Image via WikipediaNow is the Time to Change the Way Ohio
Draws Legislative Districts
This coming year, two events will take place that will help shape the face of Ohio’s political landscape for the next decade – the 2010 census and the statewide elections this November. This is important because the results of the census will determine the number of seats Ohio will have in Congress. The number of people in each Ohio Senate and Ohio House district is also based on an equal distribution of the state’s population.
In addition, the winners of the elections for governor, auditor of state and secretary of state determine the members of the Apportionment Board, which is responsible for creating the maps of Ohio’s legislative districts every 10 years based on the results of the federal decennial census. This process is scheduled to take place next year, and both political parties have a vested interest in the outcome, as the party in power can draw maps that favor its own candidates. This system has been in place for decades and has long been criticized for promoting one-party control of state government and hyper-partisanship, with those in power having more of a say in determining who gets elected than the voters themselves.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Ohio Legislature is currently considering a proposal that seeks to change the methods used to draw Congressional and legislative districts to make elections more competitive and put the power back in the hands of Ohio voters. Last year, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 5, which was sponsored by Senator Jon Husted (R- Kettering). SJR 5 would replace the Apportionment Board with a seven-member bipartisan redistricting commission responsible for drawing legislative districts.
The redistricting commission would be composed of the governor, auditor of state, secretary of state, the Speaker of the Ohio House, the President of the Ohio Senate, and the minority leaders from each chamber. This is different from the current makeup of the Apportionment Board, which includes only two members of the Ohio General Assembly – one from each party. To approve any new redistricting plan, a five-vote majority is required, with two of the five votes coming from the minority party. This change would ensure that any new plan is created through bipartisan cooperation and that all opinions are heard and taken into consideration.
When drawing Congressional and legislative districts, SJR 5 requires them to be compact and to keep communities together whenever possible. The plan also calls for the commission to try and maximize the number of competitive districts, eliminating the ability of drawing districts that favor one party over another, as has been the case in the past.
To help further increase transparency in the redistricting process, any Ohio resident would be able to submit a Congressional or legislative plan for consideration by the commission. Additionally, once a plan has been adopted by the commission, the members must prepare a public report detailing the methods and reasoning used to create the district maps.
Given the prominent role Ohio plays in our nation’s elections, it is imperative that the system we use to draw legislative districts be fair and balanced instead of one that rewards those in power. Other proposals to reform the redistricting process have been introduced in recent years, and I believe that now is the right time for the Legislature to take on this issue – before the census results are in and before this fall’s elections are complete. Time is of the essence, however, as SJR 5 must be passed before February 3 if it is to be placed on the May ballot for consideration by voters.
SJR 5 is currently under consideration in the House Elections and Ethics Committee, and members of the Ohio House are also working on their own redistricting proposal. I am hopeful that legislators from both chambers will come together in the coming weeks and develop a redistricting plan that is more accountable, less partisan and makes for more competitive elections.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Guest Column From State Representative Peter Beck
Ohio Third Frontier brings jobs and innovation to the state
As the national economy becomes increasingly competitive, it is important that Ohio keeps up in the race for jobs and entrepreneurs. As a caucus, the House Republicans spent the first half of the 128th General Assembly working to retain college graduates, create jobs and improve Ohio’s tax environment to encourage business growth.
In addition to seeking new ways to invigorate the economy, a time-tested initiative continues to be a valuable contributor to our state economy. The Ohio Third Frontier program is a bipartisan initiative that was originally established by Governor Taft in 2002 with the goal of expanding Ohio’s research capabilities and retaining high-wage jobs for future generations. The state’s largest technological investment to date, this $1.6 billion, 10-year commitment to the economy aims to expand Ohio’s high-tech industries while promoting specialized development within the state. Specifically, it builds superior research programs and innovation in key areas, including alternative energy and biomedicine.
By making the Buckeye State an attractive site for tech-based companies and business growth, Third Frontier has created $6.6 billion in economic impact and more than 41,000 jobs for Ohio in just seven years. In fact, in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Site Selection magazine awarded Ohio the Governor’s Cup award for the most facility locations and expansions, with 503 new projects in 2008 alone.
Considering the extreme partisanship that has crippled this General Assembly, the renewal of Third Frontier was a bipartisan collaboration that had not been previously seen in the Statehouse. I’m pleased that Governor Strickland renewed this Republican-championed initiative even during this economically challenging time. Although the Legislature needs to remain cautious of spending projects when faced with significant budget deficits, it is also important to strike a balance by encouraging high-tech businesses while also being mindful of how these investments will affect the taxpayers.
As the Ohio Legislature works to maintain our historically prominent manufacturing and agricultural industries, we will continue to create a statewide competitive advantage that will attract research opportunities and jumpstart our economic recovery. Creating and retaining jobs for Ohioans is my top priority in the Statehouse, and I will continue to fight for pro-growth policies that will improve our state competitiveness and put Ohio back on the map.
I encourage you to contact my office with any questions or concerns. You may reach me by phone at (614) 644-6027 or in writing to State Representative Peter Beck, 77 South High Street, 10th floor, Columbus, OH 43215. I am also available via e-mail at district67@ohr.state.oh.us.
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Current Congressional Health Care Proposals Don't Constitute 'Reform', Are Bad for Ohio
Like many of you, I have been following the national healthcare debate for the past several weeks, as the decisions made in Washington, D.C. will have a major impact on our state and its citizens. As legislative leaders work to reconcile the differences between the reform bills passed by House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, serious concerns are being raised about the potential costs to the states as well as proposals involving Medicaid and other health services.I, too, am troubled by the proposals currently under consideration and the effects they could have on families, businesses and our state as a whole. That is why I have introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, which urges the members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation to oppose the federal healthcare bill.
