Ohio

COLUMBUS – The following statement can be attributed in whole, or in part, to Ohio State Senator Jon Husted (R- Kettering) in response to the introduction of the House Democrats’ redistricting proposal.

“The fact that the Democrats are now engaged in the debate on redistricting reform is welcome news. I look forward to working with them.

“I am disappointed that the House has chosen not to pass redistricting reform before the February 3rd deadline so the voters could decide the issue in May. Missing this deadline is a blow to reform efforts.

COLUMBUS - The Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee (OHROC)
raised more than $1 million in the second half of 2009, repeating
their record-breaking performance from the semiannual report in July.
OHROC raised more than $2 million in 2009.

"We're honored and extremely humbled to have so many new faces and
staunch supporters expressing interest in helping our caucus regain
the majority in the Ohio House of Representatives," said OHROC
Chairman Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima).

House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and Chairman

Woo Woo Woo. I can't wait to pay more taxes to support a service that will not directly support Toledo. Looks like a future drain of our money...but hey we call can spread our wealth around right?
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio is getting about $400 million in federal stimulus money to restore passenger train service among its major cities.

Gov. Ted Strickland said Wednesday that U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called him about the grant. Ohio is planning a 79-mph, startup train service connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

Thursday morning both Bob Latta and Lee Fisher will be guests on my show. Congressman Latta at 7:30, Mr. Fisher at 8:30. Should be fun.

Governor gives lip service to job creation but has no plan to reform Ohio’s Government or support job creation.

Columbus – Following Governor Strickland’s State of the State address, Representative Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) delivered the following remarks:

House Republicans fill in the blanks of the governor’s State of the State address

Columbus—Following Gov. Strickland’s State of the State address, Rep. Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) delivered the following remarks:

Increased unemployment and business exodus plagues state

Columbus—With Ohio’s unemployment at 10.9 percent, Governor Strickland and House Democrats have had more than a year to demonstrate how little their majority has accomplished. Since Governor Strickland took office in 2007, more than 330,000 jobs were lost and 25 major employers abandoned Ohio for better business environments. Among these businesses are DHL of Wilmington, which took 8,000 jobs out of state, and NCR of Dayton, which accounted for 1,200 job losses.

In May 2009, Forbes ranked Toledo as the worst job market among mid-sized cities, citing massive industry decline in the past decade. However, the plight of our community is not isolated; Cleveland, Dayton and Youngstown make the list for worst job markets in the nation, and businesses continue to hemorrhage from our borders. National Cash Register abandoned Dayton over the summer, and this month American Greetings announced plans to possibly relocate from its Brooklyn headquarters.

Multi-billion dollar debt looms without plan to repay

COLUMBUS—State Representative Barbara Sears (R - Sylvania) today opposed legislation to place the renewal of the Third Frontier initiative on the May ballot, citing that increasing spending during the recession will put Ohio farther into debt.

This week Jack Smith will be on Wednesday to discuss his run for the House seat currently held by Marcy Kaptur, Friday Rich Iott will be in to do the same. Should be fun.

Teens Face Felony Charges While Bill Sits Idle in Committee

COLUMBUS—State Representative Ron Maag (R–Lebanon) today decried the inaction of Chairman Tyrone Yates and Democrats in the House Criminal Justice Committee on House Bill 132, legislation carefully crafted to address sexting(1) between minors in the state of Ohio.

People are telling me that JR Block threatened Democrat Party Chairman Redfern. Redfern was told that if Konop has an opponent in the primary everyone will suffer the consequences. Can anyone confirm this? What have you heard? JR wouldn't have done this without Konop's approval. It's despicable but I won't be surprised to learn that Konop is rigging his reelection through intimidation. And with Stainbrook's long-standing relationship with JR that our "leadership" is part of this.

COLUMBUS– State Representative Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) today heralded the decision of the 10th District Court of Appeals that affirmed the constitutionality of House Bill 544.

“I am pleased that the 10th District Court of Appeals has upheld the authority of the Ohio General Assembly to set the budget for the state of Ohio,” said Hottinger. “Although I would have preferred that these funds been utilized for job creation more than 18 months ago, I am hopeful that these funds will soon be able to be used to assist in improving the health of tens of thousands of Ohio residents.”

COLUMBUS— One year to the day House Democrats took the majority, State Representatives Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek), Seth Morgan, CPA, (R-Huber Heights), and Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) summarized the 2009 legislative year as time of unfunded mandates on schools and damaging funding cuts to poorer districts, charter schools, e-schools and Catholic schools.

COLUMBUS— One year to the day House Democrats took the majority, State Representatives Todd Snitchler (R-Uniontown) Lynn Wachtmann and characterized 2009 as a year of devastating job loss and industry deterioration. With Democrat control, true economic reforms have failed to be established to further benefit Ohio’s national competitiveness and job climate.

COLUMBUS— House Republican leadership today asked “Will Governor Strickland and his Democrat colleagues change anything?” The question is released one year to the day that Democrats in the Statehouse took the majority, a feat that hadn’t been seen in 14 years. While unemployment steadily increased and shortfall after shortfall was apparent to the state’s operating budget as touted by Governor Strickland and House Democrats, numerous viable, alternative solutions to the irresponsible policies proposed by the majority were ignored.

COLUMBUS— One year to the day the House Democrats took the majority, State Representatives Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania) and Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) have maintained a staunch commitment to keeping Ohio’s health care sector strong, successful and affordable.

(8) Ohio State 26,(7) Oregon 17

Associated Press
PASADENA, Calif. -- Ohio State's bowl woes are over, thanks to a sturdy defense and a quarterback who finally played up to his enormous potential.

COLUMBUS— House Republicans today highlighted the 2009 legislative year with the following solutions as offered by the caucus throughout the year.

“I am honored and humbled to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives,” said House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “Throughout 2009, I welcomed the opportunity to work in a bipartisan manner with members from across Ohio. However, many Republican-offered solutions were either silenced or ignored completely throughout the process. It is my hope that the New Year will encourage an open and honest discussion.”