Week in Review May 27, 2025
- Thomas M. Zaino
- 4 minutes ago
- 15 min read
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.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Spiking animus toward public officials since President Donald Trump's first year in office includes 40 percent of state lawmakers who reported threats against them or their families last year, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost says. He is leading a bipartisan group of 41 state attorneys general who support New Jersey's "Daniel's Law," named after the son of a surviving federal judge murdered by a disgruntled home intruder. Yost filed a friend-of-court brief this week on behalf of plaintiffs in Atlas Data Privacy Corp, et al v. We Inform, LLC, et al, in which the state of New Jersey has intervened. He says government officials like U.S. District Judge Esther Salas should not have to fear for their or their loved ones' safety simply and expressly due to their public service.
BALLOT ISSUES
A coalition of groups led by Fair Districts and We Are Ohio Monday sent a letter to lawmakers and Gov. Mike DeWine opposing legislation that would change the petition gathering process for ballot initiatives and referendums, saying the proposed bills "put targets on the backs of civically engaged Ohioans." The letter opposing SB153 (Gavarone-Brenner) and HB233 (LaRe-Swearingen) was signed by 134 organizations and include voting rights groups, religious groups and unions.
FY26-27 PROPOSED BUDGET
As the Senate begins debating changes it will make to biennial budget HB96 (Stewart), Senate Democrats said Tuesday that they have submitted more than 400 proposed amendments reflecting their priorities and to reverse what they argue are the most harmful provisions of the House-passed version. The proposed amendments address issues including housing and property tax, implementing the school funding formula, adding a child care tax credit, removing the proposed bonding for the Cleveland Browns Brook Park stadium, and changing language eliminating the Medicaid expansion if the federal government reduces its reimbursements so that it gives the state more flexibility in its decisions in that scenario.
Consumers' Counsel Maureen Willis says she's met with Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) to discuss an increase in the agency's non-General Revenue Fund (GRF) budget to the $8.3 million OCC is proposing for each year of FY26-27 -- still less than the $8.5 million slashed by freshman Gov. John Kasich before major state and national inflation took hold. Willis told the OCC Governing Board Tuesday she continues to advocate for her full requested increase of $1.97 million in light of 2025 costs up 39 percent since Kasich's first budget cycle. Ohio's outgoing governor has offered the agency $599,000 more in FY26 and another $259,000 in FY27. She reminded the board that OCC draws no state or federal tax dollars and instead relies on a three cents per $100 charge on Ohio electric bills.
Potential witnesses who want to press their point in person before the Senate Finance Committee as the upper chamber considers the budget will need to submit their testimony soon. The committee set a testimony submission deadline of 5 p.m. Friday, May 23 for anyone wishing to speak at the hearings scheduled for Tuesday through Friday of next week. Anything submitted past that point will be considered only as written testimony, according to the meeting notice.
CHILDREN/FAMILIES
The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) has received the 2025 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America (MHA) to mark National Mental Health Awareness Month. Described as the nation's top nonprofit promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention, MHA's Bell Seal honors employers meeting rigorous standards based on employee feedback and industry best practices. Under half of employers meet MHA standards. DYS joins organizations across various sectors -- health care, nonprofit, government and financial services -- that prioritize employees' mental health.
Calling for an investment in the workforce behind the workforce, leaders in Ohio child care highlighted on Monday the challenges for workers in the child care industry and how current negotiations over budget bill HB96 (Stewart) could better serve the state's children and families. Moderating a panel discussion on Zoom, John Stanford, director of the Children's Defense Fund-Ohio, cited Policy Matters Ohio research putting the cost of child care in Ohio at approximately $800 per month per child. Stafford also said the income threshold at which Ohioans are initially eligible for publicly funded child care (PFCC) -- 145 percent -- ranks third lowest among states.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office released its 2024 “Missing Children’s Clearinghouse Report,” which can be found HERE.
DISASTERS
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) recently released a toolkit aimed at helping local communities to better assess damages after disasters. According to Ohio EMA, the "Post-Disaster Incident: Damage Assessment" tabletop exercise toolkit is designed to assist Ohio jurisdictions with developing damage assessment plans and improve capabilities in effectively conducting damage assessments following a disaster.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/URBAN REVITALIZATION
JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef detailed the economic development organization's plan through 2030 at its board meeting Thursday, saying it reflects an effort "to accelerate this collective success" experienced by the state. He added it follows six months of engaging with stakeholders across Ohio and the focus is making "Ohio a top state in the nation for high quality jobs, economic resilience and broad-based prosperity."
