It was appropriate for Ohio GOP Gov. John Kasich to hold his final State of the State speech at Otterbein University, the small liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist Church. Not because Kasich was touting the revitalization of a small town like Westerville or singing the praises of higher education in the state. It […]
Bill would prohibit Anthem, other insurers from denying some ER claims
March 5, 2018 by
As promised, a Cincinnati Democrat introduced a bill in the General Assembly that would prohibit insurance companies from denying paying for some of their policyholders’ emergency room claims. House Bill 536 attempts to halt a new rule by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield that went into effect at the beginning of the year, in which […]
Payday lenders would face stricter rules under proposed constitutional amendment
March 2, 2018 by
Ohioans urging stricter rules for payday lenders took the first step Wednesday to put an interest rate cap and other reforms on the November ballot. Supporters say a constitutional amendment is necessary because the Ohio General Assembly has failed to act on similar reforms introduced last year. The proposed amendment would cap interest rates in […]
Ohio Governor’s bipartisan gun panel issues six recommendations
March 2, 2018 by
Tightening background checks for gun buyers and allowing “red flag” protection orders were among six gun violence policy recommendations made Thursday by a bipartisan panel assembled by Gov. John Kasich. Four other recommendations would put federal restrictions into state law so Ohio law enforcement officials could pursue charges that otherwise would go unprosecuted by federal […]
Representative McClain appointed to House Committees
February 28, 2018 by
State Representative Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) was recently appointed by Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) to serve on four House committees. Rep. McClain will serve on the following committees: Agriculture and Rural Development, Government Accountability and Oversight, Higher Education and Workforce Development, and Ways and Means. “Much of the impactful work of the legislature is accomplished […]
Republican candidates for governor support arming teachers, split on bump stocks
February 26, 2018 by
Both Republican candidates for Ohio governor say they support arming teachers as part of an approach to prevent further school shootings. There is, however, a difference of opinion between Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor on bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to be effectively converted into automatic weapons. DeWine […]
Major health insurer stops paying for some emergency room visits
February 23, 2018 by
One of Ohio’s largest insurers is denying payment for emergency room claims when it determines policyholders didn’t need emergency care. The Ohio Hospital Association and state lawmakers are working to combat Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s new practice, which could leave Ohio policyholders with thousands of dollars in ER bills, according to Thursday morning’s Capitol […]
Ohio congressional redistricting reform approved as Issue 1 on May ballot
February 21, 2018 by
It’s official — Ohioans will vote May 8 to change how the state draws congressional districts to a process supporters say will be more fair, transparent and bipartisan. The General Assembly’s proposed constitutional amendment will be Issue 1, the only statewide issue on the May primary election ballot. The Ohio Ballot Board, a bipartisan panel […]
Medical marijuana process may be “paused” following licensing issues
February 19, 2018 by
In an about-face, state regulators now say they are open to pausing the ongoing effort to set up Ohio’s new medical marijuana program, in light of concerns raised by Ohio Auditor Dave Yost and others. State Commerce Director Jacqueline Williams in a Thursday letter to Yost referred to errors a state employee made in scoring […]
Newly appointed State Rep. McClain to hold office hours
February 16, 2018 by
State Representative Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) announced that he will be holding district office hours next week. No appointment is necessary for these office hours and everyone is encouraged to participate. The office hours are as follows: Tuesday , February 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Upper Sandusky Community (301 N Sandusky Ave, Upper […]
