A new bill to merge three state departments to better prepare students for jobs or college brings a major political change – shifting power from elected members of the state school board to the governor. The bill proposed by Ohio House Republicans would merge the Ohio Department of Education with the departments of Higher Education […]
Bill would merge three state departments, eliminate most policy powers of state school board
February 16, 2018 by
Ohio lawmakers approve congressional redistricting changes, plan to appear on May ballot
February 7, 2018 by
Ohioans will vote in May to change how the state draws its congressional districts to a process that supporters say will lead to fairer, more competitive districts. The Ohio House on Tuesday approved Senate Joint Resolution 5 in a 83-10 vote, sending the proposal to be filed with the secretary of state’s office for the […]
Ohio Supreme Court rules State can shut down abortion clinic in Toledo
February 7, 2018 by
The Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a state order to close Toledo’s only abortion clinic for failing to follow state law, and rejected a challenge from Cleveland’s Preterm clinic over the same law. The court ruled 5-2 to overturn lower court rulings that said state restrictions on abortion clinics were unconstitutional, but the court […]
Riordan McClain sworn in as State Representative of the 87th Ohio House District
January 26, 2018 by
Riordan McClain was sworn in as state representative of the 87th Ohio House District after the House Republican Caucus voted to appoint him to fill the vacant seat during today’s House session. “Riordan McClain’s experience in the private sector and financial management will surely prove to be a valuable asset to our caucus,” said Speaker […]
Ohio redistricting advocates oppose lawmakers’ proposed changes
January 24, 2018 by
Backers of a ballot measure to change how Ohio draws congressional districts are moving forward with little hope state lawmakers will draft a better plan. The congressional redistricting reforms proposed last week by Republican Sen. Matt Huffman would make it impossible to draw districts such as the “snake on the lake”-shaped 9th district. But critics […]
Riordan McClain selected by House panel to fill vacancy as local State Representative
January 12, 2018 by
Speaker Pro Tempore of the Ohio House Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) has announced that the screening panels responsible for vetting applicants to fill the vacant 81st and 87th House District seats have each made their unanimous recommendations for the appointments. Riordan McClain from Upper Sandusky has been recommended by the screening panel to fill the vacancy […]
Mandel drops bid for U.S. Senate citing wife’s health issues
January 8, 2018 by
Republican Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel announced Friday his withdrawal from the race for U.S. Senate. Mandel, largely considered the Republican frontrunner, cited an unspecified health issue with his wife, Ilana, as the primary reason. “After recent discussions with our family and healthcare professionals, it has become clear to us that it’s no longer possible for […]
Ohio’s minimum wage to increase 15 cents in 2018
December 29, 2017 by
Ohio’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase on January 1, 2018, to $8.30 per hour for non-tipped employees and $4.15 per hour for tipped employees. The minimum wage will apply to employees of businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $305,000 per year. The current 2017 Ohio minimum wage is $8.15 per hour for […]
Governor signs Down syndrome abortion ban into law
December 27, 2017 by
Ohio on Friday became the fourth state to ban abortions performed after a prenatal test shows the fetus has or might have Down syndrome. Gov. John Kasich signed into law House Bill 214, the 20th abortion restriction passed since he took office in 2011, and 14 other bills Friday morning. Under the law, doctors who […]
Ten vie for Ohio House seat representing much of Marion County
December 18, 2017 by
Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) has announced the group of applicants who met the deadline to be screened to fill the vacant 81st and 87th House District seats. A screening panel for each vacancy has been tasked with vetting the applicants. Speaker Rosenberger has selected Speaker Pro Tempore Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) […]
