size
of state government and closes the $8 billion budget gap.
“I was fortunate to
have two amendments included in this budget,” Representative Buchy said.
“As the House passed the budget funding has been fully restored to Soil
and Water Districts, which is very important to this district because of
the concerns about water quality and the unique impact of agriculture on
the land. The House version of HB 153 also included a provision that
would allow schools to implement a program to complete up to three
calamity days online or through written assignments. E-Day, which was
piloted at Mississiniwa Valley Schools, is a proven way for schools to
educate students and keep operating costs down when the weather creates
havoc for safe school transportation.” Among the priorities of
the budget is a focus on Ohio’s economy and job market. In addition to
including a measure to incentivize educated individuals to relocate to
Ohio to pursue a college degree, House Bill 153 also eliminates the
death tax effective January 1, 2013 to support small business owners,
homeowners, farmers, retirees and entrepreneurs. It also solidifies the
proposal to transfer the wholesale liquor enterprise to JobsOhio by
clearly delineating the division of responsibility between the
Department of Commerce licensing and merchandising functions. Representative Buchy
commented, “This is my 10th biennial budget and I have never
before witnessed a budget that has done so much for Ohio’s small
business community. This budget will keep the costs of doing business
low in Ohio, and business will be able to hire new employees and put
more people to work.” To bolster Ohio’s
education system, the House Republicans made a concerted effort to trim
spending from other areas of the budget to ensure more funding for
education. House Bill 153 invests an additional $40 million per year to
the school foundation formula and guarantees that no district will
receive a cut in state aid of more than 20 percent. It expands school
choice opportunities for students in underperforming schools by
increasing the value of the Cleveland Voucher Program to the same level
available under the EdChoice Scholarship Program, increasing the
EdChoice program to 60,000 vouchers in FY 2013 and raising the charter
school sponsorship cap. It also boosts funding for parochial schools by
$5 million, restoring dollars that were unfairly cut in the previous
Democrat-enacted budget.
House Bill 153 also
provides much-needed transparency for parents and taxpayers by requiring
the Ohio Department of Education to report annually to each district its
ratio of administrative vs. instructional spending, its per-pupil amount
for each purpose and its percentage of funds for operating.
The budget strengthens
higher education in Ohio by capping annual tuition increases at 3.5
percent and expanding eligibility for the Ohio College Opportunity
Grant. Furthermore, it prompts construction reform to help universities
put more money in the classroom and moves Ohio into the digital age by
creating a pilot program that utilizes digital textbooks. It also protects Ohio’s
seniors by increasing funding for home care by $15 million over the
biennium and offers incentives for local governments to deliver services
at a local cost through shared services. Additionally, it ensures that
local governments receive either their FY 2011 local government fund
allocation or at least $500,000. Representative Buchy
said, “Much time has been spent to make cuts where they can be made and
increase funding where needed. Today, my colleagues proved the ‘kick he
can down the road attitude’ is done in Ohio. This legislature passed a
bill that closes an $8 billion budget hole without raising taxes. This
is short term pain for long term gain.” House Bill 153 passed from the House by a vote of
59-40 and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. |
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy A Budget of Principle |
|
These next few weeks, Ohioans will witness a
historic time as the legislature passes a budget that has less spending
than the prior biennial budget, this has not occurred often in the
history of Ohio. This is not a matter of choice, but necessity. This
is the result of many Ohioans stepping up to the plate willing to take
cuts to their agencies’ budgets and looking in house for places where
savings could be garnered. This is my 10th budget and it is still a
learning experience. My colleagues and I have been meeting with
constituents, reading letters and emails, and taking phone calls. These
decisions are not easy to make, but they are being fully vetted and the
concerns of each interested party are being listened to. The House
Finance Committee has spent weekends and late nights working on this
budget. They have listened to hours of testimony and they have
considered thousands of amendments, both cutting and restoring funding
to agencies that have indicated they can work with less or need more.
The decisions to support or oppose this budget come
down to principle. Principle is found within and it is the core
guidance of the toughest decisions made by an individual. The way I was
reared, much like the people who live in west-central Ohio, has
established my principles. The people of this district believe in
balancing a budget and taking personal responsibility for their lives.
In Darke County, the commissioners balanced their budget without the
expectation of any state money. Commissioner Mike Stegall testified to
the House Finance Committee to discuss how the budget cuts would affect
Darke County. Unlike most county officials testifying, Commissioner
Stegall had a positive situation to report because he and the other
commissioners let principle and common sense guide their budgeting
process. The budget process will not be fully completed until sometime in June. As it begins the process of consideration in the Senate, I will remain on top of the issues being considered and I will work closely with Senator Faber to ensure the best interests of the people in District 77 are expressed as the budget navigates the steps to becoming law. Darke, Mercer, and Preble counties are the best place in the world to live and rear our families. I trust that the strong families will continue to instill principles in our young people, which will guide them as they make tough life decisions. |
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Buchy Announces Passage of Bill to Enact Criminal
Sentencing Reforms Legislation addresses prison overcrowding, promotes effective rehabilitation |
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COLUMBUS—State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) has announced that the Ohio
House of Representatives passed a comprehensive set of reforms that aim
to revise Ohio’s sentencing law, address prison population growth, and
streamline court, jail and prison operations.
House Bill 86 also
includes the recommendations of the Council of State Governments Justice
Reinvestment Project, an effort to help states address skyrocketing
corrections expenditures and high recidivism rates among individuals
upon release. “There are too many
Ohioans going to prison for making bad choices, and coming out hardened
criminals,” Buchy said. “As a result, this has made the costs of
corrections in this state soar and I am pleased to support reforms that
will bring these costs down. This bill couldn’t have passed at a better
time, as we are in the process of passing a balanced budget that will
set this economy in the forward direction.” According to the Ohio
Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio’s prison population is
projected to increase to more than 40 percent over capacity by 2015.
Currently, state prisons are filled to 33 percent over capacity, holding
nearly 13,000 more individuals than they were designed to hold. House
Bill 86 would successfully address this burgeoning problem through
community programs that more effectively rehabilitate offenders and
reduce recidivism rates at a more affordable cost for the taxpayers. It
will also improve probation supervision and reduce duplication of
resources. House Bill 86 passed by a vote of 96-2 and will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter
April 25, 2011
What’s Up on |
|
HB 1—JobsOhio
2/18/11
HB 9—Uniform
Commercial Code 06/29/11
HB 29—
HB 30—School
funding, revised system 06/29/11
HB 58—
HB 89—
HB
114—Appropriations-transportation & public safety 06/29/11
HB
122—Surplus Lines Insurance regulation 06/17/11
SB 2—New
small business rule review process 06/07/11
SB
5—Collective Bargaining law revised 07/01/11
The date besides each new law is
when the law will go into effect. If the first four months have been an
indication of what to expect from this General Assembly, then I am
excited for the remainder of this term.
The Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program
The Prevention, Retention, and
Contingency program was established to help families overcome immediate
barriers to self-sufficiency. It is part of
Here is a link to their fact
sheet. I hope anyone in need of a little extra assistance will find
this useful. http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/PRC.pdf
|
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter
Take Advantage
of Deep Discounts at
|
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50 percent
off camping;
50 percent
off shelter house rentals;
50 percent
off Getaway rentals (rent-a-camp, cabins, etc.); and
50 percent
off seasonal state dock fees.
Camping, shelter house and
Getaway rental fee discounts apply from February 1 to September 1, 2011;
existing reservations will have the discount applied at check-in. The
camping and Getaway rental discounts do not apply on Memorial Day (May
27-29) or July 4th (July 1-4) holiday weekends.
A 9-inch minimum size limit on
crappie with a 30-fish daily bag limit was approved for Metzger
Reservoir in Allen County and the Mahoning River between Berlin Lake and
Lake Milton in Mahoning and Portage counties and the Mahoning River from
the dam at Lake Milton to West Mahoning/Trumbull County Line Rd. |
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim
Buchy |
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Darke, Mercer and
Preble Counties are the greatest place in the world to live and rear
families. The people of District 77 believe the rewards that come with
hard work are worth the sacrifice. It is in our blood. Most of the
people in this area are cut from the same cloth with strong fiber and
true character that has stood the test of time. It is no wonder that
our capitalist friends in Japan, the Honda family, have selected this
area as a prime location for their U.S. automotive production
activities. Following the passage of Senate Bill 5, which modified collective bargaining laws to provide costs saving tools for public employers, many constituents responded by saying “raise taxes on corporations.” This comment is fueled by emotion and lacks practical economic principles. High taxes increase the costs of doing business in Ohio. The high cost of doing business has chased jobs from our state. The economics of free enterprise say keep taxes lower and allow business to operate with less overhead. I know this is what the people in our area believe. The invisible hand, without government interference, will find the irregularities in business and it will correct itself. On many of our main streets in this district we have multiple pizza shops. The law of supply and demand says that there is only a limited amount of demand for pizza in a given area and without an increased population both pizza shops cannot succeed. If government interfered to create jobs at the pizza shop with an hourly rate of pay set at say 15 dollars then both pizza shops would be forced to sell their pizza at a higher cost to the consumer and it would make the act of cooking at home more beneficial to the family. Both pizza shops would lose business and they would close their doors unless the Government paid the bills and kept the doors open with the high paid staff, resulting in higher taxes for all. In a free market as we have in Ohio, the two pizza shops would compete to produce the lowest priced pizza with a quality that would keep customers coming back in the future. If one pizza shop choose to pay their employees 15 dollars an hour while the other paid 8 dollars an hour, barring an extreme difference in the quality of product the pizza shop that pays 15 dollars an hour would likely close because the limited demand would chose the lower cost pizza. In Ohio, businesses have been leaving because they cannot produce goods at a lower rate than their competitors in other states and countries. My colleagues in the Ohio House are looking for places where Government is increasing the costs of doing business and we will stand-up to keep the costs low and keep jobs in Ohio. Governor Kasich and I prefer the free market and that explains why Ohio’s lawmakers are passing legislation that is friendly to business and job creation, and why we will balance the Ohio budget without increasing taxes. |
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Buchy Applauds Success
of the House’s First 100 Days, Recognizes Additional Work that Lies
Ahead
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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, less
spending, and hard work to bring jobs back to Ohio. They are living up
to their promises, and I am humbled to join them in their efforts as an
appointed member of the Ohio House of Representatives.”
