Week in Review September 8, 2026

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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.

BANKS/FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Trade groups for banks and credit unions are at odds over plans for an Indiana credit union to purchase a bank just across the Ohio line in the village of Hicksville, and Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) is proposing to ban such transactions with new legislation. Hicksville Bank in Defiance County recently signed an agreement to be acquired by Interra Credit Union.

CITIES

The mayors of Ohio's largest cities have a strategy for targeted reinvestment in their metros that they say could power growth throughout the state, in places both urban and rural, without the need for any new taxes. The bipartisan Ohio Mayors Alliance (OMA), representing the leaders of the state's 30 largest cities, released a four-part strategy on Thursday in Columbus that says reversing Ohio's stagnant population trend and rebuilding the state's economy should start with state investment in Ohio's core cities and focused state-local partnerships. The OMA Core Cities Strategy, which can be seen HERE, calls for the next General Assembly to embrace Ohio's multiple metro regions as a competitive advantage that collectively represent the majority of Ohio's population growth as well as tax revenue, and to invest in the state's core cities that are already built for growth that can be evenly distributed across Ohio. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said the entire state's growth matters not just for individual cities, but for the state's rural areas as well, as Ohio has lost at least one congressional representative following each U.S. Census since 1960.

DISASTERS

August storms with damaging winds, tornadoes and sustained rains that caused flooding warrant a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday in a letter to President Donald Trump. The request covers 23 counties: Adams, Athens, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Darke, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Licking, Logan, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Preble, Richland, Shelby, and Washington. According to the governor's office, preliminary damage assessments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) found at least 50 destroyed homes and businesses, 806 with major damage and 475 with minor damage.

EDUCATION

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) this week launched two new interactive resources containing data meant to provide a picture of students' education and workforce outcomes after high school. DEW Director Stephen Dackin announced the Ohio High School Outcomes and Ohio Career and Technical Education Outcomes dashboards, which DEW said would allow for the first time educators, school leaders, families, policymakers, and communities to explore connected education and workforce data showing graduates' college enrollment and completion, educational attainment, employment and earnings for up to six years after high school. The dashboards were developed through a partnership among DEW, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, InnovateOhio, and the Ohio Education Research Center at Ohio State University. The resources connect education information with National Student Clearinghouse college data and state unemployment insurance wage data to help communities better understand how students transition from high school into higher education and the workforce.

The DeWine administration announced Wednesday the launch of 12 regional education partnerships, meant to bring together educators, employers and others to address challenges for students moving through school into the workforce. The initiative was established in 135-SB208 (Roegner), which incorporated the original proposal from 135-HB312 (White-Young). The law calls for establishing at least one partnership within each of the regions utilized by JobsOhio. Following an application process, the administration designated between one and three organizations to lead partnerships in each region.

DEW officials recently held a webinar highlighting the implementation measures required under SB19 (Brenner), a comprehensive academic intervention bill signed by Gov. Mike DeWine this past June and effective Wednesday, Sept. 23. The presentation detailed the law's key policy changes regarding new intervention service requirements and K-3 reading and math diagnostic updates. Officials additionally referenced several resources designed to help schools and districts implement the changes. SB19 requires that by Wednesday, Sept. 30, schools and districts adopt a policy to assess reading and math skills of K-3 students using an assessment approved by the state, DEW Associate Administrator of Literacy Policy LM Clinton explained.

Elementary schools across the state have switched to higher quality literacy programs for reading instruction, according to a new report released by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute reviewing the state's implementation of the third grade reading guarantee and the science of reading initiative. Originally passed by the Ohio General Assembly in 2012, the third grade reading guarantee aims to support struggling readers in grades K-3. The science of reading initiative, established in the FY24-25 operating budget and championed by Gov. Mike DeWine in his final "State of the State" address, reflects a broader effort to align curricula and instruction with best practices in literacy education. In addition to elementary schools shifting to prime literacy programs, Fordham's literacy report found that educators have received supports to assist with science of reading implementation, that teacher preparation programs are more accountable for effectively training candidates and that third grade "social promotion" has "reemerged in the wake of an abandoned retention policy."

