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Some Ohio lawmakers must confront child care challenges

Editorials

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

Editorials

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 ...

We need to trust the actions of Trump

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I’m not a politician and I don’t pretend to be, but I figure I have a good idea when I’m being handled by someone. I’m pretty sure that I know the rest of the world is handling this country. In the past years our politicians always said we have to level the playing field, but none of them had the nerve to level it. More like they didn’t want to lose money coming into their pockets. This country is almost broke. Can you imagine what it would be like to have some other countries telling us what to do. We are 30-plus trillion dollars in debt. If we don’t ...

Funds should be released to Division of Wildlife

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Recent legislation to permit oil and gas drilling under Ohio’s public lands will be very lucrative for our state. It’s projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue. Locally, Zepernick Wildlife Area is one of several locations approved for fracking. Leasing rights have been awarded to Encino Energy Partners to drill under the wildlife area. Under the provisions of the Pittman Robertson and Dingell Johnson Federal Aid for Wildlife Acts, leasing proceeds from these activities should be allocated to the Division of Wildlife where they will be invested to provide ...

With spring comes need for motorcycling safety

Editorials

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

Editorials

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 ...