Under GOP control, the
Ohio House has hit the ground running and introduced 200 bills during
the first 100 days of this Legislature. As a caucus, Speaker Batchelder
and House Republicans have expeditiously considered and passed
legislation that will improve Ohio’s business climate, protect vital
local services, preserve jobs and small businesses, restore
accountability to elections and government spending, improve community
safety, and reduce damaging mandates on school districts—with more
pragmatic solutions continuously being drafted and introduced.
The creation of the
agile economic development entity JobsOhio and the establishment of a
regulatory reform program through the Common Sense Initiative illustrate
the House Republicans’ commitment to creating jobs and assisting small
business development. The House also introduced and passed House Bill 58
to offer tax relief to families and retain businesses that have received
offers to relocate to other states.
The House Republicans
have also passed the following bills, among others:
Over the next 21 months, House Republicans will continue the work of the people of Ohio and pursue initiatives to create jobs, improve the business climate and address the many issues Ohioans face today. |
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter Special Friday Edition URGENT: SENATE BILL 5 EDITION |
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Senate Bill 5 is simply about
empowering state and local governments to better manage their workforces
and control costs to live within the taxpayers means. Just two key
provisions, asking public workers to pay 15% of their healthcare
insurance costs (most private sector workers pay 23 to 30% of their
healthcare expenses) and their own share of their own generous pension
(the government employer will still pay the full employer share) will
save millions of dollars and thousands of jobs. In fact, the Columbus
Dispatch estimated that these two provisions alone will save roughly 74
million dollars for central
One of the most difficult
aspects of addressing the concerns of my constituents has been fighting
myths that have risen out of a fear of change and the unknown. Many of
these concerns are driven by the same financial considerations that
impact every day Ohioans, 400,000 of whom have last jobs and countless
more who have had wages, benefits, and hours cut due to
Here are just some of the myths
we have gotten based upon calls, emails, or other questions to our
office.
Fact:
Senate Bill 5 still allows for collective bargaining over wages, hours,
and terms and conditions of employment.
Fact:
Senate Bill 5 will empower the middle class in
Fact:
Senate Bill 5 does not eliminate public employee unions and does not
prohibit collective bargaining over wages, hours, or terms and
conditions of employment. It does try to balance the previous one-sided
negotiations that were slanted towards the unions when the law was first
passed by increasing transparency and preserving certain management
rights. Furthermore, the sponsor of the bill was previously endorsed by
one of the very unions adamantly opposed to this bill.
At the end of the day, I believe
Senate Bill 5 will have a positive impact on the State of |
|
Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
|
Legal hunting hours are one-half
hour before sunrise until noon from April 18 to May 1, 2011. Hunting
hours from May 2-15 will be a half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
Hunters are required to have a hunting license and a spring
turkey-hunting permit and can take one bearded turkey per day. A second
spring turkey permit can be purchased allowing hunters to take a limit
of two bearded wild turkeys. |
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Interested in becoming an Ohio Wildlife Officer? |
|
ODNR
- Applications are being accepted beginning Monday, March 28
through Friday, April 15, for the next wildlife officer training school,
according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division
of Wildlife. ODNR is seeking to fill approximately 18 new wildlife
officer positions throughout
Wildlife officers have statewide
jurisdiction to enforce wildlife regulations, investigate allegations of
waterway pollution, protect state property and make arrests. They also
conduct educational programs, advise landowners on dealing with
wildlife, and keep local agencies and conservation organizations updated
on wildlife projects and regulations. They frequently work alone and can
be assigned anywhere in the state.
“We are looking for individuals who are
interested in law enforcement, wildlife conservation and public service.
They need to work independently and have good communication skills,”
said Vicki Mountz, acting chief of the Division of Wildlife.
To be considered for the wildlife officer
training school, applicants must be at least 21 years of age by April 1,
2012, and have a valid driver’s license. An associate’s degree or
completion of an undergraduate core program in fish and/or wildlife
management, criminal justice, environmental law enforcement or related
fields is required by the end of August 2011.
Applicants must also be able to
demonstrate physical fitness according to standards developed by the
Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission, as well as swim 100 yards in
five minutes and tread water for five minutes.
Candidates who meet the minimum
qualifications will be invited to take a state proficiency examination
offered on June 4 in central
Top scoring candidates will then undergo
interviews and pre-employment evaluations. Those who are selected as
cadets will attend the wildlife officer academy for about six months.
During the academy, cadets will study law enforcement, fish and wildlife
management techniques, and learn informational and educational
skills. The academy will commence in early January 2012.
To obtain more information, go to
www.wildohiocareers.com.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources
ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural
resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at
ohiodnr.com.
Lake Clean-up Day at St.
Mary’s |
|
Buchy Announces
Passage of Senate Bill 5 Legislation benefits middle class, saves at-risk jobs, respects taxpayers |
|
COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) has announced
that after 13 hearings, more than 60 hours of testimony and more than
200 witnesses over a period of nearly two months, Senate Bill 5 today
passed from the Ohio House of Representatives. This legislation restores
fairness for Ohio’s taxpayers and helps prevent mass layoffs of
dedicated public employees by giving local governments the flexibility
to manage their own finances.
Senate Bill
5 wholly reinvents the relationship between public-sector unions, local
governments and the taxpayers. With many local governments threatened by
bankruptcy and unable to control their costs, many communities may
suffer massive tax increases or widespread layoffs just to keep public
services solvent. This legislation—which restores Ohioans’ influence
over the government and its employees that they pay for—aims to save
these vital jobs while also lowering the tax burden on the middle class.
Representative Buchy commented, “This bill is another building block in
the foundation to continue growth in Ohio.”
Among House
modifications to S.B. 5 are provisions that allow collective bargaining
for safety equipment, permit communications between bargaining parties,
clarify that death benefit amounts for spouses are not affected by
changes in the bill, and eliminate jail time as a possible penalty for
striking.
The House
version also removes the use of ticket quotas to determine
performance-based pay for law enforcement officials, eliminates
automatic union deductions without written consent, and prohibits “fair
share” fee penalties as a requirement to be a non-union member within an
organization. Additionally, under certain conditions, labor disputes may
be settled by voters at the ballot, with last best offers of each
bargaining party considered and resolved by Ohio’s taxpayers.
To
specifically advance the quality of education in Ohio’s classrooms and
reward teachers, S.B. 5 establishes standard state guidelines to
determine educators’ compensation and other terms of employment. While
50 percent of educator evaluations must be based on student performance
as developed by the Ohio Department of Education, local school boards
have the authority to establish objective measures related to quality of
instructional practice, communication and professionalism,
parent/student satisfaction, and other relevant factors.
“These
modifications to collective bargaining law are a signal to potential
developers that Ohio government is dedicated to operating with fewer
expenses, less taxes, and a balance budget,” Representative Buchy said.
“The message is, Ohio is a business-friendly state with the priority of
increasing jobs.” As passed, S.B. 5 is expected to save local governments more than $1 billion while ensuring that public employees can still collectively bargain under a better system with negotiations, mediation and fairness. S.B. 5 will now return to the Ohio Senate for a concurrence vote. |
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Guest Column
from State Representative Jim Buchy SB 5 Becomes Law—What is in the Bill? |
|
The
contentious Senate Bill 5 was signed into law by Governor Kasich on
Thursday, March, 31st. As a legislator for 18 years prior
to this current term I can attest, never before have I seen a bill with
so much controversy, yet so much time spent ensuring it is the best
possible piece of legislation. The changes made to Senate Bill 5 from
introduction to law were extensive, mostly because there were many good
ideas from major unions and constituents in this district and others.
Throughout the process education of the public has been crucial and with
the passage of the bill, that remains a goal of mine. |
| Buchy Announces Passage of Legislation to Welcome Teach For America to Ohio |
|
COLUMBUS—State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today announced the Ohio House’s
passage of Substitute House Bill 21—which strives to expand educational
opportunities for Ohio’s urban and rural schools by establishing Teach
For America in Ohio—by a bipartisan vote of 65-32. Specifically, Sub. H.B.
21 directs the State Board of Education to issue a resident educator
license to an applicant who is assigned by Teach For America to teach in
Ohio and meets certain minimum qualifications. It also directs the State
Board to issue a resident educator license to an applicant who has
completed at least two years of teaching in another state as a
participant in the Teach For America program and to credit that
individual with completion of two years of the four-year Ohio Teacher
Residency Program. Representative Buchy
said, “We have great teachers in Ohio, and I know adding these top-notch
educators to the profession will benefit students. The data shows that
these teachers add true competition to the field, and I look forward to
them benefiting students in some of the most struggling schools in
Ohio.” Teach For America is a national corps of top recent college graduates from all academic majors who commit two years to teaching in urban and rural public schools. An organization of more than 28,000 teachers and alumni, Teach For America is one of the nation’s most prominent providers of teachers for low-income communities. |
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim
Buchy |
|
Soon, there will be changes offered-up to SB 5 in the House and I look forward to examining those changes. Currently, SB 5 will allow for public employees to collectively bargain for wages, hours, terms and conditions. It will remove step pay increases for all public employees and replace those pay increases by a locally determined merit system, except for teachers who will be paid based on a locally determined performance system. Public employees will continue to have leave time and will be asked to pay a percentage of their healthcare costs. We have viewed the Governor’s budget proposal and it is evident the local entities and state government need tools to manage labor costs. We cannot and will not balance this budget on the backs of the middle class. This bill and others will ask administrators to make wise decisions and cut costs universally. I consider these changes an important part of putting Ohio back on her feet and I hope you will too. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter Spring Ushers in Wildfire Season |
|
ODNR—Ohioans
are urged to be aware of the state’s outdoor burning regulations and
take necessary precautions if they are planning to burn debris,
according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division
of Forestry.
Visit ohiodnr.com/forestry and www.firewise.org for more information and tips on protecting your rural home and community. |
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Rep. Buchy to Hold
Public Forums on Senate Bill 5 |
|
Columbus—State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) recently announced that he will
be holding three public forums to answer questions and hear concerns
about Senate Bill 5 throughout the month of March.
Representative Buchy
commented, “Those opposed and in support of Senate Bill 5 have been
contacting my office and I look forward to a chance to meet these folks
and personally address their concerns.”
The Public Forums will
take place at the following locations and times:
*Representative R.
Adams, Senator Faber and Senator Beagle will attend the Greenville
Public Forum.
