Important indigent defense membership survey
CCAO is surveying its membership on their thoughts regarding the future of the indigent defense system in Ohio. Please take a moment to complete this very brief survey (less than 1 minute) to shape CCAO's advocacy efforts on this critical issue.
Click Here: Future of Indigent Defense Survey
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Governor announces latest round of H2Ohio wetlands grants
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On Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine and ODNR Director Mary Mertz announced plans for an additional 25 wetlands projects to be constructed across the state. These projects are part of the H2Ohio program for water quality improvement. Along with promoting agricultural nutrient best management practices and improving water and sewer infrastructure, H2Ohio has invested significantly in wetlands development over the past several years.
The 25 projects announced this week are spread across 22 counties: Allen, Athens, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Henry (2), Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Mercer, Montgomery, Ottawa, Pickaway, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Summit (3), Wayne, and Wyandot. The full list of projects and descriptions is available here. ODNR has undertaken or completed 113 wetland projects to date under the H2Ohio program
Wetlands promote water quality improvement by filtering out excess nutrients, such as phosphorus, prior to water flowing into larger waterways where it feeds harmful algal blooms.
“Our water is such an incredibly valuable resource, and building and restoring wetlands brings us closer to having cleaner water throughout the state,” said Governor DeWine in a news release. “We are making great strides through the work of H2Ohio, and I look forward to seeing even more progress in the years to come.”
Additional information on the H2Ohio program can be accessed here.
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Poll workers still needed in certain counties for unique August primary election
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office indicated this week that Ohioans continue to sign up to work as poll workers for the upcoming August primary election, but more workers are still needed in certain counties.
Over 28,000 Ohioans have signed up so far to serve as a poll worker for the Aug. 2nd primary. The minimum number of poll workers needed to conduct a statewide election is 24,522. As of Monday this week, 72 counties had met the minimum number of workers required in the county to hold the election.
In order to account for unforeseen circumstances, Secretary LaRose has set the goal of having 115 percent of the number of necessary poll workers. Forty-two counties have achieved this 115 percent goal. These counties include Adams, Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Hocking, Holmes, Knox, Logan, Medina, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Pickaway, Portage, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Washington, Wayne, Wood, and Wyandot counties.
Ohioans interested in signing up to be a poll worker can do so at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/poll-workers/.
In what is expected to be a below-average turnout election, local boards of elections have consolidated polling locations to save on manpower and equipment costs. County boards have mailed notices to voters regarding consolidated polling locations. Expected voter turnout is estimated to range from the single digits to mid-teens.
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Ohio policymakers react to federal CHIPS Act passage
The US Congress this week passed the federal CHIPS Act, providing $52 billion in support of domestic microchip production. The legislation has been closely followed in Ohio, as the $20 billion Intel production facility in Licking County and suppliers across the state would benefit from the legislation. Below are statements from Ohio policymakers following the legislation’s passage on Thursday.
Governor Mike DeWine:
"The current supply-chain shortages have taught us that the United States must end its reliance on foreign-made necessities, including the semiconductor chips that power today's electronic world," he said. "With semiconductor chips made in Ohio by Ohioans, we'll add tens of thousands of new direct and indirect jobs, and when other companies are looking to grow, they'll look to Ohio because there is no better place to live, work, and raise a family."
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted:
"The passage of the CHIPS Act is important to our national and economic security. Computer chips are the most important manufactured product in the world because almost everything depends on chips to process or store information," he said. "For Ohio, this puts us one step closer to achieving the aspiration of becoming the 'Silicon Heartland' resulting in a brand-new industry and supply chain in our state, creating tens of thousands of high-paying careers."
U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson:
“My vote in favor of the CHIPS Act was a vote to support a once-in-a-lifetime investment in Ohio; protect critical national security interests; and provide opportunities for the people I represent by bringing good-paying jobs back to America.
“This bill was far from perfect. But my constituents sent me to Washington to tend to the serious business of representing their interests -- and to get the job done.
"As a result of this investment, the future is brighter for kids in Ohio today."
State Sen. Jay Hottinger:
"Today's news is a major step forward for the future of Ohio and the United States. I'm thrilled that Congress showed bipartisan support for legislation that will make our nation more competitive in the global economy while protecting our national security," he said. "Funds from the bill will allow Intel to move forward with its historic project in Licking County, which will have a substantial impact on our local economy and communities."
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