While I believe that many reasons exist for Ohio’s Congressional representatives to vote against the healthcare bill, I am particularly concerned about the backroom deals that have been struck, the use of taxpayer funding for abortions as well as the high costs that could threaten Ohio’s future fiscal stability.
One of the main features of both reform bills is a requirement for states to expand Medicaid. Unfortunately, how states will pay for these additional people has not yet been determined. A publication by the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures estimates this proposed expansion of Medicaid could cost the state $349 million for calendar years 2017 through 2019, a move that could result in tax increases or severe cuts to other state programs in order to keep a balanced budget.
Ohio spent $4.5 billion in state funds in fiscal year 2008 on Medicaid – roughly 22 percent of the state money in the General Revenue Fund. Placing new Medicaid mandates on our state without covering the increased costs would place even more pressure on our budget, which is already stretched thin due to the economic challenges we are facing. The current state budget was balanced with billions of dollars in one-time funds, money that will not be available when we begin deliberations next year on the state budget for fiscal years 2012-2013. The additional costs from healthcare reform would only exacerbate this problem.
In addition, the Senate version of the bill contains what some people have termed the “Cornhusker kick-back” – a provision that would have Ohio and other states paying for Nebraska’s Medicaid enrollees to the tune of millions of extra dollars. Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska worked out a deal where in exchange for his “yes” vote on the bill, Nebraska received a permanent exemption from the state share of Medicaid expansion, which means taxpayers from the other 49 states will be on the hook for an additional $45 million in the first decade. Nelson and Sen. Carl Levin from Michigan also worked to insert a provision in the bill that will exempt non-profit insurers in their states from an excise tax. This unequal treatment of the states when it comes to doling out federal resources is outrageous and these sweetheart deals should be removed before final passage of the bill.
The Senate version of the healthcare reform bill also contains a provision that would use taxpayer dollars to fund insurance programs that cover abortions – a change to long-standing state and federal policies. Ohioans have overwhelmingly opposed the use of tax dollars to fund abortions in the past – a study by Ohio Right to Life found that 70 percent of Ohioans agree that their tax dollars should not be used to pay for abortions. It is my hope that legislative leaders will recognize this and remove this language from the bill.
The bottom line is this, the proposals currently under consideration by the Congress are not reform at all, and states such as Ohio could be saddled with tax increases and burdensome mandates as a result. Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 sends a message to those in Congress that they should delay a vote until changes are made that will bring about true reforms.
I would encourage everyone who cares about the future of health care in our country to contact their representatives in Congress and voice their opinions about the proposals under consideration. You can find contact information for your Congressperson or U.S. Senator by going to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 has been assigned to the Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, and I will be sure to keep you updated on its progress through the Legislature. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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“Body Changes That Make Sense”By Jan Beedle
I think my body tells me when the weather changes, infection takes root, and before a migraine headache begins. My left leg was aching up a storm, so I knew that an extreme low-pressure system was on the way, even before the meteorologists knew it. The week started out sunny and mild. Spring is on the agenda, but my bones will not let me contemplate too long. Ohio weather is unpredictable, as we have found out with big snows being predicted with the outcome being nothing but a sprinkling, or vice versa. Big ice jam and snow out there, but I’m still thinking spring. Strangely enough, I observe mood swings in people, when weather changes occur. If sunshine were the norm, I am reasonably sure depression would not be so prevalent. The music, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down…,” makes sense.
Rotating in my own little world, sometimes I do not notice things going on around me, as I should, so I count on those close to me to let me know. I am afraid that if I slow down from my fast pace that the gravitational pull, which holds me in check, could release me into a black hole of pandemonium. I always felt the need to have some form of control over myself, and I don’t like to release that control. I would not make a good drunk or drug addict, because that would be giving it up. I do understand and have dealt with depression, alcoholism, and addiction in others. The only thing about it I don’t comprehend is the not wanting to get better attitude. Granted, it is difficult to admit to oneself, let alone anyone else, that I am wrong about anything. I learned from mistakes, and realized that it is better to admit them by going on. Most times, I correct them and learn valuable lessons. Repeating the same boo-boos is not an option.
In March 1987, a good buddy of mine learned from her family physician that even though Hubby recently retired, the pace was disastrous for him. She needed to convince him to get on solid ground, by somehow relieving stressful situations in the household. After working 12-14 hours a day for years in a stressful position, the permanent rest created the blahs. With no particular time schedule and goals to meet within an allotted period, the heart changed course. Strangely, instead of slowing the beat, the slowdown heightened it. Heart attacks resulted. Would you believe that the doctor’s advice was to find a few more stressful situations? Odd to say the least…It is certainly the opposite of what I figure would cause a heart attack. Maybe the logic could apply in certain circumstances. After all, a jolt of electricity does keep a battery charging. Think about it.I do not make a habit of running to the doctor every time I get a cold, sore throat, tummy ache or any other aches or pains, but at the same time, I know when to consult one. I only take medicines when I have to take them. Most of the time I do make the right choice. Seldom do I get a migraine, but I recognize the symptoms by the flashing white lights in my eyes. It is sometimes a migraine without the pain, or so the medical books inform me.
As soon as I feel a bladder infection coming on, I resort to 64 ounces of cranberry juice a day. Some urologists and family physicians agree that it is definitely a deterrent, and some disagree. My urologist is outstanding in his field of expertise. He agrees with me that if it works, I should keep the practice up. I think the constant flooding of the bladder, along with whatever ingredient the juice has in it does the job.
My advice is to listen to your body, weather changes, and your physician. One of them is bound to tell you the right stuff. Happy, hoppy Spring to you; may you have the spring in your step throughout this season of renewal.
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