All three forums are open to the public and the media. Doors open to the public one hour prior to the event. Seating will be on a first come first serve basis. Space will be reserved for the media. Media is asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the event. Please contact Justin Barnhart with any media related or other questions (614) 466-6344. |
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Buchy Announces
Passage of Calamity Days Bill |
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COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy
(R-Greenville) today announced the passage of House Bill 36 from the
Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 92-5. The legislation would
increase the number of calamity days that school districts are allocated
annually.
House Bill 36 restores the number of
excusable calamity days to five, which would take effect immediately and
allow two additional calamity days for the remainder of the 2010-2011
school year. It will also allow schools the flexibility to make up
calamity days by lengthening the school day in 30-minute increments.
Representative Buchy said, “HB 36 is an
important bill that will give our administrators the freedom to run
their school how they see fit. The hands of our educational
professionals have been tied for too long, and I will continue to work
for the relief of mandates and restrictions on our schools. The local
administrators know how to run their schools and this bill will let them
make those decisions.”
In the past, the first five calamity
days of each school year were excused and school districts made up
calamity days beyond the fifth. However, as a result of an amendment to
House Bill 1 during the 128th General Assembly, only three
calamity days are now excused beginning in the 2010-2011 school year,
and many districts have already used all available calamity days because
of recent snow storms. House Bill 36 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. |
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Buchy
Announces Passage of Rx Drug Abuse Legislation |
|
COLUMBUS—State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today announced that legislation
to address prescription drug abuse and strengthen oversight measures
passed from the Ohio House of Representatives by a unanimous vote. When
enacted, it will combat the growing prevalence of prescription drug
abuse and fatalities within the state of Ohio.
House Bill 93 will
enhance the current Ohio Automated Rx Review System (OARRS)—which was
established in 2006 to assist health care professionals in identifying
drug-seeking behaviors—to provide additional oversight. It will also
limit prescribers’ ability to personally furnish certain controlled
substances; enact Medicaid reforms to improve consumer education and
allow for better care coordination; improve licensing and law
enforcement for pain-management clinics; and develop a statewide
prescription drug “take-back” program.
Representative Buchy
commented, “The passage of this bill will help Ohioans combat deadly
addiction to prescription drugs. The necessity for this bill is humbling
and I am happy my colleagues made this step in the right direction.”
Opiates alone were
responsible for nearly 40 percent of Ohio’s approximately 1,400 overdose
deaths in 2009, according to the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Services. From 2003 to 2008, opiate deaths in Ohio more than
doubled in a jump from 399 to 915 fatalities, with an average of four
Ohioans dying each day as a result of overdoses.
In Ohio, unintentional
drug overdoses surpassed motor vehicle crashes and suicide as the
leading cause of injury death in Ohio. It has also been reported that
the highest rates in the state for these deaths are in southern Ohio,
where seven of the 10 counties with the highest death rates are located.
House Bill 93 will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration and debate. |
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STATE OF OHIO RECOVERING FROM A DISASTER HEALTH Flood waters may contain potentially dangerous materials, such as fecal matter from overflowing sewage systems, agricultural runoff and chemicals from industrial areas. Wading in flood waters can also be a cause of infection or result in a variety of injuries. For more information contact your local health district. ENVIRONMENT Storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and the proper safety precautions. Most waste can be taken to a licensed municipal solid waste landfill. Tree limbs and other vegetation may be able to be disposed at compost facilities or chipped and used as mulch. For additional guidance and contact information, local government officials may refer to the Debris Fact Sheet for Local Officials at: http://www.ema.ohio.gov/Documents/DRB/debris_fact_sheet.pdf.Residents who live in a city or village cannot burn any type of waste onsite. Residential waste – including vegetative matter and woody material – may be burned in more rural areas as long as the burning is conducted more than 1,000 feet away from the nearest residence. These unrestricted areas are more than 1,000 feet outside a city of 1,000-10,000 people or more than one mile outside a city of more than 10,000 people. Please contact Ohio EPA’s emergency response hotline to report spills and releases of hazardous materials or petroleum. That number is 1-800-282-9378. Citizens with general, non-emergency environmental questions can call Ohio EPA’s Public Interest Center at 614-644-2160 and ask to speak with a public involvement coordinator for their area. TRAVEL Roads can be restricted due to high water and debris following severe storms and flooding. Buckeye Traffic provides Ohio travelers with up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic, construction, and other activity affecting roadways. Visit www.buckeyetraffic.org. Please remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.TAKING CARE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH AFTER A DISASTER When we experience a disaster or other stressful life event, we can have a variety of reactions – all of which can be common responses to difficult situations. Help is available. Contact Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at 740-732-6700 or your local Red Cross chapter.INSURANCE Since flood insurance is not included in standard homeowner and renter’s insurance policies, now is the time to check on the availability of flood insurance in your area. Call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 1-800-638-6620 to learn more or visit www.insurance.ohio.gov/Consumer/pages/SevereWeatherToolkit.aspxHOME IMPROVEMENTS & INSPECTIONS After a flood or disaster, your property may be subject to inspections. You are strongly encouraged to contact your local building, zoning and /or floodplain administrator prior to repairing your damaged structure to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained. A list of those inspections can be found at http://www.ema.ohio.gov/RecoveryBranch.aspx.Ohio law protects consumers who hire contractors for home improvement projects. For information on what to consider when making home improvements or repairs, contact the Attorney General Help Center at 800-282-0515 or visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Performance
Audits Bill Passes from Ohio House COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today announced that House Bill 2, which will reduce wasteful spending and help to save tax dollars, passed unanimously from the Ohio House of Representatives by a vote of 97-0. This legislation will require the Ohio Auditor of State to conduct performance audits of at least four state agencies each biennium, beginning with the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. “To close the $8 billion budget gap and avoid future budget issues, we must look internally to find the money that will complete much needed projects,” said Buchy, who serves on the State Government and Elections Committee where he advocated for the taxpayers and encouraged the Auditor to find the funding for performance audits internally. “As a defender of the taxpayer, I will not support measures that request new general revenue dollars,” Buchy said. “I am pleased by Auditor Yost’s leadership in finding $1.5 million in his current budget to begin the performance audits.” Performance audits provide a comprehensive report on the efficiency and effectiveness of a government agency or operation, offering recommendations for improvement and potential cost savings. This is achieved by comparing an agency’s performance to benchmarks set by similar operations and peer-group standards. Results of a performance audit can be used to improve the effectiveness of operations, save taxpayer dollars and make better use of existing resources. The legislation, which was originally introduced in March 2009 of the 128th General Assembly, was crafted in concert with former Auditor Mary Taylor and current Auditor Dave Yost. Since the beginning of 2007, the Auditor of State’s office has conducted more than 100 audits on local governments, recommending nearly $169 million in annual cost savings and translating to a potential return on investment of $24 for every dollar spent to conduct an audit. House Bill 2 will now move to the Senate for further debate and deliberation. 2-23-2011
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
The
150 years of serving
as the heart of |
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The people of
Before
The town of
The legislature quickly decided that the
permanent capital should be centrally located. In 1816, a 10-acre
parcel of land in the Franklinton area on the west side of the
A small brick building was constructed at
the corner of State and High Streets and served as |
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Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy Working to Create Jobs in the 21st Century
On Monday, January 10, Jim Zehringer was sworn in as Director of Agriculture for the State of Ohio, which meant that his seat as state representative of the 77th House District was vacated. Jim served the district admirably for several years and he is going to be a great Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Jim’s work on the Grand Lake issues exemplified his ability to be a leader and he will take his passion for this issue to his position as a cabinet member. He has taken great steps to work for solutions Grand Lake and has left big shoes to fill.
On January 11, 2011 I was sworn in as State Representative to fill Representative Zehringer’s unexpired term. It is my honor and privilege to receive this appointment, and you have my pledge to work hard for better government in Ohio. There are many big issues facing the General Assembly and our new governor—John Kasich—over the next few years. I hit the ground running and have been busy tackling the issues that matter to you.
Recently, the Ohio House of Representatives voted to pass Am. Sub. House Bill 1, which creates a non-profit economic development organization called JobsOhio. This bill exemplifies the reasons why I was eager to come back to Columbus. Since I first started in the Ohio House in 1983, billions of dollars have been allocated to the Ohio Department of Development, but in recent years it has become clear that the money feeding the bureaucracy is not equating to jobs.
Companies have been complaining that the Ohio Department of Development is not as responsive as its counterparts in other states, and the department has become burdened by countless programs unrelated to economic growth. Currently, only 60 of the agency’s 400 employees are directly engaged in economic development.
According to House Bill 1, the lean and efficient JobsOhio does not abolish the Department of Development or any existing programs in the department; instead, it will call for a thorough review of the duties of the department and make recommendations to improve its efficiency. Compared with the more than $1 billion Department of Development bureaucracy, JobsOhio will be a nine-member board that consists of business leaders and people who understand how to create jobs in the 21st century economy. These men and women will work with a budget of $1 million that was allocated from existing funds within the department. I voted for this bill which passed with bi-partisan support receiving 59 votes in favor and 37 opposed. The bill was sent to the Senate for further review.
You have a right to know what I am doing. I work for you and will keep in touch with you through columns such as this one. We have a steep hill to climb in Ohio but we can get where we need to be. One of the largest tasks facing us this year will be balancing the budget which currently has an 8 billion dollar gap. We will balance this budget without raising taxes by making cuts where needed and asking government to run more efficiently. You will be appraised of the progress as it unfolds. Feel free to contact my office by emailing district77@ohr.state.oh.us or calling (614) 446-6344.
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Senator Faber's Weekly Newsletter January 24, 2011 Important Scholarship Information for 2011 Again this year, the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools is pleased to announce its 2010-2011 Legislative Scholarship Program. This program offers over 260 scholarship opportunities worth more than $1,000,000 to graduating high school seniors in Ohio. The primary objective of these scholarships is to provide students with the education and training necessary to obtain a job in an Ohio business or industry. Available scholarships may cover one-half tuition, or specific amounts that would assist the recipient in obtaining a certificate, diploma, or an associate degree. The costs of the scholarships are borne by the 39 participating member schools and colleges. No state funds are involved.