Before submitting its finalized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) waiver request and proposed Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) amendments to the U.S. Department of Education at the end of July, DEW approved revisions intended to "better align state support with local district needs," according to department spokesperson Lacey Snoke. The revised waiver request, along with the department's updated proposed ESSA amendments, can be found HERE.

ELECTIONS 2026

As volunteers at the Ohio Education Association (OEA) headquarters in Columbus on Friday filled bookbags with school supplies for local students as they start the school year, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton joined to thank them for making sure no child is left behind. Also participating was National Education Association President-Elect Princess Moss, who called public education a great equalizer, adding that's what Acton stands for. Moss urged volunteers to campaign for Acton and to support all pro-public education candidates. In addition to Moss, Acton was also joined by OEA President Jeff Wensing and Columbus Education Association President John Coneglio.

Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy told reporters at the Darke County Fair this week that he is working with legislators of both parties on legislation to move away from property taxes as a main funding source for education and "ensuring strong, statewide components of funding that really fund students, rather than just broken systems." Ramaswamy called it "a commonsense plan that ensures that we're weaning ourselves away gradually from exclusive reliance on local property taxation as the way we fund the educational system."

According to Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Ohio registered voters will soon begin receiving an absentee ballot request form in the mail. "For over a decade, registered Ohio voters have received an absentee ballot request form ahead of the presidential and gubernatorial general elections, and that will continue this year," said LaRose. Since 2012, the Legislature has authorized the mailing of absentee ballot application forms to registered voters in every even-year general election. Only after the completed application, including voter identification, is verified by bipartisan teams at a county board of elections is a ballot mailed to a voter.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) was released from a rehab facility this week after she was injured in a car wreck earlier this month, she confirmed on social media. Kaptur was on her way to a church service and was riding in a car driven by her campaign manager when the car was struck by another vehicle. She was taken to the hospital and later transferred to a rehabilitation facility to recover.

The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) Tuesday announced a new ad in support of Ohio Republican attorney general nominee Keith Faber. The ad, part of RAGA's $7 million in political spending across 13 states in support of Republican attorney general candidates, is being run by RAGA's affiliated group, Safer Ohio Fund. The new ad, "Not On His Watch," highlights Faber's record as Ohio state auditor, where he exposed pandemic fraud, won more than 150 convictions, and recovered more than $28 million for Ohio taxpayers.

The campaign of Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy said Wednesday it has accepted two invitations by media outlets to debate Democratic nominee Amy Acton. The campaign said it had received and accepted debate invitations from CNN and WLWT, a local NBC News affiliate in Ohio. However, Acton’s campaign commented, "Dr. Acton's focus is on talking with Ohioans, not platforming a scam artist who spreads baseless lies about her and her family, uses AI to falsely paint her as someone with a substance abuse problem, and shames Dr. Acton for being sexually abused as a child while Vivek stands with predators and abusers. Ramaswamy and his billionaire buddies have spent more than $50 million on disgusting, inaccurate attack ads that have been condemned as the 'most vile and repulsive lies' Ohio has ever seen."

Eric Conroy, the Republican nominee for the 1st Congressional District, launched his first advertisement of his campaign this week. According to the campaign, the ad, "Service Before Self," highlights Conroy's grandfather's service in WWII, leading him to want to live a life of service. The ad shows Conroy's journey from the Air Force Academy, before serving for seven years in the Air Force and joining the CIA, spending another seven years protecting the American people. Conroy is seeking to unseat U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati), who is running for re-election.

FEDERAL

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) met Tuesday with the Ohio Manufacturers' Association to hear its members' views on energy and workforce issues and talked with reporters afterward saying he would like to see Ohio's manufacturing economy continue to grow. Moreno said his most important task Tuesday was to listen to others in the room. He said workforce was a top issue, noting the number of jobs open now that pay well and are available to people leaving high school. Asked about public sentiment on data center development, given President Donald Trump's recent comments on the matter, Moreno said local officials should have the ultimate say in these decisions. But he said he supports four principles that should guide these developments:

• No more tax incentives with Moreno saying he is considering legislation to place a 100 percent tax on such subsidies.

