Week in Review December 8, 2025

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This report reflects the latest happenings in government relations, in and around the Ohio statehouse. You’ll notice that it’s broad in nature and on an array of topics, from A-Z. This will be updated on a weekly basis.

Please feel free to share it with anyone else you believe may find it of interest, as well. Also, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions, concerns or if we can be of any assistance.

ABORTION/REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio and the Reproductive Rights Law Initiative (RRLI) at Case Western Reserve University Wednesday sued the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), seeking the release of public records pertaining to a Toledo abortion provider. The complaint was filed in the Ohio Supreme Court, asking for an order for ODH to release documents and communications pertaining to the Toledo Women's Center after it said ODH unreasonably delayed granting the clinic's January 2025 application to provide procedural abortions in addition to medication abortions. It was filed on behalf of RRLI Legal Fellow Katie Corwin.

ARTS, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Now that Thanksgiving gatherings have given way to the holiday season, Ohioans have a string of holiday lights to untangle following the release of TourismOhio's 2025 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail, which guides spectators through 79 displays throughout the state. A festive map guide to the trail, available HERE, began in Portsmouth with Winterfest last Friday, Nov. 28, before winding through dozens of displays divided by the state's Southeast, Northeast, Central, Northwest and Southwest regions. TourismOhio also has an additional guide to other holiday celebrations in each corner of the state. The Official 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide again sorts the state's favorite holiday entertainment by the northeast, central, southeast, southwest and northwest regions, with events listed chronologically until New Year's Eve celebrations at the end of December. The guide highlights five holiday events in each of Ohio's 88 counties, adding up to 440 notable festivities. The full guide to all 440 Ohio Holiday Events can be found HERE.

For decades, the value of the arts in a community has been discussed in economic terms like ticket sales or the number of jobs the sector enables. But in the face of threats to federal and state funding for arts programs, Angela Meleca told the Columbus Metropolitan Club (CMC) on Monday that if the story you're telling isn't getting results, it's time to change the story. Meleca said she wanted to shift the perception that the arts are simply entertainment or "extra" to telling that arts are foundational to their community by filling the gaps between the stories arts organizations tell about their outcomes to data about the outcomes they provide. Her Columbus-based consulting agency has spent the past year researching ways to empower nonprofit arts organizations to increase their resources and revenue by proving the public value of the arts through data-driven outcomes.

The Rhodes Tower lobby will again host student musical groups from throughout Ohio for lunchtime holiday concerts this month, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announced. Students will perform Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 11 a.m. in the lobby of the Rhodes Tower, 30 E. Broad St., through Dec. 18.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

State attorneys general began notifying consumers of a $700 million settlement with Google Play Store Tuesday over the Big Data app's "anticompetitive conduct" to bar other app stores and app developers from Android smart phones and devices. Over $520 million will go to Ohioans and other U.S. residents who did business with Google Play Store between Aug. 16, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2023 while living in the states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands. Another $70 million goes to the 53 state and territorial jurisdictions.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

Three vendors will provide student vision services across 15 counties under the new OhioSEE initiative funded in the biennial budget, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) said Monday. DeWine proposed in his executive budget and lawmakers enacted in HB96 (Stewart) the OhioSEE program, which is meant to provide follow-up services to students whose need for vision care is identified during screenings. DeWine convened a task force on children's vision care needs in 2024, results of which led to the OhioSEE proposal. The Ohio Department of Health, which oversees the program, said Monday that the Ohio Optometric Foundation, Vision to Learn and Health Partners of Western Ohio were selected as vendors to carry out the program.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Annette Chambers-Smith recently announced that the state is awarding more than $24 million in grants for construction and renovation at three local jails. Funding will be awarded through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program launched by the administration in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly in 2021. The program, which helps local communities fund improvements at functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails, has dedicated more than $230 million in state funding for nearly 70 jail projects, including 25 new or renovated jails and over three dozen jail security and life safety projects.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost was joined by federal officers and Akron police in announcing the arrest of a 16-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old on charges related to a November fatal shooting of a fourth teen in a Cleveland/Akron suburb.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) opened the application process Monday for Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund grants as part of budget bill HB96's (Stewart) Drug Interdiction, Disruption, and Reduction Plan. Grants will cover drug task force expenses to investigate drug trafficking organizations and disrupt the drug supply through intelligence gathering, information sharing and multi-agency coordination. Found HERE, applications covering up to 12 months of funding from Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to Wednesday, June 30, 2027 are due Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/URBAN REVITALIZATION

Nearly two-thirds of the companies that have received incentives from the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) since 2021 have not met the job creation and/or payroll commitments included in those award agreements, according to a report released Thursday by Auditor of State (AOS) Keith Faber's office. For the period between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, the AOS report listed 39 of the 60 entities that committed to creating jobs as noncompliant.