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SENATOR FABER'S
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Batchelder Applauds Rep. Zehringer on Appointment |
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COLUMBUS—House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today issued the following statement:
“I am pleased that my
friend, Representative Jim Zehringer, has been appointed to serve as the
director of the Department of Agriculture. As a colleague, he has served
the people of his district and this state with the upmost integrity, and
I know that he will bring these same high standards while serving as
head of the ODA.”Rep. Zehringer (R-Fort Recovery) made the following
comment:
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter Veterans Day is Thursday! |
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Veterans Day is an
American holiday celebrated this Thursday, November 11th,
honoring military veterans. It is intended to thank veterans for their
service, and to acknowledge that their contributions to the
Giving Back
As the leaves continue to change
colors, it is a great reminder to think of those less fortunate and an
opportunity to give back to your community. With the winter weather fast
approaching, the need for warm coats is growing. A winter coat is a
necessity that we take for granted in our daily lives, but is not the
case for everyone. This is a simple way to get rid of old coats while
helping out those in need. Coats should be in good shape or new when donated. Many places such as local schools and churches are taking donations. Other great places to donate are the Salvation Army and the Goodwill close to your home. If you are interested in starting a drive of your own in your community or want to find a drive nearest to you, you can visit www.onewarmcoat.org. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter State Report Cards Demonstrate Progress in our Schools |
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The kids are back in school and
as they begin the hard work to earn good grades on their own individual
report cards, they can take heart in the fact that their schools get
graded as well. Recently, the Ohio Department of Education released
state report cards for all school districts and school buildings in
Rewards for Camping
As we enter into the Fall
Season, the days begin to get shorter, the leaves begin to change
colors, and the temperatures begin to drop. This is a great time to go
camping with family and friends and to make things even better, Ohio
State Parks is offering a rewards program for frequent campers and
cottage guests. For each dollar spent on camping at one of |
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
October
18, 2010
Sports Eye
Safety Equipment and Education |
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I often talk about the importance of
spending time outside with family and friends doing recreational
activities. It’s important to spend time exercising everyday in some
way, whether that be by exercising at a gym, jogging, or playing
basketball with some friends. It is no different for our kids. The
National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that
kids get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.
With this amount of exercise, however,
comes a greater chance for injuries. Every year, hospital emergency
departments throughout the country treat over 45,000 sports-related and
recreational eye injuries. Over 71% of the injuries occur in individuals
under 25, 40% are in young people under 15, and 6% happen to children
under 6. Injuries to the eyes are some of the most common injuries in
sports, but also easy to help prevent. When properly fitted, appropriate
eye protection can reduce the risk of eye injuries by at least 90%.
With this in mind, the Ohio
Ophthalmological Society (OOS) created a program called “Play Hard.
Don’t Blink.” to provide a free pair of prescription recreation goggles
to children in
Since 2000, the “Play Hard. Don’t Blink”
program has provided sports eye safety equipment and education to youth
leagues, schools, recreation centers, etc. across We need to continue to encourage our kids to spend time exercising, and doing so in a safe way. These goggles won’t hinder the kids’ performance in any way but instead, will likely allow them to perform better as they won’t have to worry as much about damaging their eyes. This is a simple and free step you can make to ensure your children’s safety while playing sports or other activities.
Rewards for
Camping
As we enter into the Fall
Season, the days begin to get shorter, the leaves begin to change
colors, and the temperatures begin to drop. This is a great time to go
camping with family and friends and to make things even better, Ohio
State Parks is offering a rewards program for frequent campers and
cottage guests. For each dollar spent on camping at one of |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
The 2010-2011 Deer Hunting Season Kicks Off Across Ohio |
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September 25 marked the opening of the 2010-2011 Deer Hunting Season across Ohio. While hunting continues to be a fun and educational experience for all who take part, safety and awareness are crucial every time we venture into the woods. Before setting out on your hunt, it may help to consult the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website for important details pertaining to the hunting season (http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/hunting_deer.aspx).
Here a few pertinent items worth passing along:
- Deer Season in all three of Ohio’s permit zones began on September 25 and runs until February 6, 2011.
- A standard deer permit is $24, while an antlerless deer permit costs $15. (Antlerless season closes on November 28 in Zones A & B, but runs until December 5 in Zone C.
- Archery season hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 after sunset.
- Hours for Youth Deer Gun Season, Deer Gun Season, the Early Muzzleloader Season, and Statewide Muzzleloader season are a 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
- All those who hunt in Ohio must dress in the acceptable solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange apparel.
Further details, such as what Hunters can and cannot do, can be found in the Hunting section of the ODNR website.
Rewards for Camping
As we enter into the Fall Season, the days begin to get shorter, the leaves begin to change colors, and the temperatures begin to drop. This is a great time to go camping with family and friends and to make things even better, Ohio State Parks is offering a rewards program for frequent campers and cottage guests. For each dollar spent on camping at one of Ohio’s 56 state park campgrounds, reward card holders earn points toward a free night of camping. Points can also be earned through purchases at various camp stores and shelter hours rentals. For more information about this program, visit www.ohiostateparks.org.
Motor Carrier Safety Rules Technical Conference
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has scheduled a technical conference to provide affected companies and interested parties the opportunity to discuss new motor carrier safety rules for private commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. The technical conference will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. at the offices of the PUCO, 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus, in Hearing Room 11B. The conference will also be Webcast live on the PUCO Web site at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. On March 5, 2008, the Commission approved amendments to Ohio’s motor carrier safety rules that subjected private commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds transporting property or passengers on a not-for-hire basis within Ohio to the PUCO’s safety jurisdiction. This rule change will ensure Ohio’s motor carrier rules are consistent with federal regulations and will increase safety on Ohio’s roadways. The rule change also ensures that the state of Ohio continues to receive federal grant money for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. This federal grant program provides financial assistance to states to enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations in an effort to reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle accidents. In order to receive these funds, Ohio’s safety rules must mirror federal rules. Additional information on the new safety rules is available in the motor carrier section of the PUCO Web site. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter September 13, 2010
Ohio Launches the "Ohio Veterans Bonus Program" |
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We should always be grateful for the sacrifices that so many men and women have taken in order to serve and preserve the freedoms and liberties each of us enjoys today. The self-sacrificing nature of those who serve is an example for all of us to follow. As such, while we recognize theses efforts in a single day in November, I think we should take time to honor our veterans every day.
Recently, Ohio launched the Ohio Veterans Bonus program, a new service created after the voters of Ohio resoundingly supported the issue in last November’s statewide ballot. It is estimated that 200,000 Ohio residents are eligible for the Ohio Veterans Bonus; a bonus that allows Ohioans to extend a small measure of gratitude and a sign of respect for our veterans of recent conflicts.
All Ohio veterans could be eligible for a bonus if they served on active duty with U.S. armed forces, including the Ohio National Guard, anywhere in the world during specified periods of time. The active duty must be for purposes other than training. Applicants must have been legal residents of Ohio when they went on active duty and also must be Ohio residents when they apply for a bonus. Further information including where the applicants served as well as when they served will need to be provided.
Eligible veterans may receive $100 for each month of active duty service in the following locations during these specified dates:
· Persian Gulf: Between August 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991, the date when Iraq accepted the conditions for a permanent cease fire. Eligible veterans can apply for a bonus until December 31, 2013.
· Afghanistan: Since October 7, 2001. Eligible veterans can apply for a bonus for up to three years after the President declares an end to U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
· Iraq: Since March 19, 2003. Eligible veterans can apply for a bonus for up to three years after the president declares an end to U.S. involvement in Iraq.
· The maximum benefit for service in those three areas is $1,000.
Eligible veterans serving on active duty (except active duty for training) anywhere else in the world during the specified dates, may receive $50 a month up to a maximum bonus of $500. An eligible veteran may combine their service bonuses for a maximum payment of $1,500.
To learn more about this new program or to apply for the bonus, visit www.veteransbonus.ohio.gov.
While I view these measures to be meaningful and beneficial for Ohio’s veterans, nothing could ever be done that truly demonstrates the level of gratitude we owe the men and women who have served this country with dignity and honor. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter Adjusting the State Budget Even though the state budget was approved and signed into law in July 2009, a bi-partisan body is called on to handle certain limited day-to-day adjustments needed in the state budget. Section 127.12 of the Ohio Revised Code establishes the Controlling Board as a body consisting of seven members including the Director of the Office of Budget and Management or an employee of the Office of Budget and Management designated by the Director, the Chairs of the Senate and House Finance Committees, a majority member appointed from both the Senate and the House, and a minority member appointed from both the Senate and the House. The Board is required to meet at least once a month, and generally, meetings are held every other Monday throughout the year. The schedule of meeting dates is published each October for the next calendar year and is available from the Controlling Board Office. The President may schedule emergency meetings to address issues needing immediate attention. The Ohio budget, which is done biannually, contains two columns of numbers, one for the first year of the biennium and one for the second year. Appropriations are made to agencies through appropriation line items and from a variety of funds (Ohio has over 900 funds in the state treasury). In enacting the statutes that authorize the Board's powers, the General Assembly delegates to the Board the power to make relatively minor adjustments to the enacted operating budget. The Board's actions are restricted by the confines of the budget as approved by the General Assembly. Board actions that affect the operating budget include:
Ohio’s Constitution prohibits the General Assembly from making appropriations that last more than two years. Also, state agencies are prohibited from obligating appropriations beyond the fiscal biennium. Accordingly, every appropriation expires at the end of the biennium. Controlling Board action is also confined by the two-year (biennial) limitation. The Board is authorized by statute to adopt procedural rules for the conduct of its meetings and may approve, disapprove, modify as to dollar amount, or defer any request that comes before it. In addition, the Board may require that certain matters, delineated in the statute, be added to its agenda. Approval by the Board requires at least four affirmative votes.
Nominations Being Sought for Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame For the past 44 years, the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame has been the state's top honor for individuals who have improved the quality of life in Ohio through natural resources management, environmental education or scientific achievement. The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame has proudly honored 150 individuals to date including John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), explorer John Wesley Powell, conservationist/novelist Louis Bromfield, pioneering botanist Lucy Braun and farming conservation advocate Bob Evans. If you know someone you would like to nominate visit www.ohiodnr.com or call (614) 265-6842 no later than September 3.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement Systems (OPERS) is holding a series of meetings across the state for members and retirees to discuss the recommended plan design changes that their Board proposed to the Ohio Retirement Study Council in November 2009. The next meeting that is still open to the public is on October 25th in Columbus at OPERS Headquarters. If you are interested in attending one or both of these meetings, please call 1-800-222-7377. Call as soon as possible as seating will surely reach capacity in the next couple weeks. For more information on this visit the OPERS website, www.opers.org.
