Congressional Map

Ohio politicians agreed on new congressional map. The new map was confirmed at the last minute by the redistricting committee. Ohio’s current map splits party seats 10 Rs – 5 Ds; the new map could potentially change that to 12 Rs – 3 Ds.

Federal Shutdown and SNAP

Currently, the US Government is shutdown indefinitely, with no re-opening in sight as both parties are taking hardline stances and the Senate is at an impasse.

Among the other services that suffer because of that, SNAP, the food stamps program, is as well and that means recipients will only get half their benefits in November. If the shutdown last through December, that could mean they get no benefits.

The City of Lima is prepared to help the community. $1 donated can provide six meals.

The Lima Community Foundation is accepting all types of contributions that go to the West Ohio Food Bank. If you wish to donate, you can use the QR code.

STRS Board Injunction

As you know, the reconciliation bill aimed to strip the STRS Board from member control by giving the governor the power to appoint members to it. Because of the way the legislature handled this provision, Judge Aveni of Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, issued an injunction to halt any changes while it is being litigated.

HB186 – Reviewed last month, was passed by the house with some amendments. It goes to committee in the Senate now. OEA was opposed, they have changed to interested, with the amendments in place.

HB 473 – Bill would Prohibit public employers from paying any portion of an employee’s pension contribution to the state retirement system. Public unions and opponents have called this an attack on collective bargaining rights. Supporters say that this makes public compensation more transparent.

SB144 – Shift Ohio teacher licenses from the current 2 grade bands (PK-8; 7-12) to 3 grade bands (PK-5; 4-8; 7-12). The senate passed this unanimously.

SB156 – This creates a state-mandated curriculum detailing the sequence of success in life with a 3 prong approach: graduate high school, secure a full time job, and be married before having kids. This has passed the Senate and now in the House. The OEA did not take a firm stance on this bill, however, locals that did are opponents due to it restricting and simplifying the message of success.

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