Gov. Mike DeWine highlighted a successful year for economic development efforts at the JobsOhio Board of Directors meeting Thursday, expounding on his frequent comment that this is "Ohio's time" to add it is "the moment for which I think we'll be remembered." "Our communities are rising, innovation is accelerating and year-after-year we're celebrating the biggest wins in our history as a state," DeWine continued. "Ohio is the place to lead, to live and to grow."

EDUCATION

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) recently announced plans to have four other federal agencies take over substantial parts of its work, as part of the Trump administration's attempt to eliminate the department. USDOE signed six interagency agreements spanning four sister agencies - the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of State (DOS).

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and the Dropout Prevention and Recovery (DOPR) Advisory Council conducted a survey of all charter schools on topics including cell phone policies, DOPR, STAR testing, EDSTEPS and school improvement.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) this fall released ratings of charter school sponsoring organizations showing that all but one of 19 active sponsors took advantage of the temporary opt-in window for the prior academic year. Per 135-SB168 (Reynolds), an education law omnibus measure, DEW was prohibited from issuing ratings for any sponsors for the 2024-2025 school year, unless they volunteered to undergo the rating process. Zanesville City Schools was the sole sponsor that opted in, receiving the top rating of exemplary.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) recently opened the application process for the Governor's Science of Reading Champions Awards, which recognize schools showing strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to the science of reading, as well as evidence of significant student progress. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. Application materials and more information about the awards are HERE.

Ohio schools will have more time to sign up for the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge, the second round of which kicks off in February. Led by Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, the challenge is meant for students in grades 3-8 and focuses on activities related to cardio, strength, flexibility, nutrition and sleep. Sign ups are now open until Friday, Dec. 12. More information about the challenge and how to sign up is HERE.

The study group considering improvements to student transportation Thursday heard from a panel of district, charter and private school officials about their daily experiences with driver shortages, bus routing, calendar and bell schedule alignment, communication and payment in lieu of transportation, among other topics. Lawmakers created the Student Transportation Workgroup in the biennial budget, HB96 (Stewart), to study potential improvements to student transportation - a request of many witnesses during budget deliberations in the spring.

ELECTIONS

Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Monday that his office has formalized a long-term agreement with the federal government to give Ohio enhanced, long-term access to federal records for use in verifying voter registrations and voting eligibility for a period of at least two decades.

The Controlling Board Monday approved a contract for the secretary of state's office to run public service announcements (PSAs) ahead of next year's primary and general elections, as well as more funds for the Ohio Elections Commission as it seeks to wrap up its business before it is sunset and its functions are absorbed into the secretary of state's office.

A referral over campaign finance reports for former Rep. Sedrick Denson was continued until the Ohio Elections Commission's Thursday, Dec. 18 meeting after the panel granted a request from the Cincinnati Democrat. The commission had already fined Denson's campaign $200 over its finance reports, and the campaign was again on Thursday's agenda after a referral from the secretary of state's office over another alleged violation. The commission was set to consider as much as a $500 fine for the campaign, but Executive Director Phil Richter noted that Denson asked for an extension due to trouble getting certain financial records needed to settle the matter.

ELECTIONS 2026

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) Tuesday said it has launched a statewide effort to recruit more than 500 Democrats to run for local office next year. Races the party is recruiting candidates for include county commissioner, county auditor, and school board seats. ODP's recruitment campaign is in partnership with Contest Every Race, a national organization investing in rural organizing and down-ballot races, and aims to ensure no Republican runs unopposed, especially in the local offices that most directly impact their communities. The deadline to file as a candidate for the 2026 elections is Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Democratic secretary of state candidate Bryan Hambley recently announced his proposal to reduce the filing fees for new businesses in Ohio. Hambley said he is advocating for a cut in the $99 fee associated with the "Articles of Incorporation" form to file as a new business. The fee was previously reduced in 2016 from $125 to the current $99. Hambley said he would reduce the fee to $75, saving businesses around $4.2 million annually.