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| President Obama’s Health Care Plan |
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If implemented as enacted, Obamacare will impose significant new Medicaid costs on states and constitute a major federal usurpation of long-standing state authority in regulating private insurance. This will be expensive and disruptive for those Americans who rely on individual or employer-based insurance for their health insurance. While some of the most expensive and disruptive provisions of the massive legislation do not take effect until 2014, other provisions are already going into effect.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of the Actuary projects that Ohio’s Medicaid enrollment in 2014 will be nearly 25% higher as a result of the required coverage expansion than it otherwise would be absent those provisions. Further, it is estimated that Ohio’s initial estimates for Medicaid expansion will increase state tax obligations by $988.2 million for federal fiscal years 2014 through 2020. This is an astronomical amount to be added on to the state when it we are already dealing with an $8 billion hole in the budget.
In a time when budget constraints are already very severe for not only Ohio, but for all states, as we are in the midst of our worst fiscal situation in decades, it is ludicrous to ask states to comply to this federal mandate. We are going to do whatever we can to protect our constituents who depend on public health care programs from the adverse effects of Obamacare. Ohio is currently in the midst of an $8 billion budget shortfall and coming up with the funds to cover that gap is going to be a very difficult, but manageable, task. Adding on more than $988 million to the state budget, however, is not, going to make covering this gap any easier.
In recent months, there has been a number of pieces of legislation introduced attempting to block certain aspects of the health care bill or assert state sovereignty. SCR 13, which I co-sponsored, would claim sovereignty over certain powers pursuant to the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, to notify Congress to limit and end certain mandates, and to insist that federal legislation contravening the Tenth Amendment be prohibited or repealed.
SB 244 was introduced and prohibits requiring an individual to obtain or maintain a policy of health insurance. SJR 2 and SJR 7 both were introduced to prevent the General Assembly from enacting certain laws regarding health care and to prohibit any rule or law from compelling a person, employer, or heath care provider to participate in a health care system.
As a State Legislator, I have very little power in influencing Congress’ decisions. We can continue to try and pass legislation in the General Assembly that would bar citizens of Ohio from having to take part in Obamacare, but with Democratic House, it is unlikely that any such legislation would pass.
OPERS Town Hall Meetings
Ohio Public Employees Retirement Systems (OPERS) is holding a series of meetings across the state for members and retirees to discuss the recommended plan design changes that their Board proposed to the Ohio Retirement Study Council in November 2009. The next meetings that are still open to the public are on September 9th and October 25th in Columbus at OPERS Headquarters. If you are interested in attending one or both of these meetings, please call 1-800-222-7377. Call as soon as possible as seating will surely reach capacity in the next couple weeks. For more information on this visit the OPERS website, www.opers.org. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
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It is no surprise that we are
still in a state of economic trouble and that thousands of Ohioans are
continuing to experience difficulties finding a job. I am hopeful that
things will turn for the better in the near future but in the mean time,
I want to continue to be of service to you and help in any way that I
can. Here are several phone numbers and websites that may be helpful to
you and your family. If you need further assistance or are having
difficulties getting through to someone, please do not hesitate to
contact my office.
County Departments of Job and
Family Services
Allen – (419) 228-2621
Auglaize – (419) 739-6505
Darke – (937) 548-4132
Mercer – (419) 586-5106
Preble – (937) 456-6205
County Child Support Enforcement
Agencies
Allen – 1-800-224-7133
Auglaize – 1-800-508-8817
Darke - 1-800-501-5635
Mercer - 1-800-207-3597
Preble - 1-800-413-5899
Office of Unemployment
Compensation
(614) 995-7066
To file online for unemployment
benefits, please visit:
Informational Websites
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/ChildCare.pdf
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/childsupport.pdf
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/ucregular.pdf
Please understand that these
agencies have been fielding a very large volume of calls recently. Your
inquiries will be attended to as quickly as possible. As always, if you
have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact my office in
Ohio Public Employees Retirement
Systems (OPERS) is holding a series of meetings across the state
for members and retirees to discuss the recommended plan design
changes that their Board proposed to the Ohio Retirement Study Council
in November 2009. The next meetings that are still open to the public
are on September 9th and October 25th in |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter Looking Out for Small Businesses |
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As a State Senator, I have long felt a responsibility to fight to protect and defend the right of Ohio’s small business owners to grow and operate their businesses. I have tried to be a loud voice for the men and women who are creating and sustaining the small businesses that employ half of Ohio’s workers in the face of some daunting challenges over the past several years. Recently, I was honored to accept the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the state’s leading small business association. I am privileged to receive this award because it acknowledges that we are all working toward the same goal and that we are making progress. Since 2008, I chaired the Regulatory Reform Task Force in order to find ways to make Ohio’s small businesses more competitive in the region. The bipartisan effort of this group to reach out to the small business community has helped to ensure that the unique needs of small businesses will be considered, so that they can continue to create jobs and stimulate the economy. Senate Bill 3, which passed the General Assembly, was a result of this task force and makes changes in Ohio Law which allow for added flexibility, interaction, and efficiency in agencies’ regulatory interactions while promoting business development. During my time in the Legislature, I have earned a 100 percent NFIB voting record by fighting for Ohio’s small businesses. I have introduced legislation to improve Ohio’s regulatory environment and workers’ compensation system in order to make Ohio’s business climate more competitive when compared to neighboring states. I believe that job growth and business growth starts with our small businesses. They are the backbone of the economy in Ohio, representing 98.2% of businesses in the state. We know that small businesses create two out of three net new jobs each year so when we fix our business climate for small businesses, we fix the economy for Ohioans. Government needs to be assisting rather than hindering small businesses, and I plan on continuing to do so. |
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Senator
Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
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Even though the
casinos were not the result of legislative action, but rather from a
voter initiative which amended the constitution, we do need to assure
that they will operate transparently, fairly and in the best interests
of all Ohioans. Over the last few months, we have consulted with many of
the nations’ leading gaming industry experts, as well as local entities
who may be impacted by casinos in Ohio to offer their advice on the
appropriate language for the casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati,
and Toledo.
The casinos
will be regulated by a seven-member Ohio Casino Control Commission
responsible for the licensure, regulation and oversight of casino gaming
for the state, which includes electronic skill-based amusement machines,
or games-of-skill. The appointees and the chair of the Commission will
be selected by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio
Senate. Members would serve four-year staggered terms and could be
reappointed for a total of three terms.
We also created
the Permanent Joint Committee on Gaming and Wagering which will be made
up of three members appointed by the President of the Senate and three
members appointed by the Speaker of the House. The committee will review
constitutional amendments, laws and rules governing the operation and
administration of casino gaming and recommend changes.
The bill also
carves up half of the $200 million in licensing fees expected from
casinos in the four cities. This money will then be appropriated by
splitting the money between urban and rural areas, rather than focusing
on urban cities as the House had proposed. This money will be used to
establish new training programs to assist unemployed workers from
Regarding the
operation of the casinos once open for business, patrons must be 21
years of age and casinos must use a cashless wagering system with
minimum and maximum wagers determined by the casino operators with the
approval of the Casino Control Commission. Consistent with current
tobacco and alcohol regulations, casinos will be subject to
I am confident
that the legislation strikes the appropriate balance, honoring the
wishes of |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter
June 14, 2010
Spring Activities for Everyone to Enjoy |
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With summer almost officially here, like
most of you, I look forward to taking part in many of the activities
that our region has to offer. Below are just a few of the countless
summer offering that Western and
The 105th Fort Recovery Harvest Jubilee
will be June 17 – 20. Once again, the event will include a softball
tournament, hog roast, tug-of-war challenge, kid’s movie night, and much
more. Several local music acts will be performing live, as well. For
more information on this annual festival and a complete list of the
events taking place on each day, visit
http://www.fortrecovery.org/jubilee.htm.
The Centennial Terrace in
A little further north, the Toledo Mud
Hens offer great summer fun for everyone. Enjoy this AAA baseball team
all summer as they battle teams from across the country. Spending a
beautiful day at the ballpark is not just enjoyable, but can offer a
family lifelong memories. These events and others like them are sure to
ignite the summer excitement and help you make the most of time with
family and friends!
Rewards for Camping
Ohio State Parks is now offering a new
rewards program for frequent campers and cottage guests. For each dollar
spent on camping at one of |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter May 31, 2010
Ohio General Assembly Ranks Among Lowest-Spending State Legislatures in the Nation |
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Throughout my time in public life, I have always been a proponent for minimizing government spending wherever possible. Particularly, in a time as economically challenging as the one we currently face. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Ohio ranks among the lowest-spending state legislatures in the nation. Despite being the 7th largest state by population, when it comes to the cost of running its legislature, Ohio ranks 49th among the 50 states in per capita spending. In addition, the annual operating budget for the Ohio General Assembly represents the lowest percentage of the overall state budget when compared to all other states in the nation.
While I believe that some waste still remains in our state budget, and that more can be done in order to create greater efficiency, this report demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to being fiscally responsible with our citizens’ tax dollars. I applaud my colleagues in both the Senate and House who have joined in the ongoing effort to make small, effective government a reality in our state. However, much greater work lays ahead and we must never lose sight of the ultimate goal, which is, to eliminate all excessive and wasteful government spending, so that Ohioans can enjoy and use more of their hard-earned income.
Folks all across Ohio have had to make critical changes to their budgets and it’s only proper for the Ohio General Assembly to do the same. I will continue to urge for small government legislation in order to keep government spending at a minimum and keep Ohio dollars in Ohioans’ pockets.
T-Birds are State Champs!
Recently, I had the privilege of honoring the Lima Central Catholic High School Boys’ Basketball team for winning the Division III state championship with a state resolution. I commend these young men for their dedication and hard work throughout the season and am so pleased to have had the opportunity to recognize them before the Senate. I have always known Lima Central Catholic to be an outstanding school and these young men are just further evidence of that fact |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter Summer Safety Tips |
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With summer right around the corner and temperatures beginning to rise, the coming months are sure to offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of Ohio’s many outdoor treasures. Whether you enjoy camping, fishing, boating or a day at one of our beautiful state parks, proper preparation and safety remain of the utmost importance. To help Ohioans prepare for the summer season, the Ohio Department of Health has made available a list of safety tips that is sure to include helpful advice for all ages. Helpful tips regarding sun protection and heat exhaustion are sure to benefit beachgoers and outdoor athletes, while information on grilling and food safety should prove useful to all of us. The complete list can be found at the following link: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/features/odhfeatures/summersafety.aspx In addition, the Ohio Committee for Sever Weather Awareness website offers information to help citizens better understand the heat and weather advisories we often see on the news. Their site can be found at: http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/SpringSummerWeatherTerms.aspx. Summer is a time in which we all enjoy reconnecting with family, friends, and neighbors through various get-togethers and events. However, it’s important for all of us to prepare appropriately before taking part in all the fun the season has to offer. |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter May 3, 2010
Ohio Should Mandate No Health Care Mandates from Federal Government |
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Quite frankly, I was sickened by the debate over health care reform in Washington D.C. Not only do I think the final bill rammed through Congress is a bad deal for the state of Ohio, but the arrogance demonstrated by Congressional Democrats and the President that they know better than the vast majority of citizens who opposed their approach was a difficult pill to swallow in a country that prides itself on being a representative democracy. Though the bill has been signed into law, the debate is far from over. I thought I would take some time to update you on the status of the bill from a state perspective.