ECONOMY
Effects of tariffs on Ohio trade with Canada were the topic of Wednesday's Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, with the panel including House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington); Colin Bird, consul general of Canada in Detroit; and Bala Sathyanarayanan, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Greif. It was moderated by Dan Eaton, reporter at Columbus Business First. In opening the forum, Columbus Council on World Affairs President and CEO Patrick Terrien noted Canada has over 350 Wendy's restaurants and discussed how Canada supplies Ohio farmers with fertilizer.
EDUCATION
Auditor Keith Faber's office said Friday he's officially extended his Financial Health Indicators (FHI) tool for local governments to Ohio school districts. The FHI looks at 16 areas of public financial, including general fund balances, revenues, deficits and debt service, among others, and categorizes each as "positive," "cautionary" or "critical." The auditor's office has offered similar tools to assess the health of local governments since 2016.
The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) approved amendments to three facilities plans Thursday with no new plans considered. Commissioners approved an amendment to the Accelerated Urban School District Agreement for Akron Central School District. The amendment calls for a budget increase of $4,408,497 for the agreement due to market conditions and a claim resolution. OFCC Chief of Planning Melanie Drerup said the amendment will not require any new state spending. Commissioners also approved a budget decrease for the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program Master Facilities Plan for Washington Local School District in Lucas County. The Master Facility Plan and Project Agreement for Oberlin City School District in Lorain County was also amended Thursday by OFCC after previous approval by the school district board.
ELECTIONS 2026
EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT
Ohio's unemployment rate rose in April to 4.9 percent from 4.8 percent the month prior, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Employment increased 22,000 over the month, from a revised figure of 5.69 million in March to 5.71 million in April.
ENERGY/UTILITIES
Duke Energy Ohio is withdrawing its proposed electric vehicle (EV) and battery storage programs under a new electric security plan (ESP) approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) that will save customers well over half of what Duke originally proposed for increased transmission and distribution costs. As part of Wednesday's decision, commissioners are proceeding with a $216 million cut to Duke's originally proposed hike of $400 million over three years for capital investments. The total burden, including existing rates, is much higher. Average homeowner bills will rise $8.41 per month within three years, including a nearly 25 percent increase in energy costs to 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).
FEDERAL
The U.S. House early Thursday passed the spending bill dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Act," sending it on to the U.S. Senate. The bill, which reflects a number of President Donald Trump's priorities, prompted reaction from Ohio members of Congress, as well as state and national groups.
GAMING/GAMBLING
Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday he wants to wait to see what the forthcoming Senate budget draft says on the topic before he weighs in on a potential expansion of gambling and the uses of any resulting revenue. Both House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) have indicated an openness to expand online gambling options. The first committee hearing for Senate legislation on the topic took place last week, and the House is scheduled to follow suit this week when Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) unveils his version. "There's always a use for extra revenue. I think we have to weigh what the consequences of expanding gambling are. But I'm not going to really get into this until we see a budget come out of the Senate," DeWine said.
Online casino gambling would be legal under legislation proposed by Reps. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) and Marilyn John (R-Shelby). Stewart and John officially introduced HB298 on Tuesday, offering informal sponsor testimony on the legislation before the House Finance Committee. Unlike Sen. Nathan Manning's (R-North Ridgeville) SB197, the House Republicans' bill focuses specifically on legalizing online casino games, and doesn't address iLottery, horse racing, sports betting or bingo.
Regulated Internet gambling encourages more visits to brick-and-mortar casinos and racinos, gambling operators told the Senate Select Committee on Gaming on Thursday. "You're going to hear a lot from people about how this will affect brick-and-mortar companies. Well, we operate the most brick-and-mortar casinos in the country," Trevor Hayes of Caesars Entertainment said during proponent testimony on SB197 (Manning).
GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE
Admirers of the late House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson recalled not only her own trailblazing political achievements but also her dedication to helping other women climb higher in leadership during a signing ceremony Monday for legislation to designate a day in her honor. Under SB14 (Reynolds), Sept. 28, Davidson's birthday, will be known as "Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day." Gov. Mike DeWine signed the bill Monday in front of a crowd of graduates from the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, which Davidson founded to help train women for roles in government and politics.
Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) testified Tuesday on legislation that would continue a program that was a priority of his as Speaker of the House to address road and bridge projects in rural areas. Stephens gave sponsor testimony to the House Transportation Committee Tuesday on HB151, which he said would continue the Connect4Ohio Program, which had been created and funded with $500 million in the previous biennial budget - 135-HB33 (Edwards).
