Ohio Political Pulse

State Political News
 
Highland County Press
Controversial ‘private corporation’ JobsOhio gets billions more without paying more to state
The Ohio Controlling Board has awarded JobsOhio billions more in funding without requiring the agency to contribute additional payments to the state. Created in 2011, JobsOhio operates as a private corporation despite being established by the state legislature and using former public funds. The Controlling Board extended JobsOhio's control of the liquor franchise until 2053 without any new financial obligations, raising concerns about fairness to taxpayers. Critics, including Attorney General Dave Yost and Rep. Tristan Rader, question the effectiveness of JobsOhio, noting that Ohio has lagged behind neighboring states in job creation. While JobsOhio claims to have created 240,000 jobs, skepticism remains regarding the validity of its self-reported success metrics and the overall impact of its economic development efforts.
Marty Schladen
02/14/2025 Online
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Columbus Daily Reporter
Bill would give the General Assembly oversight of administrative rulemaking
The Ohio House of Representatives' Government Oversight Committee recently reviewed a bill aimed at granting the General Assembly oversight of administrative rulemaking. Sponsored by Rep. Ron Ferguson and Rep. Brian Lorenz, the legislation seeks to ensure that proposed rules with significant financial implications undergo legislative approval. House Bill 11 would require a bill to be enacted for any administrative rule that increases agency expenditures or compliance costs by $100,000 or more. The bill also stipulates that approved rules would expire five years after their enactment unless renewed. With fifteen co-sponsors, the bill is designed to enhance government transparency and accountability, allowing elected officials to better represent their constituents' interests in regulatory matters.
02/14/2025 Online
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WOIO-TV NBC 3 - Cleveland
Ohio lawmakers plan to propose ‘The Conception begins at Erection Act’
Ohio lawmakers are preparing to introduce a new bill titled ‘The Conception begins at Erection Act.’ This proposed legislation aims to redefine the legal understanding of conception, asserting that it occurs at the moment of erection. The move has sparked significant debate and controversy among various stakeholders, including reproductive rights advocates and medical professionals. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect potential life, while opponents contend it could have far-reaching implications for reproductive health and rights. As the proposal gains traction, it is expected to be a focal point of discussion in the upcoming legislative session.
02/14/2025 Online
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Statehouse News Bureau (Online)
Chair-shuffling continues among Ohio Republicans considering statewide runs in 2026
Ohio Republicans are experiencing a shift in leadership as state senator Kristina Roegner has announced her candidacy for state treasurer, joining former lawmaker Niraj Antani in the race. Roegner, a seasoned legislator known for her conservative stances, aims to build on the success of current Treasurer Robert Sprague, who has opted to support Vivek Ramaswamy for governor instead. Antani, who recently withdrew from the secretary of state race, expressed frustration over the political dynamics but later softened his tone, welcoming competition in the treasurer's race. Both candidates are positioning themselves as staunch conservatives, with Antani emphasizing a commitment to preventing state funds from supporting certain ideologies. As all of Ohio's top elected officials face term limits, the political landscape is rapidly evolving ahead of the 2026 elections.
Jo Ingles
02/14/2025 Online
+1 other publication
 
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WKEF ABC Channel 22
Congressman Mike Turner introduces new legislation to recover Delphi retirees' pensions
Congressman Mike Turner has reintroduced legislation aimed at restoring pensions for over 21,000 Delphi salaried retirees who have been seeking full compensation since 2009. The bill, presented in the House of Representatives, argues that the pension was fully funded and should not have been terminated by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Former Delphi employee Tom Rose highlighted the unprecedented government intervention during General Motors' bankruptcy, which led to a 40% reduction in pensions for retirees. Turner noted that there is growing bipartisan support for the legislation, which previously passed the House but failed in the Senate. He expressed optimism that with renewed momentum and support from the Trump Administration, the bill could be signed into law this year, including provisions for backpay.
Jenilee Borek
02/13/2025 Online
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WSYX ABC 6 Columbus
Ohio governor mandates return to office, downtown businesses anticipate boost
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has mandated that most remote state employees return to their offices by March 17, 2025, a decision that has elicited varied responses from workers and local businesses. The executive order aims to revitalize downtown areas, with business owners like Mark Boughton of Tasty Dawg expressing optimism about increased foot traffic and customer engagement. Boughton anticipates that the influx of workers will enhance the local economy and restore the vibrancy of downtown Columbus, which has been affected by the pandemic. In addition to the return to office, several redevelopment projects are underway, including the $600 million Capitol Square Renaissance plan and the Capital Line project for improved bike and pedestrian access. Community collaboration in these initiatives is viewed positively by local business owners, who are eager to contribute to the revitalization of the area.