• Data centers should generate their own power or locate in an area where there is excess power to buy.

• Neutral or positive environmental impacts.

• Ensuring some kind of community benefit.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY/STATEHOUSE

Ray Miller, a long-time Democratic lawmaker from Columbus and former Ohio Senate minority leader, died Friday, Aug. 28. Miller served two stints in the General Assembly, beginning with election to the House in the early 1980s. His legislative accomplishments included work on establishing the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, a precursor agency to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, as well as the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. He served as Senate minority leader in 2008. He was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame His death sparked statements honoring his memory from other public officials and Gov. Mike DeWine’s ordering flags be flown at half-staff in his honor. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church in Columbus.

Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), the majority floor leader, announced Monday she's been appointed as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to succeed former Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville). Manning resigned from the Senate recently to take an appointment from Gov. Mike DeWine to a seat on the Ninth District Court of Appeals. He had been running to switch legislative seats with his mother, House Speaker Pro Tem Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and was replaced on the ballot by Cliff Winkel, a North Ridgeville City Council member. Gavarone, an attorney, is in her second Senate term and previously was a member of the Ohio House. She has chaired committees in previous General Assemblies but moved into caucus leadership this session. Meanwhile, Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) also appointed Sen. Jane Timken (R-Canton) as member of the committee.

Republicans, Democrats and ACLU Ohio are forging an alliance against expanding government surveillance and statewide adoption of Flock cameras to track and profile unsuspecting Ohioans for possible arrest or detention. Bipartisan opposition to warrantless spying anticipates September's introduction of House legislation and continued work on Senate language as lawmakers petition the DeWine administration and ACLU confronts capital-area officials and issues the civilian tool kit, "Eyes on You: The Rise of Public Surveillance in Ohio." With his bill targeted for introduction on Sept. 10 or 11, Rep. Levi Dean (R-Xenia) joined Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Franklin Furnace) of the House Government Oversight Committee and Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) of the House Public Safety Committee Wednesday in a letter admonishing the DeWine administration to halt its build-out of surveillance infrastructure in state rights-of-way and to rethink its existing tracking technology.

Spurred by what he said was the first test since Ohio law was changed, Rep. Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) has introduced legislation that would lower the signature threshold for local referenda after lawmakers significantly increased those requirements in the biennial budget. Among the various provisions of HB96 (Stewart), the biennial budget bill, was a change that raised the signature requirement for municipal corporations and limited home rule townships from 10 percent of the total vote for governor in the last election to 35 percent. The budget bill also increased for townships the number of signatures required on a referendum petition related to zoning amendments from 15 percent to 35 percent, and exempted township zoning amendments related to megaprojects from the zoning referendum process. Further, a referendum petition for local zoning amendments about planned-unit development regulations must include 35 percent of electors in the area to which the proposed amendment would apply.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) issued a reminder that the Ohio Statehouse's Transportation Grant portal will open for applications Friday, Sept. 4 for the 2026-2027 school year. The annual grants assist schools in paying for bus transportation for students to visit Capitol Square for tours to learn about Ohio history, how government works, and the importance of civic engagement. This year, CSRAB said it is contributing an additional $50,000 to the program, along with the donation that is provided annually by the Capitol Square Foundation. More than 70,000 students visit the Ohio Statehouse each year. Additional information about the grant and how to apply is available HERE.

