OML UPDATE AT-A-GLANCE
Here are the things you need to know from this past week:
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest point since 1969 at 3.7%.
- A poll from the Cincinnati Enquirer and Suffolk University found that Issue 1 is supported by a majority of voters polled, with 43.2% of voters supporting the issue and 37.8% opposed. The same poll found that Democrat gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray is leading Republican gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Mike DeWine 46% to 40%.
- Gubernatorial candidates Mike DeWine (R) and Richard Cordray (D) participated in a final gubernatorial debate on Monday at Cleveland State University. The discussion focused mainly on the topic of abortion, although the candidates also sparred over the upcoming state biennial budget, the Affordable Care Act and criminal justice. You can watch the debate in full HERE.
NEW LEGISLATION OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST
Here is a bill introduced this week that has an impact on Ohio's municipalities:
- HB 740 - STATE BONDS. Sponsored by Rep. Arndt (R - Port Clinton) and Rep. Miller (D - Columbus), would authorize the Treasurer of State to issue revenue obligations of the state for the purpose of making loans to port authorities, community improvement corporations, or community development corporations through the Treasurer's purchase of those authorities' and corporations' revenue obligations.
CONGRESS PASSES LEGISLATION TO HELP COMMUNITIES FIGHT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
This week, Congress passed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act to assist communities as they fight the opioid epidemic on the front lines. The bill has many requirements covering a wide range of areas, including mandating that the federal government study how opioid prescribing limits affects patients, while also encouraging the development of non-opioid painkillers. In addition, the legislation will increase the amount of federal support for state prescription monitoring programs as well as encourage any unused opioid medications to be safely disposed.
As a result of this legislation, Ohio will see better care for babies born addicted to opioids, increased surveillance of international packages to prevent international mail-order fentanyl, the creation of a public electronic database and a lift on the 16-bed limit for treatment facilities. The President is expected to sign the bill within the next several weeks. We are grateful for the work Ohio's congressional delegation put in to help author and pass a bill that will help Ohio's communities continue to combat the opioid crisis. To learn more about this legislation, please click
HERE.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES WATER INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed America's Water Infrastructure Act. The legislation is a combination of provisions from the Water Resources Development Act, which the House had passed previously, and a bill from the Senate regarding wastewater and drinking water. The bill would authorize $5.8 billion for 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects that deal with flood control, ecosystem restoration, navigation and other projects regarding levee and dam safety.
The bill contains many other provisions, such as the allocation of $4.4 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund revenues; the creation of grant programs for infrastructure resiliency, innovative water technologies and lead testing; and the expansion of disaster mitigation programs for places impacted by natural disasters in 2017, such as Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
According to the National League of Cities (NLC), the legislation omitted full funding for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund in addition to not codifying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Planning and Financial Crisis Frameworks. In a statement, NLC said they will continue to lobby for the inclusion of these provisions in the bill.
The bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature. For more information on the provisions within the legislation, please click
HERE.
OML PREPARES FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The League's 2018 Annual Conference will be here before we know it! The conference will be taking place in downtown Columbus at the Renaissance Hotel from Wednesday, Oct. 31
st through Friday, Nov. 2
nd. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from dynamic speakers, attend meaningful workshops and network with other municipal leaders from across the state. It is an incredible opportunity you don't want to miss!
Information about the Annual Conference, including the agenda, was sent out last month. Additionally, registration for the 2018 Annual Conference in now open - just click
HERE.
The Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ohio will be holding their Annual Conference concurrently with the League from Wednesday, October 31
st through Thursday, November 1
st. Attendees will participate in general sessions, round table discussions and workshops and will have access to the exhibitor's hall hosted by the League's Annual Conference. To register, click
HERE.
Vendor Information can be found
HERE.
The Renaissance has extended the cut-off date for their hotel rooms until noon on Monday, Oct. 15. The hotel will not extend the rate past that date. The rate for those who book after that will be much higher than $159, so please make sure you book your rooms before the Oct. 15th cut-off date.