Stephanie Duprey, Wsyx Staff
02/13/2025 Online
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wlwt​.com
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine postpones 3 executions scheduled for this year
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has once again postponed three executions originally scheduled for this year, extending the state's unofficial death penalty moratorium. The governor cited ongoing difficulties in obtaining the necessary lethal injection drugs due to pharmaceutical suppliers' reluctance to provide them. Despite an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at resolving these issues, DeWine does not foresee any executions occurring during his term, which lasts until 2026. The postponed executions involve Percy Hutton, Samuel Moreland, and Douglas Coley, with their dates pushed back to 2028. This decision reflects the state's ongoing challenges surrounding the death penalty and its administration.
02/13/2025 Online
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WTTE Fox 28 Columbus
Is Ohio wasting money with frivolous bills that have little to no impact on residents?
Ohio legislators have introduced an average of nearly 1,700 bills annually over the past decade, with about one-third passing. Critics argue that many of these bills, such as those banning transgender girls from sports, have minimal impact on residents, affecting only a handful of individuals. The current legislative session includes numerous honorary and designation bills, such as creating a Dolly Parton license plate and designating Superman as Ohio's official superhero. Representative Adam Mathews, the sponsor of the Superman bill, defended it as a way to honor Ohio's cultural contributions, despite concerns about wasteful spending. Ultimately, the Superman bill did not progress through the committee, raising questions about the effectiveness and relevance of such legislation.
David Winter
02/13/2025 Online
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Willoughby News Herald
Election | Amid ‘new dynamic,’ former state Sen. Niraj Antani drops one statewide campaign, launches another
Former Ohio state Senator Niraj Antani has announced the suspension of his campaign for the 2026 secretary of state position to pursue a run for state treasurer instead. The 33-year-old Republican from Miamisburg cited a "new dynamic" in the race, influenced by recent developments involving Ohio's current statewide officeholders. Antani's decision reflects a strategic shift in his political ambitions as he seeks to capitalize on the changing landscape of the election. The move comes as candidates adjust their strategies in response to evolving political circumstances in Ohio. Antani's campaign for state treasurer marks a significant pivot in his political career as he aims for a different statewide office.
02/13/2025 Online
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Alliance Review
Bird flu ravages more than 10 million Ohio chickens in last 30 days, USDA reports
Over the past 30 days, bird flu has affected approximately 10.3 million chickens in Ohio, accounting for more than a third of the recent national outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that infected chickens typically die within 48 hours of contracting the virus. Since the outbreak began in February 2022, Ohio has seen a total of 21.1 million birds impacted, with nearly half of that number occurring in the last month alone. A recent USDA report highlighted that Ohio has lost 39% of its egg-laying population due to the disease, which has also been detected in cattle, affecting milk production and driving up egg prices. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health reported the state's first human case of bird flu in a Mercer County man who had contact with infected poultry.
Samantha Hendrickson
02/13/2025 Online
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Mahoning Matters
Hospitals, advocates disagree on price transparency compliance; Ohio law changing
A patient advocate group has reported that a majority of hospitals in Ohio are not adhering to federal price transparency guidelines, which are designed to help patients compare costs for services like elective surgeries. In contrast, hospitals assert they are compliant and prepared for new state regulations set to take effect in April. The new Ohio law, House Bill 173, mandates hospitals to publish a list of standard charges for at least 300 shoppable services and prohibits the sale of personal data collected through price estimator tools. According to PatientRightsAdvocate.org, only 13% of Ohio hospitals are fully compliant with the existing federal requirements, with significant noncompliance noted in formatting and data disclosure. As the Ohio Department of Health prepares to monitor compliance and enforce penalties, hospitals emphasize their commitment to transparency and improving patient access to pricing information.
Samantha Wildow
02/13/2025 Online
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Spectrum News One Cincinnati
How Jim Tressel could shake up the governor's race
Political Anchor Curtis Jackson discusses the potential impact of Ohio's new lieutenant governor on the upcoming 2026 governor's race with statehouse reporter Anna Staver. They explore how Jim Tressel's involvement could alter the dynamics of the election. Tressel, known for his successful coaching career, may attract a different voter demographic. The conversation highlights the significance of his political experience and public appeal. As the race approaches, Tressel's influence could be a game changer for candidates and party strategies.