Wednesday’s House session included passage of HB5 (Willis-Williams), to increase penalties for repeat firearm offenses; HB144 (J. Miller-K. Miller), regarding law enforcement training and hiring; HB114 (Bird-Ritter), regarding age requirements for kindergarten; HB104 (Lawson Rowe-Deeter), designating Feb. 14 as "Cardiovascular Health Awareness Day;" HB171 (Schmidt) to designate a portion of State Route 28 in Clermont County as the "Cpt. Louis John Speidel Memorial Highway;" SB21 (Brenner-Reineke) to designate Oct. 4 as "Rutherford B. Hayes Day;" and HCR8 (J. Miller-A. Holmes) to support and encourage the work of the Ohio Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
House Democrats held a press conference Wednesday to highlight legislation meant to address the type of corruption highlighted in the recent HBO documentary, “The Dark Money Game,” such as HB250 (Sweeney-Isaacsohn), which focuses on dark money, and forthcoming legislation to ban harassment of petition circulators, among other proposals.
Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) announced Wednesday he is continuing his effort to have all lead water service lines replaced in Ohio, now with Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) as a Republican co-sponsor.
Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) told reporters Wednesday he believed the public would "benefit greatly" if Medicaid work requirements are put in place. That would help provide more workers, supporting businesses and alleviating current challenges in public access to goods and services as a result, he said. "Thirdly, I would argue that in general, people are better off if they're going to work every day than when they're not," Huffman continued. He acknowledged exceptions include people with disabilities, those who cannot work or choose not to work while not receiving Medicaid benefits.
House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) told reporters Wednesday her caucus has "huge concerns" about HB1 (King-Klopfenstein) "because of its very broad, far-reaching impact on people who are here legally." She noted that includes active-duty military members and veterans who were originally from a county considered an adversary, and said the bill needs a "significant amount of work." "I can appreciate some of the national security concerns, but I think as the bill is written, it is hugely problematic," Russo continued.
In other legislative action, House Transportation Committee reported out HB234 (Swearingen), a road naming bill; House Development Committee reported out HB86 (Demetriou), regarding tax foreclosures and land banks; House Health Committee reported out SB27 (Johnson), to designate March 20 as “Ameloblastoma Awareness Day;” and HB32 (Jarrells-Cockley), to designate July as Celebrating Disabilities Month; and House Veterans and Military Development Committee reported out HB204 (E. White-M. Miller), to designate March 9 as “6888th Postal Directory Battalion Day.”
GREAT LAKES
Michigan-based Walsh Service Solutions recently received $9.3 million in contracts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to dredge the federal navigation channels in Conneaut and Fairport Harbor this summer to help the continued flow of commodities across the Great Lakes and the economic viability of U.S. waterways. A total of approximately 150,000 cubic yards of material is contracted to be dredged from Fairport Harbor, focusing on the mouth of the harbor and into the river to the upper limit of the navigation channel. Work under a $5.3 million contract is scheduled to occur from Tuesday, July 1 through mid-August 2025.
HANNAH NEWS’ MEET THE FRESHMEN
When she was first approached to run in the Republican primary election against former Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton), Rep. Diane Mullins (R-Hamilton) said it wasn't a decision she made lightly. "Basically, it was the true conservatives -- some here in Columbus, and some in Butler County -- asked me to run because of what had happened in the House," Mullins told Hannah News during an interview in her Riffe Center office. Carruthers was one of the "Blue 22" Republicans who joined Democrats to support Rep. Jason Stephens' (R-Kitts Hill) bid to become speaker over former Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), who had the support of the majority of the House Republican Caucus.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
While the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities, the House Commerce and Labor Committee heard arguments on HB225 (Jarrells-Young) on Wednesday considering the fairness in pay for the worker as opposed to perceived productivity differences in a work setting. HB225 would phase out the subminimum wage that may be paid to individuals with physical or mental disabilities and authorizes a tax credit for purchases made from nonprofit organizations that hire such individuals.
HIGHER EDUCATION
As current Wittenberg University President Michael Frandsen prepares to retire as Wittenberg's 16th president in June, the university recently announced Christian Brady as Frandsen's replacement as president. Brady had been dean of the Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky. Prior to that, Brady led the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State University and served as interim dean of the University of Kentucky's College of Arts and Sciences.
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) School of Engineering recently signed an AI based agreement with Kata Solution LLC and IoTco, that leverages the university's educational resources and research expertise in the growing field of AI to work toward a shared goal of strengthening Ohio's economy, according to a statement released by BGSU. The two Ohio-based companies are partnering with the university "to seek pilot program opportunities and a comprehensive strategic understanding that builds upon educational innovation from BGSU, provides students with real-world opportunities and aids the state's economy by working directly with industry partners," the statement read.
Supporters of HB157 (Brennan-Hoops), legislation to enact the "Hunger-Free Campus Act," Tuesday were greeted with skepticism and a lot of questions from members of the House Workforce and Higher Education Committee about just why the bill is needed, how it fits with other needs the committee has heard about recently and just how widespread the issue of food insecurity is on Ohio's campuses.
Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College in Springfield, announced her plans to retire in June 2026. Blondin has served since 2013 as the college's fifth president, capping a 33-year career in high education.