According to AdImpact, which tracks spending on advertising for state and federal campaigns, American Advancement Inc. has placed $175,000 on broadcast advertising from Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Tuesday, 9, in the Columbus market. AdImpact said the new buy brings the Maryland-based group's total spending in the 2026 U.S. Senate race to $510,000. The ads call for Ohio's U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R) to support the extension of health care tax credits "and allow us to keep delivering on the MAGA agenda."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Amy Acton picked up endorsements from three of the largest public service unions Thursday as she pledged that "workers are going to be respected" by her campaign. Acton appeared at an event in Westerville along with representatives of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA), Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Ohio Council 8, and the AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184, which gave their endorsement to the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

• Ohio Value Voters endorsed Kristina Roegner for Ohio Treasurer.

• United Auto Workers endorsed Amy Acton for governor.

  
  

ENERGY/UTILITIES

Pittsburgh-based Dollar Energy Fund and its limited-income customers will be the biggest beneficiaries of a $700,000 "donation" from two competitive retail electric services (CRES) certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and found by its staff to have violated state marketing laws. Major Energy Services of Houston also will pay more than $250,000 and Eligo Energy of Chicago $15,000 in restitution to current and former customers. In exchange for the Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel's (OCC) backing, Major Energy will pay the Pennsylvania nonprofit $400,000 and Eligo Energy $300,000 to help underserved Ohioans with their utility bills. Both marketers also are PUCO-certified competitive retail natural gas services (CRES) and have supplied electricity and gas statewide.

GOVERNOR

While Ohio State University's (OSU) victory on the gridiron this past weekend over archrival University of Michigan brought them one step closer to a college football "chip," or national championship, Gov. Mike DeWine will collect a different kind of chip from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. In what has become a gubernatorial tradition before "The Game," snacks were at stake as DeWine wagered a collection of Ohio favorites -- including Conn's Potato Chips from Zanesville, Grippo's from Cincinnati, Jones' Potato Chips from Mansfield and Mikesell's, founded in Dayton in 1910 -- on an OSU victory. To sweeten the pot, DeWine also included Marsha's Homemade Buckeyes from Perrysburg. Lt. Gov. Tressel's storied gameday attire of an OSU sweater vest inspired his bet on the game with Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, in which the loser would have to don a sweater vest of the winning team and post a picture to social media.

Gov. Mike DeWine late Wednesday vetoed SB50 (Schaffer) regarding work hours for teens under age 16, writing that "child work laws have been in place, across this country, for many years. They have provided that 14- and 15-year-olds can work after school up to 7 p.m. This bill would extend that time to 9 p.m. I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night. I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law." Because the bill passed both chambers with veto-proof margins, Senate spokesman John Fortney was asked if the upper chamber were considering an override. He told Hannah News late Thursday that they were still reviewing the governor's message.

The governor signed the following bills:

• HB23 CREATE ESCAPED CONVICT ALERT PROGRAM, ALLOW PARENT COMPANY APPLICATION (ROEMER B, WILLIAMS J) To create the escaped convict alert program and to allow a prior parent company of a bank to apply to the Secretary of State for the appointment and commission of banking police officers.

• HB27 BRIDGE DESIGNATION-SPECIALIST JACOB ASHTON, JDRF PLATE CHANGES (CALLENDER J, TROY D) To designate the bridge spanning the Grand River in Lake County as the "Specialist Jacob A. Ashton Memorial Bridge" and to make changes to the "Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation" license plate.

• HB38 ROAD DESIGNATION-DR. STEVEN TAKACS (FOWLER S) To designate a portion of State Route 87 in Geauga County as the "Dr. Steven Takacs Veteran Memorial Highway."

• HB56 ROAD DESIGNATION-CPL DAVID JAMES AMHEISER (RAY S) To designate a portion of State Route 421 in Medina County as the "CPL David James Amheiser Memorial Highway."

