Gov. DeWine and other statewide officeholders were sworn into their new terms this week.
Meanwhile, new House Speaker Jason Stephens is working to fill the staff positions in his office and set the House schedule for the year. But a faction of Republicans who backed state Rep. Derek Merrin for House Speaker have formed their own, third, House caucus. The group met this week to discuss how they can have influence and push for conservative policy. They also delivered to the House clerk a more stringent version of the legislation from the previous General Assembly to propose a constitutional amendment that would require 60 percent of the vote in order to pass future constitutional amendments.
Here are additional items of note from this week:
OML PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA AVAILABLE
The league officially released its 2023-2024 Public Policy Agenda this week through a press release. It was also emailed to our membership, and two copies will be mailed to each member community. The agenda guides our advocacy work and is already being shared with legislators for the 135th General Assembly. It is also an excellent resource for our members to use when meeting with their own legislators on municipal priorities. The league's FY24-25 State Budget Priorities are also being discussed with state leaders.
SAFETY INNOVATION GRANTS AVAILABLE TO LINK SCHOOLS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Attorney General Yost announced that $11.77 million in safety grants is available to Ohio schools this year, including $20,000 that will be awarded for technology that links schools with law enforcement agencies for improved safety, crime prevention and response. More Info
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUNDING AVAILABLE FROM US EPA
The U.S. EPA announced the availability of environmental justice funding in two competitive grant categories, including the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grants for state and local governments. Applications are due April 10. More Info
GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR TRANSIT IN AREAS OF PERSISTENT POVERTY
The Federal Transit Administration has $20 million available through the Areas of Persistent Poverty Program, which can be used for the planning, engineering, or development of technical or financing plans for transit projects. More Info
GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS GO SOLAR
The Honnold Foundation's Core Fund supports grassroots organizations using solar energy initiatives to drive positive impacts for their communities and the environment. Grant awards are unrestricted and can range from $25,000 to $150,000 per project per year. More Info
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2023 OHIO SAFETY CONGRESS AND EXPO
The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation will hold its Ohio Safety Congress and Expo March 8-10 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and registration is now open. The event is free for Ohio employers and their employees. More Info
TREASURER HIGHLIGHTS OHIO MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM
State Treasurer Robert Sprague's office said the City of Hamilton used the Ohio Market Access Program to save an estimated $181,794.86 in interest costs on the acquisition and construction of a criminal justice complex and various infrastructure improvement.
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