The University of Toledo Board of Trustees announced Thursday that it has selected Dr. James Holloway as the university's 19th president following an extensive national search. Holloway, currently serving as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico, will assume the role on Tuesday, July 15, succeeding Interim President Matt Schroeder.
JUDICIAL
Judges and attorneys are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to research and write opinions and briefs but must not cede legal knowledge and professional judgment to machine learning, no matter how advanced, the Ohio Supreme Court says in new resources for jurists. The Court has launched a compendium or virtual "library" of AI tools and guidance to help members of the Ohio bar to maximize their time and productivity while upholding ethical standards governing the profession.
NATURAL RESOURCES
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is looking for the next generation of young people to protect and preserve the state's natural resources as part of the Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC). Applications are now open through Thursday, June 5, 2025 for high school students to apply for ConTAC and get an indepth look into how ODNR operates, the careers that are available and to develop service projects related to conservation. To learn more about the program and for application instructions, go to ODNR's ConTAC webpage HERE.
PARKS/RECREATION
As boaters prepare to hit the water this summer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft reminds those taking to the water of tips for safely enjoying their trip during its observance of National Safe Boating Week from Saturday, May 17 through Friday, May 23, 2025.
PENSIONS
Records provided by the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) indicate the head of an Iowa public pension fund and the former head of North Carolina public pension funds are in the running for the role of STRS executive director. Hannah News submitted a public records request for resumes of finalists for the position and received resumes for Gregory Samorajski and Steven C. Toole. A third, internal candidate - Christina Elliot, chief benefits officer for STRS - notified the board she was withdrawing from consideration. The STRS Board of Trustees had voted in April to grant interviews to Elliot, Samorajski and Toole.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Ohio's Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board marked Saturday's Missing Person's Day with a new proposal for nationally compliant law enforcement accreditation. The board met last week to review emerging language for a missing-person standard covering all age groups and mental competencies but focusing on the young. Criminal Intelligence Director Dana Forney of the Ohio attorney general's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provided an overview of current missing person's policy and compliance.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is participating in Memorial Day week's 6-State Trooper Project to focus on safety belt enforcement across the state. The eight-day initiative runs Monday, May 19 to Monday, May 26 and includes Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police and West Virginia State Police.
Gov. Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Monday called on Ohioans to drive with patience and remain attentive during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. According to an American Automobile Association (AAA) estimate, 45.1 million people will likely travel more than 50 miles from home during the holiday. That would be a record and is 1.4 million more than in 2024.
SECRETARY OF STATE
In a short meeting, the Controlling Board Monday approved its agenda without any holds from lawmakers on the panel. The only item not approved on the previously released agenda was a request from the Ohio Department of Medicaid to contract with TruEd Consulting of Broomfield, CO, to provide budgeting system software and customization services. The item was deferred at the agency's request.
TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost recently joined 39 other attorneys general in writing to Congress urging them not to move forward with a potential moratorium preventing states from enacting regulations over artificial intelligence (AI) for 10 years. The measure is being considered as part of budget reconciliation. Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) recently voiced their concerns over the item in response to Hannah News, and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) also opposes it.
The House Technology and Innovation Committee heard a presentation Tuesday on generative artificial intelligence (AI), with National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Program Director for Innovation and Emerging Issues Amy Glasscock saying her three main takeaways were states need to improve data quality, implement AI governance and train their workforce on AI.
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
The Ohio Turnpike is working to halt a new fraud scheme affecting the toll road and its customers, officials said during Monday's Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) meeting. "Specifically, there were fraudulent E-ZPass accounts being opened on our website with transponders purchased at our retail locations," Ohio Turnpike Chief Financial Officer Lisa Mejac said. "Since the fraud was detected in March, the accounting and customer service center teams both have actively been monitoring all accounts being opened, and taking necessary action to shut down any suspected fraudulent accounts as soon as possible."
VETERANS
Ahead of Memorial Day, Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel participated in an annual wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memory of fallen servicemembers. With rain in the forecast for Wednesday, the event moved from the Veterans Plaza east of the Statehouse to the Atrium, which was packed with people. The Olentangy Liberty Middle School choir performed "In Flanders Field" and "God Bless the USA" for the crowd; the school was chosen in part because of its status as a Purple Star school, a designation for schools that demonstrate a commitment to military families.
WORKFORCE
Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel recently announced the March round of TechCred had set two program records, with 651 employers awarded funding that will enable Ohioans to earn 8,830 tech-focused credentials. Leading industries in the March round included manufacturing, educational services and construction. The program enables businesses of all sizes and industries to receive up to $30,000 per round to upskill their workers, with a yearly limit of $180,000.
[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2025 Hannah News Service, Inc.]