The piecemeal, backroom approach employed by Congress to get the bill across the finish line, makes it so that, even now, it is difficult to estimate the true cost to Ohio taxpayers to comply with increased Medicaid enrollment the bill demands. However, a publication by the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures has estimated that Ohio could be on the hook for an additional $349 million for calendar years 2017 through 2019. This will be a significant challenge for a state that is already facing an approximately $8 billion dollar biennial shortfall in the next budget period.
Additionally, while many of us in the Ohio General Assembly are battling red tape and excessive regulations, increased Bureau of Workers’ Compensation rates and to keep taxes low, all in a continued effort to make Ohio a more attractive place to do businesses and create jobs, the federal health care mandates on small businesses will work in the opposite direction. Many businesses are already struggling to keep their doors open and to provide health care coverage for their employees. This bill will make it even more costly and exceedingly more difficult.
The other problem is that the bill does not even constitute real “reform.” I do believe that we need to work together in bipartisan fashion to expand access to quality, affordable health care, but to do that the debate must center around how to drive down the cost of a system that prices too many people out. This bill doesn’t drive down costs, it is, plain and simple, another major expansion of government.
For these reasons and many others Senate Bill 244 was introduced in the Ohio Senate last month. SB 244 would affirm that regardless of what the federal government has prescribed, it is the policy of the state that no Ohioan shall be required to obtain or maintain an individual health insurance policy, be it a private, employer-sponsored or federal plan. It would also ensure that Ohioans may not be assessed a fee or fine as a result of exercising this choice. The bill would also require Ohio’s Attorney General to do as 14 other state attorneys general have done and challenge the constitutionality of the federal mandate on behalf of the people of Ohio.
Unfortunately, the federal health care bill is just further evidence of the erosion of states rights in this country. I have also co-sponsored a state sovereignty resolution that would urge the federal government to respect the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution and adhere only to the rights and responsibilities delegate by the states to the federal government, just as our forefathers intended. Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 passed the Senate in September and is still pending in the Ohio House of Representatives.
It is my hope that we can move both bills before the end of the year and that the other states that are considering similar measures will also make progress on their legislation. This will send a strong message to the federal government that we should start over and ensure that the states and individual citizens have more of the say on the future of our health care system.
Older Americans Month
Every year since 1963, our country has recognized May as Older Americans Month. This celebration is meant to recognize the contributions and accomplishments that our older citizens have made to our great nation. Ohio’s theme for this month’s observation is Age Strong! Live Strong!, and there are a number of activities taking place around the state to honor our elders, including a contest that invites citizens to share what inspires and strengthens them. Please visit the Ohio Department of Aging website at http://aging.ohio.gov/news/olderamericansmonth/ to learn about all the events taking place. |
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Spring
Boating S enator Faber’s Weekly NewsletterApril 12, 2010 |
|
The emergence of spring and summer brings with it many great opportunities to enjoy the scenic offerings of Western Ohio. Perhaps there is no better way to enjoy a sun-soaked day than by spending it on the lake. Boating can be the perfect way to reconnect with friends and family while also making the most of a beautiful day.
However, safety remains paramount to any boating-related activities. Boaters of all ages must take the necessary precautions before hitting the lake.
By visiting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ website, boaters are sure to find a plethora of useful information. Safety tips, boater registration info, boater education, and much more is available at the click of a button. Please visit the following sites for further information:
Pre-Launch Checklist and Safety: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/safetips/plaunch/tabid/2889/Default.aspx
Registration Info: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/registration/tabid/2774/default.aspx
Ohio Boating Areas: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/boatingareas/tabid/2297/default.aspx
Clean Boating: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/clean/tabid/2490/default.aspx
Please remember to be safe and enjoy all that Ohio has to offer! |
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Senator Faber's Weekly Newsletter "Watchdog of the Treasury" |
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As a State Senator, I have long felt a responsibility to battle against government waste and abuse and to bring common sense to the table when it comes to budgeting limited taxpayer dollars. Especially during difficult economic times, we need to get government out of the way and allow Ohioans to thrive. As our fight continues, I am joined by many strong voices throughout Ohio who remain committed to sound government and fiscal restraint. Recently, it was my pleasure to attend an awards breakfast held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. While at the event, I was honored, along with thirteen of my fellow Senate colleagues, as a “Watchdog of the Treasury” by the UCO. This award, which was based on our records during the 127th General Assembly, illustrates the focus that legislators and private citizens share in working toward effective and efficient government. It was during the 127th General Assembly that I chaired the Regulatory Reform Task Force, which traveled the state to hear from small businesses and economic development professionals about what the state can do to reduce red tape and inefficiencies that drive up costs and discourage investment and job creation in Ohio. Last year, I sponsored Senate Bill 3 – the Small Business Empowerment Act – to address many of the concerns I heard. The bill passed the Senate in March of 2009, but is still awaiting action by the Ohio House of Representatives. With your feedback and support, I plan on continuing to take part in the effort to lead Ohio onto a glide-path toward economic recovery. |
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Ohio House Passes Bipartisan Solution For Livestock
Care |
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COLUMBUS—
State
Representative Jim Zehringer (R-Fort Recovery) today announced that the
Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 414, a
bipartisan piece of legislation that improves the Ohio Livestock Care
Standards Board.
“I
am excited that we were able to compromise on this important legislation
and take the next step towards making the Livestock Care Standards Board
a reality here in Ohio,” Zehringer said. “Ohioans overwhelmingly
supported Issue 2 last fall, and this legislation enables the will of
the people by making sure we keep our food supply safe.”
House Bill 414 implements the language that voters overwhelmingly
supported in November through Issue 2. When enacted, this legislation
will establish requirements and responsibilities of the Ohio Livestock
Care Standards Board and the Director of Agriculture in administering
and enforcing the rules that govern the care and well-being of livestock
in this state.
Representative Zehringer spoke briefly on the House floor about the
importance of the measure and his strong support that the board be
funded from existing money, rather than new fees.
The measure will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. |
| Roadwork Grant to Help Create Jobs in Mercer County |
|
Last week, the State
Controlling Board approved a $100,000 roadwork development grant to
Mercer County to assist in necessary upgrades to Vine Street in the
Village of Coldwater. The grant will be used to support an expansion of
Basic Grain Products, Inc. The company currently has 150 employees and
plans to create an additional 40 new jobs through the expansion. Basic Grain is planning a multi-million dollar investment to expand its existing facility in Coldwater. In addition, Mercer County will help to fund the additional costs of the public roadway improvements project, while the Ohio Department of Development has committed to providing additional grants and tax credits to the company. I am please that through the cooperation of state and local governments, Basic Grain has decided to expand and create jobs right here in Mercer County. |
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Zehringer Announces Amendment To Livestock Care Standards |
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COLUMBUS – State Representative Jim Zehringer (R- Ft. Recovery) today announced the successful passage of an amendment to House Bill 414 that would eliminate the proposed fifteen cent fee increase on livestock feed to fund the Livestock Care Standards Board. House Bill 414 is the enabling legislation that seeks to implement the standards of state Issue 2, a statewide ballot measure that was passed overwhelmingly last fall. “It was extremely important to me that we fund this board with general revenue funds rather than creating new fees,” Zehringer said. “With the current economic climate, it makes sense to allocate existing funds for this Board rather than asking for new money from our constituencies.” Zehringer has been a major proponent for keeping the costs of the Board low and funding these expenses through existing revenue streams. Members of the Board will not receive compensation, but will be reimbursed for mileage expenses. “The people of Ohio need to have faith that the Board will be funded and equipped to deal with any food safety challenges that confront our state,” said Zehringer. “The willingness of members on both sides of the aisle to propose and support this change shows how strongly all members in our committee feel about this issue.” The Livestock Care Standards enabling legislation was reported unanimously from committee today and could come before the full House for a vote sometime in the coming weeks. |
| GOP Lawmaker Returns to the Campaign Trail |
| Rep. Zehringer continues the fight for jobs and economic growth |
|
Columbus—This is 2010, and Ohio's new job-rich economy is on the horizon! State Representative Jim Zehringer (R-Ft. Recovery) recently announced his candidacy to return to the 77th Ohio House District seat in 2011. “I am really excited about the opportunity to continue my service to the citizens of the 77th House District,” said Rep. Zehringer. “I look forward to representing the ideals and interests shared by the citizens in Mercer, Darke and Preble counties.” Since the beginning of the 128th General Assembly, Rep. Zehringer has fought to create jobs and boost Ohio's economy through viable, sustainable changes to the way government does business. He voted against all tax increases while supporting cost-saving efficiency measures, with the goal of making state government work better for the people it is intended to serve. Specifically, Rep. Zehringer fought to preserve income tax reduction, protect Ohio agriculture and bolster small businesses. Among other proposals, he introduced bills to assist a small business in his district, stiffen penalties for assault on judges and to enact regulatory reform across Ohio. “I feel so privileged to be able to serve my fellow citizens as a member of the state legislature,” Rep. Zehringer said. “I will continue to work relentlessly to earn the trust of my constituents, and I am looking forward to continuing my travels to meet with people all over my district.” |
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Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
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Recently,
the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 213, legislation I introduced that
would protect
The Ohio
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) is in the process of addressing
disparity in rates paid by different Senate
Bill 213 would freeze maximum premium discounts at the level they will
be on July 1st for two years, eliminate an added surcharge approved by
the BWC and require the Bureau to conduct a thorough study of the
premium rating system to determine the best course of action in the
future. SB 213 was also amended while in committee to keep politics out
of the process by ensuring that any rebates offered to employees in
election years must be approved by the Ohio General Assembly.
