Governor activity
Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill 231. The bill requires the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to compile and publicize a list of entities that provide free and reduced-price epinephrine autoinjectors and permits school districts to create training for staff and instruction for students on food allergies and allergic reaction treatment. It also permits schools and camps to procure and use injectable or nasally administered glucagon in accordance with prescribed policies and exempts them from licensing requirements related to the possession of glucagon.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced that the deadline to spend funds from the BroadbandOhio Connectivity Grant has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The grant was funded using Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) from the CARES Act. Congress recently extended the CRF deadline which would have expired on Dec. 30, 2020, and due to the change at the federal level, the deadline was able to be extended.

Ohio Department of Education
ODE released updated information regarding K-12 quarantine guidelines. Click here to read the updated guidelines.

Additionally, ODE released information regarding COVID-19 vaccines for adults who work in schools. In order for your adult workers to be included on the prioritization list, a Commitment to Return to In-Person or Hybrid Learning Model form needs to be submitted by Jan. 18. Click here for the form.

House Activity
The Ohio House voted to re-elect as House speaker Rep. Robert R. Cupp (R-Lima) by a vote of 91-0. Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) was elected as minority leader by a vote of 91-0. Additional leadership positions elected by a vote of 91-0 include:

  • Speaker pro tempore: Rep. Timothy E. Ginter (R-Salem)
  • Majority floor leader: Rep. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati)
  • Assistant majority floor leader: Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Genoa Township)
  • Majority whip: Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport)
  • Assistant majority whip: Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison)
  • Assistant minority leader: Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus)
  • Minority whip: Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo)
  • Assistant minority whip: Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester)

Senate Activity
The Ohio Senate voted to elect as Senate president Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) by a vote of 31-0. Sen. Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) was elected as minority leader by a vote of 30-0. Additional leadership positions elected by a vote of 30-0 include:

  • President pro tempore: Sen. Jay Hottinger (R-Newark)
  • Majority floor leader: Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton)
  • Majority whip: Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)
  • Assistant minority leader: Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati)
  • Minority whip: Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood)
  • Assistant minority whip: Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester)

Posted by Nicole Piscitani on 01/08/2021