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Hold off on celebrating Ohio’s labor numbers

In August, Ohio officials were thrilled to announce a record low unemployment figure for July. The 3.3% was also the third month in a row Ohio’s rate was better than that of the country as a whole (3.5%). In fact, the figure was so wonderful that many couldn’t help but toot their own horns. “We are making history — our formula in Ohio is working, and (the) jobs news is proof of that,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. Easy enough to say, but the reality is even a number that low places Ohio 30th for state unemployment rates, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. And, ...

Redistricting Commission must fulfill responsibility

It is a mix of old and new faces as the Ohio Redistricting Commission announces it is ready to get back to work Sept. 13. This time around, Republican state Rep. Jeff LaRe and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio will serve as co-chairs, while Republican Senate Majority Whip Rob McColley and Democratic House Minority Leader Allison Russo fill two other spots. But Republicans Gov. Mike DeWine, state Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Auditor of State Keith Faber remain on the commission, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. This is, of course, despite DeWine ...

Expansion needed throughout and not just in central Ohio

While Ohio works to live up to the idea it is becoming “the tech capital of the Midwest,” as Lt. Gov. Jon Husted put it, one company is certainly doing its share to help. Google officials announced Monday the company is expanding to build three new data centers — in New Albany, Columbus and Lancaster — in what amounts to another $1.7 billion investment. “Ohio is establishing itself as a premier destination for technology investment,” Husted said, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. What does that mean for Ohioans? Google Vice President of public policy Mark ...

Stats reflect risks that can come with use of motorcycles

Motorcycle drivers and riders relish the freedom and exhilarating wind-in-your-hair experience provided by that popular mode of transportation. But with those pleasures come clear and present dangers. National, state and local statistics drive home that point forcefully. Motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die and four times more likely to be injured in crashes than passenger-vehicle occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And unlike the overall downward trend in all traffic deaths over the past 50 years, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in ...

Housing remains a struggle for Ohioans in Appalachia

Counties in Appalachian Ohio are gripped by a kind of generational economic sluggishness that leaves too many facing not just food insecurity, but housing insecurity as well. But U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data shows only about one-fourth of the state’s emergency shelters are in Ohio’s 32 Appalachian counties. “We have a vast shortage of homeless shelters,” Chasity Schmelzenbach, executive director of the Buckeye Hills Regional Council, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, said. HUD’s 2022 data showed an average of more than 10,600 people ...

Leave faith-based counseling up to parents, not schools

State Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus, R-Paris Township, is the primary sponsor for a bill that takes an unusual approach to the lack of student support services in some Ohio schools. House Bill 240 would allow public schools in Ohio to employ chaplains. Yes, you read that right. Stoltzfus believes students and staff need more community-based support in times of adversity, according to a report by News 5 Cleveland, and he believes chaplains can provide it. “I imagine these people are going to be very well known in the communities and very well trusted,” Stoltzfus told the news station. “I ...