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We encourage voters to back Ohio Issue 2

Off-year spring ballots can be full of significant decisions for voters — often the kind that affect us in ways that hit closer to home than what is happening in Washington, D.C. In Ohio, voters will be asked in May to decide on Issue 2 — renewing and increasing the state spending cap for its public works projects. Since 1987, Ohio voters have renewed the Local Public Infrastructure Bond Amendment three times, and more than 19,000 grants and loans have been funded for projects all over the state — roads, bridges, retaining walls and other public works. The program allows ...

Some Ohio lawmakers must confront child care challenges

Ohio lawmakers have until the end of June to pass a budget. But already, members of the House of Representatives have adopted a version that ignores initiatives proposed by other lawmakers and Gov. Mike DeWine to help address the child care challenges faced by many Ohio families. Failure to act on this front will perpetuate a vicious cycle that is hurting families and employers, according to a recent report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Groundwork Ohio, “Untapped Potential in Ohio.” In fact, it is costing approximately $5.48 billion per ...

Once again, Ohioans will believe it when they see it

Most of us know to brace ourselves when we read an anticipated response that begins with “after careful consideration.” That was certainly necessary for Licking County residents after Microsoft followed those words with “we will not be moving forward at this time with our plans to build data centers at the Licking County sites.” Microsoft confirmed earlier this week that it has decided against the development, proving Licking County Commission President Tim Bubb wise to have told WCMH nearly two years ago, “We’ll believe it when we see it.” To be fair, Microsoft said it ...

With spring comes need for motorcycling safety

With spring — at least once we get through this current cold snap — comes flowers in bloom, bird chirping, the sounds of bats hitting baseballs and so on. Including the roar of motorcycles For many people, the end of winter and arrival of spring’s milder weather means getting their motorcycles out of storage and heading out on the highway. Those who are active on social media to any extent have probably seen the memes cautioning drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road. There are also plenty of drivers who use bumper stickers to remind others about looking out for ...

Not the way to address low-performing schools

Ohio Sen. Andrew Brenner is again pitching an idea that seems to have zero support in Columbus. Earlier this month, he spoke in support of Ohio Senate Bill 127, which would automatically close low-performing public schools. Brenner, R-Delaware, told the state Senate Education Committee, “It is my hope that this bill will help to standardize the law surrounding school closures for public and community schools and help ensure that each student in Ohio receives the best education possible,” according to the Ohio Capital Journal. For Brenner’s purposes, a low-performing school is one ...

Liv’s Law creates harsher penalties for drunk driving

On Wednesday in Ohio, the penalties for operating a vehicle while under the influence will get harsher. Liv’s Law (House Bill 37) will take effect. It was born of tragedy, when Olivia Wright was killed by a drunken driver, and her father decided to act. “A constituent, Bryan Wright, brought this issue to my desk after losing his daughter, Olivia, to a drunk driver,” said state Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe. “He pointed out to me how weak Ohio’s laws are compared to other states in the nation, and that is what inspired me to work on this legislation in an attempt to try and ...