GOVERNOR

Speaking with reporters Tuesday following a press conference announcing a new pediatric care treatment program, Gov. Mike DeWine called the death of Pierre Damas Bel, a young Haitian man attending Wright State University who allegedly died by suicide on a highway after being fitted with an ankle monitor, a "horrible tragedy. … You've heard me talk a lot about what I consider to be a very misguided and wrong policy in regard to mass deporting people from this country," the governor said, reiterating his belief that mass deportation will "hurt [Ohio] in the long run. I think we all can agree that the Trump administration has done a very good job in regard to the southern border. I think that's what people wanted ... But I think it's also important for us as a people to think about, do we want this being done, this mass deportation, in our name, and whether ... do we really support that? I don't think that's what most Americans support."

DeWine was asked if he had received any pushback from the federal government on his immigration policy stance. "Look, I mean, they know my position. I know their position ... when I see something that I think hurts Ohio, I'm going to speak out about it. It's not personal. I'm not angry, but I have an obligation as long as I'm governor in the state of Ohio to speak out about things that I think are helpful for the state and point out things that I think are harmful to the state," he said. In response to a question about the next administration, the governor confirmed he's had conversations with Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy about furthering his priorities once he leaves office.

Gov. DeWine praised the work of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and state Legislature Wednesday morning during his 2026 Ohio Kids Summit opening remarks, saying state efforts have contributed to declining infant mortality rates and the number of children in foster care while increasing kindergarten readiness. The governor recalled his first state speech to the General Assembly in his first term, saying he had told lawmakers he would be asking them to invest in efforts that would not produce immediate results, but rather create change over time. "What I really had in mind primarily was children and children's issues," he said. Since then, the governor said lawmakers have agreed to fund most of his requests -- action he suggested has steered the state in a positive direction. Despite this, however, DeWine emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in long-term supports for children across the state, noting his time in office is ending. "I have not been very bashful about talking about what I consider to be the essential things that we must continue to do in the state of Ohio," he said. "The truth is, if you look at the big picture of Ohio, we're red hot." DeWine touted Ohio's recognition as the "top state for business" under CNBC rankings, and went on to say state leaders must continue to build on that momentum by expanding the OhioSEE program and early literacy initiatives like the science of reading and Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

HANNAH NEWS RACES TO WATCH

Four years after defeating a Democratic incumbent, Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) seeks to retain her 3rd District seat against a challenge by Reynoldsburg City Councilmember Stacie Baker. Baker won the Democratic primary in an election identified as one of Hannah News' "Races to Watch" for May whereas Reynolds ran unopposed in the Republican primary. District 3 includes Madison and Pickaway counties and parts of Franklin County. The current district lines favor Republicans at 54.6 percent to Democrats' 44.6 percent, according to 2016-2022 demographic data compiled by Dave's Redistricting App. Reynolds unseated then-Sen. Tina Maharath (D-Canal Winchester) in 2022, following Maharath's upset win against Rep. Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) in 2018 General Election.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff Tuesday morning announced a new program designed to support families dealing with pediatric cancer. The program's launch comes after the parents of Jayden Zurlinden, a 20-year-old who died this past June after battling Osteosarcoma, sought assistance from the DeWine administration in accessing pediatric cancer treatment. The Ohio Pediatric Complex Care (PCC) and Navigation Program, housed within ODH, will build upon resources the state already has in place for families navigating pediatric cancer treatment, DeWine said. The program will provide families with a single point of contact who can connect them to resources that will assist with medication support; Medicaid coverage; finding physicians; identifying sources of support so children can travel for clinical trials; and identifying nonprofit networks offering different support and resources. The tool will expand the work being done through ODH's Complex Medical Help program, which currently covers some cancer treatment costs for Ohio families who are medically and financially eligible.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Kent State University this spring launched a partnership with the city of Cleveland on a new research training initiative designed to strengthen trust, collaboration and accountability between the Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) and residents across the city. The initiative was supported by a $20,000 Engagement Award from Kent State's Community Engaged Research Institute (CERI), with funding having gone toward a pilot program developed jointly by Kent State researchers and Cleveland's Police Accountability Team to improve police-community relationships and build sustainable strategies for public safety collaboration, the university said. Through the partnership, a cross-disciplinary team of researchers from Kent State's Department of Sociology and Criminology and School of Peace and Conflict Studies have begun working with city leaders and community partners to design and implement a training series focused on evidence-based approaches to strengthening trust between law enforcement and the community.