• SB155 AMEND LAW-REAL ESTATE WHOLESALERS (BRENNER A, INGRAM C) To amend the law related to real estate wholesalers.

HANNAH NEWS’ MEET THE FRESHMEN

Rep. Ashley Bryant Bailey (D-Cincinnati) has been in and around the political space for a number of years, and said she had been content with being behind the scenes. As a political consultant, she went from being a digital strategist to messaging and a full, broad political strategy consultant. But she said her view of staying behind the scenes changed after the 2024 election.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

After a tumultuous month that saw families waiting weeks for benefits and the state having to switch direction repeatedly amid court orders and federal guidance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was expected to be back to running as designed as December began. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) confirmed that it managed to distribute full benefits to households as planned last week, with the potential caveat of an "exceptionally small number" of families requiring "special attention" for unique circumstances, agency spokesperson Bill Teets said in an email.

Speaking to reporters after a press conference on pediatric cancer research grants, Gov. Mike DeWine said an expected spike in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance premiums is outside his control as governor but his administration will work to address what comes out of Washington, D.C. "We're going to deal with it, whatever we end up with Congress. We're going to try to do the best that we can to make sure Ohioans have health care. I think you've seen that consistently in what we've done with Medicaid, what we did during this last budget crisis. ... My attitudes have not changed. We're going to try to help Ohioans the best that we can. But I don't vote on this... we're going to wait and see what the U.S. Congress does and does not do," he continued.

Gov. Mike DeWine was joined by Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara Wente in announcing Thursday that five health care and nonprofit research organizations will receive a total of $5 million for pediatric cancer research efforts, provided through the state's biennial budget. The announcement was made at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, as it received one of the grants. The other recipients are Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Dayton Children's Hospital and the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, which has members around the state.

HIGHER EDUCATION

A donation totaling $4 million from two University of Cincinnati (UC) alumni has established the Mohammad H. Qayoumi Endowed Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Najia Karim Endowed Chair in Nutrition Sciences and Dietetics at UC's Colleges of Engineering and Allied Health Sciences. The Mohammad H. Qayoumi Electronics Teaching Lab Endowed Fund was also established and dedicated to the College of Engineering.

The University of Dayton (UD) and International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation recently announced an agreement to collectively research and develop semiconductor technologies and materials to "advance critical technologies for the age of artificial intelligence (AI)." As part of the agreement, UD said IBM will contribute over $10 million in semiconductor equipment for a nanofabrication facility based on the university's campus. The facility is set to be completed by early 2027.

Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) recently announced the launch of a new endowed School of Engineering, funded by more than $17 million in alumni philanthropy and supported by industry partners across the state. Calling it the most ambitious expansion in the university's history, OWU President Matt vandenBerg said the new Conrades School of Engineering will position the university as a national model for engineering education.

Cleveland State University (CSU) recently announced plans to renovate Fenn Tower and Fenn Hall, two historic buildings on campus. The projects are part of the university's multi-year strategic plan to "advance academic offerings, foster student success and expand talent development," CSU said.

Ohio State University (OSU) will add 100 new tenure-track faculty members with artificial intelligence (AI) expertise over the next five years, the university recently said. The announcement was shared during OSU President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr.'s 2025 State of the University address, OSU said in a statement, and further implements the university's Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, a commitment to "accelerating innovation and achieving a new level of academic excellence."

JUDICIAL

The Ohio Supreme Court this week accepted a challenge to 10th District judges' decision that they could not accept an appeal of attorney fee awards against the state in a case involving alleged overpayment and embezzlement at a school. The case, State ex rel. Ohio Attorney General v. Leah Mohiuddin et al, arises from a 2021 complaint against Sunrise Academy, a school in Hilliard, alleging that the school billed English language learner (ELL) services against its state auxiliary services funding despite not actually offering those services.

LIBRARIES

Archivists have scanned and digitized the two millionth item into Columbus Metropolitan Library's (CML) "My History" digital collection, a growing digital archive chronicling the history of Central Ohio, CML announced Tuesday. The item, a historical photograph capturing the early 20th century High Street arches looking south from Spring Street, was turned in by a library customer during CML's History and Genealogy Day in November, CML said.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Gov. Mike DeWine joined the Dayton Police Department (DPD) Monday in announcing additional state resources to support violence reduction operations in Dayton. Dayton is the latest to join several cities in Ohio implementing similar crime reduction initiatives. In 2025, crime reduction initiatives across the state led to nearly 500 felony arrests and the seizure of more than 150 illegally possessed firearms, DeWine's office said.