I believe
BWC rates must be fair and must adequately cover risk; however, the
timing and uncertainty associated with the Bureau’s recent actions to
‘true-up’ rates have caused undue strain on
The Bureau
currently enjoys a surplus nearing $4 billion. If passed by the Ohio
House, SB 213 would save group-rated companies approximately $130
million over two years – money that could be reinvested in their
companies to keep and create jobs – while not impacting the rates paid
by non group-rated employers.
Let’s leave
these dollars in the hands of |
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Representative Jim Zehringer Named to Additional Legislative Committee |
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COLUMBUS—
State Representative Jim Zehringer (R- Ft. Recovery) yesterday
was appointed ranking member to the House Agriculture and Natural
Resources Committee for the remainder of the 128th General
Assembly. Updated committee assignments were announced by Ohio House
Speaker Armond Budish (D- Beachwood) and House Minority Leader William
G. Batchelder (R- Medina). “I am so excited to
have the opportunity to take a leading role in the development of
agriculture and natural resources legislation in Ohio,” said Zehringer.
“It is truly an honor to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to
continuing our efforts to protect Ohio’s vital natural resources, as
well as our farmers and farmland.”
In addition, Zehringer
currently serves on the House Financial Institutions, Real Estate, and
Securities; Transportation and Infrastructure; Commerce and Labor; and
Consumer Affairs and Economic Protection committees. Zehringer is serving his second term in the Legislature after being appointed to the seat in early 2007. |
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Senator Faber's Weekly
Newsletter
January 18th, 2010 |
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With the beginning to a new year among us, it is important to keep in mind our priorities as state legislators. There are many pressing issues and pieces of legislation coming before us in the coming months which will have serious impacts on Ohio’s jobs, businesses and economy. Among my top priorities for the year is continuing to improve Ohio’s economy by creating more jobs and working with businesses, small and large. Many businesses are looking to establish themselves in some way whether it be by locating, expanding or simply continuing to do business here in Ohio and it is essential that state agencies are working with these businesses and not against them. I have long been an advocate for small businesses and will continue to do so this year. A bill that I proposed, Senate Bill 3, which was passed back in March, would crucially help small businesses. It is critical that the House passes this bill in order to require a rule-making agency to prepare a cost-benefit report for small businesses. Another bill which I sponsored, Senate Bill 213, would freeze the line on rate increases for small businesses who are in the group rating system who have increasingly seen their rates go up. Furthermore, renewal of the Third Frontier is crucial to expanding Ohio’s high technology. Fiscal opportunity is paramount to our economy, however, there are a lot of uncertainties as to where the funding for this project will come from. This initiative will build world-class research programs, encourage technology development, and assist in creating industries and jobs that will help shape Ohio’s economic future. This bill needs to be renewed no later than January 31st in order for the measure to be placed on the statewide ballot in May. This year, like all others, will be a critical year for Ohio’s future. Just as important as my role is in the legislature, is your role in the democratic process. It is important that we all work together in this challenging time. I promise to continue representing the 12th District and recognizing the issues that most greatly concern us. Please do not hesitate to contact my Columbus Office (614-466-7584) should you have any questions or concerns. |
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Senator Faber’s
Weekly Newsletter
12-21-09 |
|
With the Holiday Season upon us,
I would like to take time to wish everyone in the 12th District a Merry
Christmas and Happy Holidays. The Holidays are a time to spend with
family and loved ones. It is sometimes easy to get caught up in work and
other responsibilities, but it is vital that this season is shared with
those who mean the most to us.
I would also like to remind our
citizens to be safe in their holiday travel. The winter solstice is upon
us and our weather is sure to be snowy and slick at times. Remember to
slow down at times of inclement weather, and be sure to allow plenty of
time when traveling.
Here are some suggestions from
the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Preparedness:
- Check radiator coolant
and sturdiness of hoses and belts
- Refer to the vehicle’s
manual to see if lighter grade oil is recommended for winter driving
- Change burned out
headlights, tail lights and turn signals
- Check tire tread and
wear – minimum tread is 1/16” for adequate traction
- Make sure brakes are in
proper working order
For further tips on Winter
Safety refer to the Committee’s website at:
http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.
Remember to stay safe and be
ready this Holiday Season, and again, have a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
Regards,
|
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Minster Golfers Honored at Statehouse Senator Faber's Weekly Newsletter |
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Recently, I
welcomed the men of the
In addition
to their victorious feats on the golf course, these men also hold the
distinction of being excellent students. Their achievements inside the
classroom have played a large role in helping
If your
school’s team has had similar success either on the field or in the
classroom, please call my
|
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Senator Faber's Weekly Newsletter November 20, 2009 |
|
Recently, the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency announced a plan to combat the
continuing decline in the water quality at Grand Lake St. Marys. The
cooperative plan reflects the ongoing commitment of so many residents
and agricultural organizations, as well as local, state, and federal
agencies. Through the continued hard work and dedication of such various
groups, ODNR foresees slowing the excessive nutrient load that has been
responsible for the problems with water quality.
In addition to the efforts
being made within the agriculture community, many other conservation
practices are being made to help restore the lake. Included in these
measures are upgrades to domestic sewage treatment and control, improved
sediment and erosion control plans on development sites, wetland
restoration projects and a reduction in non-agricultural nutrient
applications that may cut damage done to the lake.
For more information
regarding the plan, please visit: http://www.ohiodnr.com/downloads/glsm-water.pdf |
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Ohioans Demand
Real Reforms and Accountability |
|
COLUMBUS—The
Ohio House Policy Committee today unveiled a package of ten proposals to
spur government reform, streamline efficiency, strengthen accountability
and transparency in state government while working to reducing the
economic turmoil suffered by families across Ohio. “We are facing real
problems in Ohio today, and ‘The Future of Ohio - Government Reform’
package represents a real solution,” Morgan said. “This is about an
effective, sustained effort to streamline government, reduce waste, and
improve services for a brighter future for Ohio.” House Policy Committee
Chairman Seth Morgan (R-Huber Heights) was joined by Representatives
John Adams (R-Sidney), Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster), Peter Beck (R-Mason),
Jim Zehringer (R- Fort Recovery), and Terry Blair (R-Washington
Township) in a media exclusive interview held this morning. The event
follows last night’s discussion with a group of Southwest Ohioans at a
town hall forum in the Blue Ash Library. Among their strategies, the
House Policy Committee seeks to restore efficiency and accountability to
state spending through government reform. By scrutinizing every tax
dollar and reducing waste, the committee will ensure that government is
operating as transparently, effectively and economically as possible. To
fill Ohio’s nearly $900 million budget deficit, the committee discussed
long-term, sustainable solutions to Ohio’s urgent economic needs. “Tough fiscal times
present opportunities,” Amstutz said. “Our citizens are very supportive
of making government more efficient as a cost savings tool.” Frustrated with 11
months of inaction and partisanship from House Democrats, the Republican
Caucus established the Ohio House Policy Committee to explore
sustainable solutions to the economic crisis. They believe that Ohio’s
families should be the focus of the Legislature, not political games. To
circumvent House partisanship, the Republicans took their ideas from the
House floor and to the streets. The committee seeks feedback from the
public to find lasting improvements for Ohio’s families and small
businesses.
“The House Democrats
like to call us the ‘party of no,’ when they are actually describing
themselves,” Adams said. “They refuse to discuss the viable alternatives
Republicans have offered and we are not content by returning to our
residents, the taxpayer without ensuring state government is operating
as efficiently as possible. Instead of focusing on partisan games, it is
time for the Ohio House to start a cooperative conversation that will
get the economy moving again.”
In light of the recent
imbalance of education funding, House Republicans assembled the Policy
Committee to have open discussions with the people of Ohio regarding the
state’s future. Among the proposals discussed by the House Policy
Committee are plans that would restructure state government by
streamlining of the executive branch; examine Medicaid fraud, waste and
abuse; require conference committee reports to be publically available
for 48 hours prior to being considered by the House or Senate;
reestablish the Legislative Budget Office to provide nonpartisan
financial oversight; and identify other areas of wasteful, inefficient
spending. Republicans have offered these proposals as bills in the Ohio
House as well as amendments to the budget, but many ideas have been
silenced or ignored.
House Republicans hope
that by discussing their long-term plans with the public, the Democrat
controlled House will finally hear the conservative ideas through
legislation they have introduced to create jobs and grow Ohio’s economy. “Our residents want less government and lower taxes,” Beck said. “It is time for us to look at and act on ways to not only spend less taxpayer money, but make government more effective, efficient and leaner. We need to do more with less!" |
|
Senator Faber’s Weekly Newsletter |
|
This past
Tuesday, Ohioans voted overwhelmingly in favor of Issue 2, which will
form a board of experts to oversee animal agriculture and food
production in our state. I was pleased to see the strong support Issue 2
received throughout the 12th Senate District.
Agriculture is
Through a
bipartisan effort, the legislature cleared the path that ultimately
allowed Ohioans to clearly state that important decisions regarding food
and farming should be made in Ohio. The way in which both Democrats and
Republicans, and all interested citizens, united to work together on
behalf of Issue 2 is truly inspirational and should be commended. I am
certain that the creation of a Livestock Care Standards Board to
evaluate and enforce guidelines for safety, quality, and care will have
a positive impact on
Thank you,
once again, for all your hard work and support over the passed
months.
|
|
Representative Zehringer Reports Passage Of Regulatory Reform Legislation
Legislation Will Ease Regulatory Pitfalls For Businesses And Promote Job
Growth |
|
COLUMBUS— State Representative Jim Zehringer (R-Fort Recovery) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 230, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will reform the regulatory environment in Ohio. “I was thrilled to be a lead sponsor of this legislation and I really believe this bill will jump start our conversations on tackling serious regulatory reform,” Zehringer said. “With tax reform and tort reform already addressed by previous General Assemblies, I strongly feel regulatory reform is the next issue that should be addressed by the Legislature.” House Bill 230, known as the Common Sense Regulation Act, would require that state regulating bodies consider a wider range of factors when proposing regulations. These new considerations would require state agencies to prove that their rules are not duplicative or difficult to understand, and also requires that the regulated community gets significant notification of any new rules that might impact their business. If this bill becomes law, the regulated community will be protected from unnecessary and overlapping rules, and provisions in the bill will lower the cost of doing business in Ohio. “I am really excited about the prospect of working with the Senate to combine the good ideas from this legislation with ideas from Senate Bill 3,” said Zehringer. “I believe regulatory reform to be a key part of our overall efforts to help our state emerge from this time of economic downturn.” |
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Batchelder To Governor: Federal Health Care Will Worsen Ohio’s Budget
Situation
|
|
COLUMBUS—Ohio House
Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today was joined by
his fellow caucus members in signing and delivering a letter to Governor
Strickland, regarding their deep concern of the federal government’s
universal health care plan.