Marion Technical College has seen continual enrollment growth over the past eight consecutive semesters, reaching the highest enrollment in the college's history this fall at 4,141 enrolled students. The college said 2,515 students are earning credit at no cost through the College Credit Plus Program. Marion Tech pointed to certificates in artificial intelligence, massage therapy, gerontology and problem gambling as those that are attracting students, adding that the number of students enrolled in the college's Bachelor of Science in nursing program also continues to grow.

JUDICIAL

The Ohio Supreme Court has opened registration for its biennial "Student to Lawyer Symposium," Friday, Oct 2, at the Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus to mentor aspiring and pending bar members and help them establish relationships with experienced attorneys from law firms, bar associations, law schools and legal organizations This year's theme focuses on professional well-being, emotional intelligence and purpose-driven practice as essential components of the legal field. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 14.

Trenton residents seeking to prohibit data center construction within the city will get the chance to present their case to voters, although at a special election rather than on the November ballot, after a ruling Tuesday from the Ohio Supreme Court. In an unsigned opinion, justices ruled that Trenton council was wrong to argue that the initiative required signatures from 10 percent of eligible voters in the city, rather than 10 percent of voters who cast ballots in the most recent election. However, rather than order the issue to be placed on the November ballot, as the plaintiffs asked, justices ruled it should go on the ballot in a special election. The Supreme Court looked to Section 8 of Article XVIII of the Ohio Constitution, which states that a charter amendment is to be considered at a special election if an initiative is submitted in a year where there is no regular municipal election.

The Ohio Supreme Court said Wednesday it recently learned of a data breach involving a case management system for 10 of Ohio's 12 court of appeals districts, excepting the Eighth (Cuyahoga County) and Tenth (Franklin County). The Supreme Court said it was notified July 24 of a breach in March involving the C-Track System from Thomson Reuters Court Management Solutions (TRCSM). The cybersecurity incident also affected other states that use C-Track. The Supreme Court said it has not yet determined the extent to which personal information was exposed nor identities of specific individuals affected, and has been advised by TRCSM that additional security measures have been deployed, although it did not have "comprehensive details" about them. The Supreme Court said it will publish future announcements about the incident on its website HERE as it learns more.

LIBRARIES

The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is observing September as Library Card Sign-Up Month by encouraging Ohioans to visit their local libraries to learn about their offerings. OLC noted cards can provide users access to resources beyond traditional books, including e-books and audio books, music, movies, homework help, story times, educational resources, technology, makerspaces, job and workforce assistance, cultural programs and community events, as well as tools, technology and other items to borrow. Ohioans can find a nearby library through the OLC website HERE.

MARIJUANA/HEMP

A temporary funding measure to fend off a government shutdown has passed Congress and is headed to President Donald Trump's desk. The federal legislation also includes a one-month reprieve from new restrictions aimed at intoxicating hemp products legalized several years ago under the Farm Bill. The congressional action delays from Thursday, Nov. 12 to Friday, Dec. 11 the implementation of the new hemp restrictions. Ohio recently enacted new hemp product restrictions in SB56 (Huffman), but they've been delayed in court because the continued legality of the products at the federal level has created interstate commerce conflicts.

MEDICAID/MEDICAID REFORM

Sampling of a month's data from public benefit programs found documentation lacking for determining whether some Ohio Medicaid enrollees were eligible for the program based on their citizenship or immigration status, according to a new report from Auditor Keith Faber's office. Faber's office conducted a public interest audit focused on data from November 2025 showing whether benefit recipients met citizenship or immigration eligibility requirements for Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) aid, including Ohio Works First (OWF) benefits; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC); unemployment insurance (UI); and housing choice vouchers (HCV). A copy of the report is HERE.

NATURAL RESOURCES

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced this week the schedule for several hunting seasons in fall 2026, including squirrel, dove, Canada goose and teal as well as proposed wild turkey season dates for Spring 2027.

