Introduction
With November fast approaching, election season is in full gear. All five statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer), all ninety-nine House seats and approximately half of the Senate’s thirty-three seats are on the ballot. Because of the focus on campaigns, there has not been any legislative activity in Columbus since July. That said, the Ohio Senate has a couple of session and committee work days scheduled for later this month. Cuyahoga County Council and the U.S. Congress will also resume with meetings.
State Issue 1
Statewide a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment will appear on the ballot. If passed, it would place into the State Constitution language to require all fourth- and fifth-degree felony offenses for obtaining, possessing or using drugs or drug paraphernalia to be reclassified as no higher than first-degree misdemeanors. The issue also contains several other components, including language that would require possible savings from the reduction in the state's prison population to be invested in drug treatment and crime prevention programs.
Here is the ballot language
Here are some arguments AGAINST Issue 1
Below are some arguments FOR Issue 1
State Targets Funding to New Areas With $20 Million For Capital Projects
The State is looking to allocate $20 million in state capital funding to support the establishment, expansion and/or renovation of safe and healthy programming spaces for middle- and high-school age youth. The goal is to enable these youth to access social activities in the community. While the space would be available for the entire community, the programming emphasis will focus on at-risk youth.
Those that would be allowed to receive the funding are federally recognized non-profit entities and should be prepared to adhere to state capital requirements, including public bidding of contracts, payment of prevailing wages during construction, and that funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis. In addition, all organizations must also operate in accordance with OhioMHAS Community Capital Guidelines, including the following parameters.
1) Organization is registered in the State of Ohio and the IRS as a 501(c) not for profit organization.
2) Organization should own the site.
3) Location must be zoned appropriately and comply with the applicable building code requirements.
4) Organization seeks to establish or expand space that will be accessible to youth ages 10-17, and may extend up to age 21, and offer a variety of pro-social programming on a consistent basis. Minimum hours include schooldays between the hours of 3-8pm, non school days from 12-8pm, and on weekends 12-4pm. (Times for the facility itself may be extended depending on the organization’s business model, but programming specifically for youth must be available during the hours listed above.)
5) Organization can demonstrate that, with the addition of resources requested through this program, it has access to sufficient funds so that construction design can be initiated within 90 days of application.
6) Organization commits to provide, in concert with its stated community partners, all deliverables listed in “Programming” section.