MEDICAID/MEDICAID REFORM

Auditor of State Keith Faber's office released a report Wednesday identifying $1.75 million in improper payments from Medicaid to a Lucas County provider, a total that's grown to more than $1.8 million owed the state once interest in calculated. The audit report focuses on activity at Empowered for Excellence Behavioral Health (EEBH) of Ohio from 2021 through 2023.

NATURAL RESOURCES

The opening of a newly renovated nature center at Caesar Creek State Park the week of Thanksgiving continued a series of openings by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in recent days.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) awarded nearly $5 million in grants recently to local communities across the state for separate programs promoting outdoor recreation opportunities and restoring community tree canopies and water quality in Ohio's urban areas.

New holiday memories await those looking to celebrate the upcoming holidays among the fireside retreats of Ohio's state parks following the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' (ODNR) release of its holiday event and dining options at several parks throughout the state. "Our lodges take on a special glow during the holidays," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. "They offer a welcoming place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the season whether you're sharing a meal, joining a festive event, or simply relaxing by the fire. We're excited to welcome visitors to celebrate with us."

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife reported that Ohio hunters checked 23,149 white-tailed deer on Monday, Dec. 1 during the opening day of the weeklong gun hunting season. In 2024, hunters took 26,670 deer on opening day of the gun season, which traditionally falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving. From 2022 to 2024, hunters checked an average of 21,075 deer during the gun season opener.

OHIO HISTORY

A temporary exhibit featuring historic boats will open to visitors Dec. 5 through Feb. 15, 2026, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) announced Wednesday. "Wooden boats are timeless works of art," said Chris Gillcrist, director emeritus and curator of the temporary showcase, "Frozen in Time: A Wooden and Antique Boat Showcase."

OHIO STATE FAIR

The Ohio Expositions Commission (OEC) is considering increasing the cost of admission tickets to the Ohio State Fair in 2026 to offset a predicted significant increase in utility costs at the fairgrounds. At Thursday's commission meeting, Commission Finance Director Stephen Roberts said the Ohio State Fair & Expo Center's proposed 2026 budget includes a $1.1 million increase in energy costs and a $160,000 increase for water and sewer.

Alicia Shoults, deputy director of operations and experience with the Ohio State Fair, was recently elected second vice chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Shoults was elected at the 2025 IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Denver during the first week of December.

PEOPLE

A career demonstrating outstanding leadership, innovation, cooperation and accomplishment has earned Natalie Foos of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) a top honor from the Water Management Association of Ohio (WMAO). Foos, land and water resources manager in the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, was given the Wayne S. Nichols Award from WMAO for leadership at ODNR guiding programs that protect, restore and enhance Ohio's waterways and habitats.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Northeast Ohio led the state in travel incidents over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported Monday. Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Summit counties registered 1,683 total traffic incidents tracked by OSHP. Lorain County led the entire state with 385 incidents.

Gov. Mike DeWine urges Ohioans to plan their December holiday travels for a safe and sober journey to and from family and friends. He reminds motorists that December historically is among the deadliest months on Ohio roads due to increased impaired driving. DeWine says the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is tightening enforcement this month and showing "zero tolerance" for drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.

STATE GOVERNMENT

According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, congressional passage of budget reconciliation measure HR1, also known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," set in a motion a new federal-state fiscal dynamic -- and states are moving fast to adapt. In its latest analysis, Pew said the new law reshapes three policy areas key to state budgets: tax revenue, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food stipends for tens of millions of low-income individuals and children.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

A highway safety advocacy group Wednesday released its latest report while calling on state and federal leaders to implement a number of strategies to address deaths and injuries on U.S. roadways. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released its "2026 Roadmap to Safety" report, calling it a comprehensive tool that can be used as a guide for state legislatures, Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation. It noted that in 2023, the most recent year with finalized statistics, 40,901 people were killed in crashes on U.S. roads, and an additional 2.44 million were injured.

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2025 Hannah News Service, Inc.]