PEOPLE

At its annual meeting, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) honored Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) Executive Secretary Dr. Marc Gaden with the President's Fishery Conservation Award, one of AFS's foremost awards for an individual or entity. The award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the conservation of fishery resources through scientific, educational, managerial, legal or policy accomplishments. AFS notes that Gaden has dedicated more than three decades to protecting and restoring Great Lakes fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.

POLITICS

President Donald Trump's political point man announced in Columbus Thursday that Republican candidates worried about White House plans for its $400 million war chest can rest a little easier this week when the president's midterm strategy hits the news cycle. Former Chief of Staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs James Blair, who took a leave of absence last April to lead Trump's down-ticket campaign operations, anchored the capital's Energy Affordability Summit featuring conservative commentator and CNN contributor Scott Jennings; Ohio's U.S. Senate delegation; Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX); Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA); U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright; and elected Republicans from other states. Blair linked energy prices to Americans' larger concerns over inflation, living costs and the president's own priorities.

The Center for Christian Virtue's Christian Education Network (CEN) announced it is adding affiliates in the following seven states beyond Ohio: Alaska, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The affiliates will "organize and equip Christian schools to engage policymakers, defend their ability to operate according to their beliefs and advocate for policies that give parents greater control over where and how their children are educated," CCV said. The addition of the state affiliates follows last year's launch of the national-level CEN as an outgrowth of the Ohio Christian Education Network. "Decisions made in statehouses have an enormous impact on Christian schools and the families they serve," said Troy McIntosh, executive director of CEN. "These new affiliates will give school leaders the tools and support they need to make their voices heard and stand together for Christian education."

POVERTY

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks released a new study Tuesday finding more than half of food pantry visitors were forced to choose between paying for food or medicine, highlighting challenges for those facing food insecurity. The study was based on anonymous electronic surveys completed by food pantry visitors from April 18 through May 22 of this year at each of Ohio's 12 Feeding America foodbanks. Many of those responses are featured throughout the report. According to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, 76 percent of surveyed households included at least one adult between the ages of 19 and 59; 46 percent included at least one senior over the age of 60; and 46 percent of households included at least one child under the age of 18. Fifty-four percent reported annual household incomes below $20,000, and 69 percent reported incomes below $30,000.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Officials are expecting high volumes of traffic this Labor Day weekend despite higher gas prices. AAA reported that the national average gas price is $4.14, which it said is the highest price ever for this time of year. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day, with the previous record topping out at $3.82 in September 2012. Ohio's safety agencies held their Labor Day weekend travel preview Thursday morning as the state seeks to stem a 4 percent increase in traffic fatalities so far this year over the same period in 2025. All pledged similar efforts for the holiday weekend as previous holidays, with increased enforcement, shrunken ODOT work zones, and an urging of motorists to avoid both distractions and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Judy Converse of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office announced the office is reactivating Project Plan Ahead after the effort saw successful results during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Under the program, Ohioans have access to up to $15 in free Uber or Lyft ride share credits, giving drivers a reliable and convenient alternative to driving impaired. The credits can be redeemed between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. from Friday, Sept. 4 through Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Ohio Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is now accepting grant applications for the Rural EMS and Dispatch Modernization Project and will hold an online bidders conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Interested parties may submit questions to Procurement@odh.ohio.gov until 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, the inquiry end date, and must include the tag "DOH62030 Inquiry" in the subject line. Applications must be received by 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the same email address and with the same subject line.

STUDIES/POLLS

Americans across the country donated an estimated $617.2 billion to charitable organizations in 2025, a 5.7 percent increase compared to the year prior, according to recent data released by Giving USA Foundation tracking philanthropic trends. "Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025," written and researched by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSP), found total charitable giving last year to have reached a new high in current dollars and the second-highest amount on record inflation-adjusted dollars. In 2025, individuals led all funders with an estimated $394.2 billion, 64 percent of all giving, as the U.S. inflation rate for 2025 was 2.6 percent. Foundations contributed 19 percent of total giving with $117.15 billion, bequests contributed 10 percent with $62.19 billion and corporations contributed 7 percent with $43.67 billion. The largest year-over-year jump was in bequests, which rose 19.7 percent in raw dollars.

