Legislative Update - August 2017

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The Ohio Senate and Governor’s Vetoes

Ohio Senate leaders have discussed possibly using one of their two August “if needed” session days (August 16th or August 23rd) to review veto items that the House earlier overrode.  There were 11 items the House overrode out of the Governor’s 47 line items.  The items mainly dealt with Medicaid issues and health care issues.

What Is the Cuyahoga County Looking to Do In Economic Development?

As directed by the County Charter, Cuyahoga County Council has taken up the five year Economic Development Plan.  Although the proposal remains very similar to the 2016 plan, there are a couple of areas that were slightly modified or added.  They include the areas of:

Expanded innovation and entrepreneurship possibilities to underserved areas
Education alignment similar to workforce
Aspiration to create a millennium economic development council
Enhancements to attract good paying jobs
Place based development
Sustainability
Upgraded housing plans

Future areas of focus will include workforce integration and innovation.

The legislation was passed out of committee unanimously and will likely go to the full Council on August 8th.   There is discussion of at least one amendment to include next year’s goals within the document. CEA continues to monitor this legislation.

(View Plan)

Cuyahoga County Economic Development Loan Review

The Economic Development Committee is working to get a firmer handle on outstanding loans the county has issued.  The County is working to tighten up its record keeping and collection of these loans. Multiple hearings have been held on the issue.  September 18th there likely will be another hearing on the issue. One of the topics the committee is reviewing is to cross check the list of companies and individuals involved in the County corruption scandal with those that received economic development loans over the years.

Ohio Congressional Delegation and Prevailing Wage

During debate on the National Defense Authorization Act FY 2018, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz) offered an amendment which would have drastically weakened prevailing wage.  It was an attempt to change the Davis-Bacon calculation which would have left out calculation of pension, healthcare and training costs. 

The House defeated the amendment.  51 Republicans and all Democrats voted to defeat the measure.

Those that stood up to protect prevailing wage from the Ohio delegation are highlighted in green.

Upcoming Debate and Financial Reporting Give More Details on Cleveland Mayor’s Race

Recently filed campaign finance reports, show incumbent Mayor Frank Jackson with a significant fundraising lead over all challengers. The reporting period illustrates finances before the September 12th primary which is steadily approaching.  Here is a breakdown of the numbers:

Frank Jackson

On Hand:  $703,783

Zack Reed

On hand:  $46,000

Jeff Johnson

On Hand:  $4,100

For other candidate numbers and more information please click on the articles below.

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/07/councilman_zack_reed_raises_57.html

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/08/cleveland_councilman_jeff_john_3.html

In keeping with tradition, the City Club will hold a Mayoral Primary Debate on August, 25th at 12pm. The mayoral candidates whose candidacy has been verified by the Board of Elections were invited to participate in this primary debate.

Participating candidates include:

Eric Brewer

Brandon E. Chrostowski

Frank G. Jackson

Jeff Johnson

Robert Kilo

Tony Madalone

Bill Patmon

Zack Reed

Dyrone Smith 

Recent Fundraising Numbers For Governor’s Race Are In.

Mike DeWine led all candidates with campaign cash on hand during this most recent cycle.  For funding figures, please see below.

Governor’s Race

Republicans

Mike DeWine

Raised:                $1.264 million  ($1 million was from DeWine himself)

On Hand:            $4.674 million

 

Jim Renacci

Raised:                 $5.575 million   ($4 million was from Renacci himself)

On Hand:            $4.379 million

 

Jon Husted

Raised:                 $2.022 million

On Hand:             $4.277 million

 

Mayor Taylor

Raised:                $639,573

On Hand:            $436,883

 

 

Democrats

 

Connie Pillich

Raised:                 $547,060

On Hand:             $720,525

 

Nan Whaley

Raised:                $455,131

On Hand:             $394,662

(Note she is also running for mayoral reelection this year)

 

Joe Schiavoni 

Raised:                 $341,755

On Hand:             $245,251

 

Betty Sutton

Raised:                 $275,048

On Hand:             $209,680