The View of State House Square
for the Week of February 4, 2002
For the Week of February 4, 2002
From Ohio United Way: the following provides a brief overview of key events related to human services in both the Legislative and Executive branches of state government. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to click on [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!!!
- The most significant event this week is the Governor’s State of the State address set for Tuesday, February 5 before a joint meeting of the Ohio House and Senate. It begins at noon and will be aired on some radio and TV stations. It can also be viewed live on the web by going to the Ohio Legislature Live site at http://www.oll.state.oh.us.
Not only will the Governor be indicating his priorities for the year, the State of the State can also be viewed as the “kick off” for his bid for re-election by introducing the possible themes of the campaign.
One major unknown that the Governor may announce Tuesday is who will be his running mate. The current Lieutenant Governor, Maureen O’Connor, is running for the Ohio Supreme Court.
- On the other hand, one of the most fascinating events this week centers around Senate deliberations on Am HB 386—the bill addressing predatory lending practices here in Ohio. Advocates are lined up on one side saying the bill doesn’t go far enough soon enough to protect consumers. Lenders are on the other side trying to get a single law regulating lending practices, thus pre-empting passage of local ordinances such as the one passed in Dayton and considered in Cleveland. Last week, 6½ hours of testimony delayed Senate action. This week….?
- One item expected to be covered in the “State of the State” address deals with security issues and what Ohio is doing in this regard. Related to this, was the announcement last week from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and reported in Ohio United Way’s February 1 Administrative Report, that the initial distribution of bioterrorism preparedness funds will be released to the states. Ohio will receive a total of $30.3 million with nearly $6.1 million coming in the near future to allow it to begin its planning process. Those plans are due to HHS between March 15 and April 15.
- The Ohio Department of Aging is now distributing copies of Taking Charge: Your Personal Long-Term Care Planning Guide. This 32-page guide summarizes what older Ohioans and their families or care givers need to consider when making plans for their future. To read or to order the guide online, go to www.ohio.gov/age and click on the “Taking Charge” icon.