A recent report by personal finance website WalletHub on the "hardest working" states put Ohio 47th in the country and second-lowest among its neighbors. Indiana was highest at 19th nationally, followed by Kentucky, 33rd; Pennsylvania, 41st; West Virginia, 42nd; and Michigan, 50th. The five highest states were South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming. The five lowest were Nevada, Ohio, New Jersey, Oregon and Michigan. States were also grouped by two subcategories, with Ohio 27th nationally and second among neighbors in indirect work factors; and 47th nationally and second-lowest among neighbors in direct work factors.

TECHNOLOGY/AEROSPACE/BROADBAND

As Ohio's needs for Internet data extend into even the least connected, rural corners of the state, an often-invisible infrastructure of cables and towers is needed to make sure that data stays connected statewide and beyond. To discuss the evolution of the groundwork needed for that infrastructure, the newly renamed Ohio Broadband & Technology Association (OBTA), formerly known as the Ohio Telecom Association, gathered in Columbus on Tuesday. To underscore the growing need in Ohio for robust broadband infrastructure, Ohio State University professor of agricultural and biological engineering Scott Shearer laid out several emerging technologies that Ohio's farmers are using, including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered farm machinery, field mapping or crop diagnostics tools and even drone aircraft that tend fields autonomously.

TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE

After hitting an all-time low in 2013, traffic fatalities in the state of Ohio have steadily risen again. Transportation officials from state, regional and local governments spoke Wednesday on how they are using data to address public safety on the roads during a panel of the 2026 Ohio Active Transportation Conference. The panel discussion was one of eight held at the conference in Dublin on Wednesday. The conference was first hosted last year by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) but brought back this year by the Greater Ohio Policy Center, which hopes to make it an annual event. The discussion had a focus on bike and pedestrian infrastructure, funding and financing for complete streets infrastructure improvements, and successful strategies for educating the public. ODOT Highway Safety Program Manager Jeremy Thompson, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's (MORPC) Jordan Petrov, and Cameron Roberts, Vision Zero coordinator for the city of Cleveland, spoke on efforts to drive down the number of traffic fatalities using data.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

A report issued this week by Inspector General Randall Meyer alleged more than $3.2 million in fraud involving the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, saying three former Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) contract employees had improperly released the funds as part of a fraud scheme. ODJFS had referred the matter to Meyer in August 2024, reporting that subcontractors of staffing agency TEKsystems had allegedly manipulated identity verification and program eligibility issues to improperly release previously denied PUA benefits to ineligible claimants. Two employees, identified in the report as Ferris Johnson and Tosha Williams, were working in positions on the "help desk" with TEKsystems. Meyer's report further said there appeared to be a "noticeable overlap" of specific claims accessed and manipulated by both employees. The IG report said their actions were outside the scope and authority of their job duties. The IG said that between the actions of Johnson, Williams, and another TEKsystems subcontractor, Kenya Carter, resulted in the improper release of $3,280,690 in benefit funds related to 248 PUA claims. A copy of the investigation can be found HERE.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors unanimously approved on Friday a $1 billion dividend payment to be distributed to Ohio businesses, following a proposal put forth by Gov. Mike DeWine. DeWine had asked the BWC Board to approve the dividend, which is equivalent to approximately 90 percent of premiums to BWC by Ohio businesses in FY22. BWC Chief Financial Officer Kevin Giangola said dividend payments could reach between 150,000-160,000 employers. The $1 billion dividend approved on Friday brings the total of such dividends paid during the DeWine administration to $10.2 billion, dating back to 2020.

[Story originally published in The Hannah Report. Copyright 2026 Hannah News Service, Inc.]