“Whether or not Ohio
adopts Congress’s health care overhaul will be crucial in determining
our state's future,” Batchelder said. “Under the federal public option
plan, we will see an increase in Medicaid enrollees by more than 27
percent, and with this mandated Medicaid expansion comes skyrocketing
costs and less control over our own state assistance programs. The
budget is already facing a deficit, and Ohioans certainly do not need
more regulations, spending and heavy-handed policies from Washington.”
In the letter,
Batchelder and House Republicans outlined growing concerns of the
economic consequences of relinquishing control over Ohio's health care
to Washington. According to Batchelder, adopting the federal regulations
would be extremely damaging to Ohio’s long-term success and budget
sustainability.
“While protecting the
wellbeing of Ohio’s low-income families, elderly and people with
disabilities, we must work to rein in costs to ensure that the program
operates in an efficient, cost-effective manner,” Batchelder stated in
the letter. “Adopting the universal health care bill in Ohio will
further increase Medicaid’s share of the state operating budget and
almost certainly guarantee tax increases on hardworking Ohioans and
small businesses.”
House Republicans hope
to encourage Governor Strickland to join the 17 other governors across
the country in resisting adoption of a public option health care plan.
They assert that as the state budget continues to face ongoing revenue
shortfalls, accepting additional spending mandates from the federal
government will punish Ohio’s families and push even more jobs out of
our state.
“It is important as our state considers ideas for expanding health coverage for the uninsured that we do so without crippling our state budget or putting our health care industry and the jobs it provides in jeopardy,” Batchelder said. “If Governor Strickland truly hopes to change Ohio's health care system for the better, adopting Washington's inflexible and costly plan is not the best approach.” |
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The
Importance of States’ Rights |
|
A few months back, I took the
opportunity to speak with you about the importance of states’ rights and
sovereignty. During that edition of this newsletter, I told you that
Senator Timothy Grendell (R-Chesterland) and I had introduced Senate
Concurrent Resolution 13. The resolution urges the federal government to
respect the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution
and adhere only to the rights and responsibilities delegated by the
states to the federal government. It is my pleasure to inform you that
SCR 13 successfully passed through the Ohio Senate recently.
For the past several months, we
have been hearing from many of the folks throughout the 12th
District regarding this topic. It’s also worth noting that
The 10th Amendment
reads: “The powers not delegated to the
As always, I encourage you to
contact my office on this issue and/or any other matter before state
government. Hearing from you allows me to better serve our community.
You can reach me by calling my office at (614) 466-7584, by email at
sd12@senate.state.oh.us
or by writing me at: State Senator Keith Faber, Ohio Statehouse, Rm.
138, |
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SENATOR FABER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO LIMIT CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
FROM GAMBLING INTERESTS |
|
Following up
on a commitment made as part of the state budget bill, I recently
introduced Senate Bill 170, priority legislation that would limit to
$500 the amount those involved in the gambling industry may contribute
to political campaigns. The legislation is needed to ensure the
appropriate protections are in place in light of the Governor’s
executive order which authorized video lottery terminals to be installed
at
The
Governor’s executive order provided a new market for gambling in
Under SB170,
the principals and key employees of entities that are licensed, applying
for a license or otherwise authorized to operate video lottery terminals
in Ohio could not contribute more than $500 per cycle to campaign
committees, political action committees, political contributing
entities, legislative campaign funds, political parties or to any person
making disbursements to pay the direct costs of producing or airing
electioneering communications in a primary or general election period.
This includes all elected officials in
Recognizing
the complexity in changing campaign finance laws, in drafting SB170, I
looked to the experiences of other states in attempting to limit the
influence of gambling interests. For example, the For information about pending legislation, state programs or to seek help in dealing with a state agency, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: sd12@senate.state.oh.us, via phone: (614) 466-7505 or via mail: State Senator Keith Faber, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215. |
| STATE REPORT CARDS DEMONSTRATE PROGRESS IN OUR SCHOOLS |
|
The kids are back in school and as they begin the hard work to earn good
grades on their own individual report cards, they can take heart in the
fact that their schools get graded as well. Last week, the Ohio
Department of Education released state report cards for all school
districts and school buildings in Ohio. I want to take this opportunity to commend the hard work of school administrators, teachers, parents and especially the students in many school districts throughout the 12th Senate District for their performance on state report cards. Of the school districts I represent in Allen, Auglaize (part), Darke (part), Mercer, Preble and Shelby counties, 10 schools were rated "Excellent with Distinction," 17 were rated "Excellent," 14 were deemed "Effective" and three are in "Continuous Improvement." No schools were deemed to be in "Academic Watch" or "Academic Emergency." The State began issuing state report cards in 1999 as a way to provide more information to parents and the general public about how well their local schools were doing in their core missions to educate Ohio schoolchildren. The state's annual ratings are based on a number of factors that have changed and evolved over the years, including students' performance on standardized statewide tests, rates of improvement on those tests from year to year and over time, student attendance and graduation rates. The data collected provide schools a valuable snapshot in time to see where they are excelling and where they should focus their energies to always be making improvements on behalf of students. While statewide achievement gaps remain as it relates to poverty-level, gender, race, disability and amongst students for whom English is not their first language, the data show that many schools are making good progress in ensuring all kids are getting a quality education in Ohio classrooms. I am concerned that on a statewide basis, graduation rates went down slightly this year. This will need to be an area of focus in the year ahead. On the bright side, we know that a record number of students elected to take the ACT test in 2009 - 65 percent of high school graduates. This could indicate that more students are considering going to college or pursuing other opportunities to continue their education after high school. In this changing economy and a competitive job market, it is absolutely critical that we hold our students and schools to the highest standards to ensure Ohio children getting the education they need to be successful. I encourage you to visit the Ohio Department of Education website at www.ode.state.oh.us to take a closer look at the data specific to your local school. For information about pending legislation, state programs or to seek help in dealing with a state agency, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: sd12@senate.state.oh.us, via phone: (614) 466-7505 or via mail: State Senator Keith Faber, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio 43215. |
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Representative Zehringer Reports Passage Of Livestock Care Resolution |
|
COLUMBUS— State Representative Jim Zehringer (R- Fort Recovery) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Joint Resolution 6, a bipartisan measure that seeks to establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Passing by a vote of 83-16, the resolution will place language to create the livestock board on the November 3rd ballot. “I cannot say enough about the great support and leadership shown by Speaker Armond Budish and Chairman Allan Sayre on this issue,” Zehringer said. “I really appreciate their willingness to work with House and Senate Republicans to take this important step for Ohio.” The resolution will allow Ohio voters to establish a diverse 13 member board that will contain members representing consumers, representatives from family farms, veterinarians, county humane societies and the dean of an agriculture department among others. If enacted, this board would be tasked with establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry throughout the state. “I am so thrilled that both chambers of the Legislature were able to come together before the summer recess, and I also really appreciate the hard work of Senators Keith Faber and Bob Gibbs on this proposal,” said Zehringer. “I truly believe that this is one of the most important issues facing our state, and the robust support today sends a clear message that Ohioans, and not out-of-state interests, are best suited to regulate agriculture in Ohio.”
|
|
Senator Faber’s Weekly
Newsletter
Allen – (419) 228-2621
Auglaize – (419)
739-6505
Darke – (937) 548-4132
Mercer – (419) 586-5106
Preble – (937) 456-6205
County Child Support
Enforcement Agencies
Allen – 1-800-224-7133
Auglaize –
1-800-508-8817
Darke - 1-800-501-5635
Mercer - 1-800-207-3597
Preble - 1-800-413-5899
Office of Unemployment
Compensation
(614) 995-7066
To file online for
unemployment benefits, please visit:
Informational Websites
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/ChildCare.pdf
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/childsupport.pdf
http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/ucregular.pdf Please
understand that these agencies have been fielding a very large volume of
calls recently. Your inquiries will be attended to as quickly as
possible. As
always, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact our office in |
|
The Importance of States’ Rights: |
|
It is at quite an early age that
school children begin learning of our nation’s forefathers – Thomas
Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin – the list goes on.
Children learn where these men were born, or what they may have
invented, or how they may have dressed in their everyday lives, but I
feel that it’s not until later on in life that we really begin to
appreciate the true genius of these men. Together, they held a novel
and bold idea; these men envisioned an independent and free nation,
formed by several sovereign states. Perhaps they never could have
imagined that number reaching 50, but I do like to think that they were
able to see the importance of balancing the rights of the state with
that of the federal government.
The Founding Fathers entrusted
the individual states with the power to govern themselves and to work on
behalf of the best interests of their citizens, as long as it was in
accordance to the law of the land – in this case, the Constitution.
This need for balance was further displayed in the Founders’ desire for
a separation of power. The formation of three separate branches of
government, each with their own distinct set of responsibilities, works
to ensure accountability and integrity at the federal level. These
sophisticated concepts of government help us remember the vision and
brilliance of the men who forged this nation of ours.
As a member of the Ohio General Assembly, I have realized that the work undertaken at the Statehouse often times impacts Ohioans more than that which is done at the national level. We are fortunate to have the platform to introduce legislation that directly addresses areas of concern that are unique to our state. As the work of the 128th Ohio General Assembly begins gaining speed, I will continue to keep in mind the true intentions of our nation’s Founders and work to preserve the rights reserved by our state and it’s citizens.
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COLUMBUS—During
Tuesday’s session of the Ohio House of Representatives, State
Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) presented a resolution to 2011
Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan of Celina. Ellen was recently crowned the 2011
Miss Ohio in Mansfield by the Miss Ohio Scholarship program and will be
competing for the title of Miss America 2012.
One
of the true joys included with serving as your state senator is getting
the chance to interact and talk to a variety of residents each day. It
is always a pleasure to listen to our friends and neighbors discuss
their families and share their opinions on the issues that are most
important to them. In recent weeks, I have begun noticing a recurring
theme during many of our conversations. More and more Ohioans are
voicing concerns over the direction our country appears to be going.
Specifically, many of you have touched on the issue of