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Task Force provides support for Ohio volunteer firefighters

Ohio is working to give more support to volunteer firefighters, support richly deserved by those who choose to do for the rest of us what so many would not be able — and do it without pay. “As the State Fire Marshal, I am proud to witness Ohio’s commitment to our volunteer firefighters,” said Marshal Kevin Reardon. “The decision to waive all State Fire Academy fees shows this dedication to providing support for those who safeguard our communities.” Yes, Ohio will waive State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Academy fees for volunteer firefighters, through an initiative from Gov. Mike ...

Housing Committee must find answers for Ohioans

Ohio’s new state Senate Housing Committee began its work last week, as concerns such as housing shortages, high rents, property taxes and accessibility have created quite a challenge to growing and diversifying the state’s economy. “We need to hear from anyone who has anything to do with housing, and we need to factor in what role the state can play,” Sen. Michele Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester, told a WSYX-TV reporter earlier this week. While it is important for our representatives in Columbus to consider what they can do to help (or where they can get government out of the ...

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 ...