02/13/2025 Online
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WOUB 89​.1 (Cambridge)
Ohio’s Senate passes the anti-DEI higher ed bill as Democrat, faculty and student groups protest
The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 1, a controversial higher education bill aimed at curbing diversity programs and faculty strikes, while mandating performance reviews and a civics course. The legislation, which proponents argue will prevent liberal indoctrination in universities, was approved largely along party lines amidst significant protests from students, faculty, and Democratic lawmakers. Critics, including Sen. Bill DeMora, have labeled the bill as an attack on free speech and union rights, asserting it undermines higher education in the state. Supporters, like Sen. Jerry Cirino, claim the bill is necessary for accountability in institutions receiving state funding and will promote intellectual diversity. The bill's passage follows extensive public testimony against it, highlighting a deep divide in opinions on the direction of higher education in Ohio.
Aaron Payne
02/13/2025 Online
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WBNS CBS 10 Columbus
The former state senator cited the "new dynamic" injected into the contest last week when Ohio’s sitting statewide officeholders settled into their lanes.
Former Republican state Senator Niraj Antani has announced the suspension of his campaign for Ohio secretary of state to pursue a run for state treasurer in the 2026 election. This decision follows a shift in the political landscape, as current statewide officeholders have clarified their intentions, with Treasurer Robert Sprague opting to run for secretary of state and Secretary of State Frank LaRose announcing a bid for state auditor. Antani expressed disappointment over the competitive dynamics but remains determined to continue his political journey, stating there was no viable path to victory against Sprague. He emphasized his commitment to challenging the entrenched establishment and maintaining his fight against the status quo. The announcement raises questions about the future of Republican candidates for Ohio's statewide executive offices, all of which are open next year due to term limits.
Associated Press
02/13/2025 Online
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Spectrum News One Dayton
Ohio health officials report state's first probable human case of bird flu
Ohio health officials have reported the state's first probable human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The case involves a farm worker in Mercer County, which has seen the highest number of bird flu confirmations in the state. Although the risk to the general public remains low, officials are advising residents to adopt preventative measures, particularly those in close contact with birds. Ohio currently leads the nation in confirmed bird flu cases among commercial flocks, with over 54 confirmed cases in the last month alone. The Ohio Department of Health emphasizes the importance of biosecurity practices for farmers and recommends avoiding contact with wild birds and sick poultry to prevent further spread of the virus.
Lydia Taylor
02/13/2025 Online
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Cleveland WEWS-TV
Ohio Senate passes higher ed overhaul bill less than a day after eight hours of opponent testimony Senate Bill 1 was passed by a 21-11 vote. All nine democrats and two republicans — Bill Blessing and Tom Patton — voted against the bill.
The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 1, a significant higher education overhaul, with a vote of 21-11. This decision came shortly after over 800 Ohioans submitted testimony opposing the bill during an eight-hour committee meeting. The bill, introduced by State Sen. Jerry Cirino, aims to ban diversity and inclusion efforts, restrict faculty strikes, and impose rules on classroom discussions regarding controversial topics. Despite the strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, Cirino dismissed the testimony against the bill as "irrelevant," asserting that the reforms are necessary for improving higher education in Ohio. The bill will now proceed to the Ohio House for further consideration, amid ongoing protests from students and faculty concerned about its implications.
Megan Henry
02/13/2025 Online
+3 other publications
 
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ohiocapitaljournal​.com
Ohio Senate bill seeks tax credits for donors to anti-abortion pregnancy centers
Ohio State Senator Sandra O’Brien has reintroduced Senate Bill 40, which aims to provide tax credits for donations to anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers. The proposed legislation, which is similar to a previous measure that did not pass, would offer nonrefundable tax credits for contributions to certified nonprofit centers that assist pregnant individuals. O’Brien emphasized the importance of supporting these centers, particularly as the need for their services grows in Ohio, following the passage of a state constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. Critics have raised concerns about the centers' limited medical services and their tendency to dissuade individuals from considering abortion, as they are barred from promoting such options. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, with discussions ongoing about the potential impact on maternal and child health outcomes in the state.
Susan Tebben
02/13/2025 Online
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