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August 14, 2020
OML UPDATE AT-A-GLANCE
Here are the top three things you need to know from this past week:
- The National League of Cities (NLC) released its 35th City Fiscal Conditions report, which provides insight into the fiscal health of local governments across the nation. According to the report, cities are experiencing the fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at an unprecedented speed and it will take years for municipal budgets recover from the impact. You can read a one-pager HERE and the full report HERE.
- Gov. DeWine has decided Ohio will not be kicking in $100 a week on top of an additional $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits to COVID-19-impacted unemployed workers. An executive order signed by President Trump that offers states additional federal jobless assistance was initially a $400 a week unemployment benefits boost, but that required states to kick in $100 of that amount, which Gov. DeWine says Ohio's budget cannot afford. The figure has been reduced to $300 per week on top of existing state benefits after Ohio and other states said they could not afford the new payments.
- No progress has been made on a phase 4 coronavirus relief aid bill as Congress recesses for the month of August. Both Republicans and Democrats say they have made no progress toward an agreement. The U.S. Senate will not return for the rest of the month after ending its session this Thursday, while the U.S. House of Representatives have already left Washington for the entire month. There is currently no word on when negotiations will restart.
LEAGUE THANKS PRESENTERS AND ATTENDEES FOR JOINING OML/NLC WEBINAR ON RACIAL EQUITY
The League wants to thank all those who took the time to participate in our webinar on racial equality on Wednesday, which was hosted jointly by the League and the National League of Cities (NLC). We also want to thank the webinar's presenters for giving participants valuable information on how local leaders can advance racial equity within their own communities.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from NLC's Race Equity and Leadership (REAL) Director Leon Andrews, who gave a compelling and informative presentation outlining the need for greater racial equity. During his presentation, Andrews explained that the mission of REAL is to help strengthen local leaders' knowledge as well as their capacity to understand their role in eliminating racial disparity, healing racial tension and building more equitable communities.
The webinar also included a panel discussion featuring Athens Mayor Steve Patterson and Akron Councilmember Russel C. Neal, Jr., to highlight examples of local leadership. It was also announced that they will both co-chair the working group being formed by the League as part of our continuing efforts to provide best resources, information and network opportunities to advance racial equity in our local communities.
A recording of the webinar, the slides for the presentation and other great resources on this important topic can be found on our website by clicking HERE. We look forward to continuing to support local leaders as they work to create more equitable communities across Ohio.
OHIO COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE
- As of this Thursday, Ohio is reporting 105,426 cases of coronavirus, 3,755 deaths, 12,023 hospitalizations and 2,743 ICU admissions.
- Gov. DeWine released this week's new Ohio Public Health Advisory System map:
- Upgraded to Level 3 (Red): Brown, Clermont, Muskingum
- Remaining at Level 3 (Red): Cuyahoga, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, and Montgomery
- Downgraded to Level 2 (Orange): Allen and Medina
- Downgraded to Level 1 (Yellow): Adams, Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Knox, Lake, Paulding, and Williams
- There are no counties on Ohio's Watch List
Minority Health Strike Force Update:
- Governor DeWine released the final Minority Health Strike Force report and the state's executive response. The Minority Health Strike Force was formed in April to examine the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on minority communities, as well as broader health disparities and racial injustices. The COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force Blueprint lists 34 recommendations on dismantling racism, removing public health obstacles, improving the social/economic and physical environments, and strengthening data collection to better track disparities.
- In response to the Strike Force's report, Gov. DeWine issued Ohio's Executive Response: A Plan of Action to Advance Equity. The action plan outlines efforts to reinforce the DeWine Administration's commitment to advancing health equity and establishing Ohio as a model for justice, equity, opportunity, and resilience.
- As part of his commitment to equity, Gov. DeWine also announced the creation of the new Ohio Governor's Equity Advisory Board. The Board will work to improve Ohio's work to dismantle racism and promote health equity. Board members will draw on the expertise within Ohio's communities of color and will represent diverse viewpoints from sectors like education, healthcare, public and private business, community organizations, and members of the criminal justice community.
Job and Employment Updates:
- Ohioans filed 20,969 initial jobless claims last week, according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor today. This was 253,246 fewer than the peak earlier this year. Ohioans filed 374,751 continued jobless claims last week, which were 401,551 fewer than the peak earlier this year.
- Over the last 21 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $5.9 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 778,000 Ohioans. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, about 94% have been processed, with about 6% pending. In addition, ODJFS has issued more than $5 billion in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to more than 514,000 PUA claimants.
Education Updates:
- Governor DeWine continued to stress the importance of masks, social distancing, and proper hygiene as Ohio's school students approach the start of the upcoming school year. Currently, Ohio has left the decision to individual school districts on how to approach the new school year.
- According to information gathered by the Ohio Department of Education, 325 public school districts in Ohio are planning to return to school full-time which equates to approximately 590,000 students. A total of 55 districts representing approximately 398,000 public school students will begin the school year remotely. Approximately 380,000 students in 154 public school districts will start the school year with a hybrid of online and in-person learning. Information on 78 public school distracts was not readily available. Attached is the education model planned for the start of SY21.
- Schools can begin applying for the new BroadbandOhio Connectivity Grant on Monday, August 10. A total of $50 million will be allocated through the grant program to help provide hotspots and internet-enabled devices to students. The application period will close Friday, August 21st.
Other Updates:
- Governor DeWine shared updated data on the percentage of cases in Ohio by age group. The data shows a significant increase in positive cases among younger adults over the summer, particularly in the age range of 20-29. Attached is a graph with the percentage of cases by age group.
THE LEAGUE AND THE OHIO MUNICIPAL ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION (OMAA) ANNOUNCE UPCOMING WEBINARS
The League and the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association (OMAA) are hosting two upcoming webinars that will benefit local leaders. You can learn more about the webinars below, and you can register for them HERE.
- Webinar: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Understating Construction Procurement for Municipal Construction"
- Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Program Overview: Learn more about risk factors to consider when selecting a construction delivery model as well as what you need to know to make sure your City or Village is following Ohio law when hiring a Design Professional, Contractor, Construction Manager at Risk, or Design-Builder. It's not just bidding anymore!
- Presenter: Laura Bowman & Casey Cross, Bricker & Eckler LLP
- Webinar: "The Ohio Ethics Law: Can I Do That?"
- Thursday, September 10, 2020 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Program Overview: What are the latest trends, investigations, and highlights in governmental ethics? Don't miss this engaging and interactive discussion that analyzes the hot issues under the Ohio Ethics Law. This specialized session will assist those in public service who are subject to the law and those in the private sector who are regulated by or do business with governmental entities.
- Objectives: Identify potential conflicts of interest and understand appropriate and legal response
- Understand gift restrictions for those in public service or when interacting with public officials or public employees; recognize potential public contract and representation violations when public official has connections with private organizations; grasp post-employment requirements when leaving public service or hiring former public servants; and learn about general assistance available from the Ohio Ethics Commission to understand and comply with the Ethics Law.
- Presenter: Susan Willeke, Education & Communications Manager, Ohio Ethics Commission
BILL OF MUNICIPAL INTEREST INTRODUCED THIS WEEK
Here is a bill introduced in the Ohio Senate that would impact municipalities:
- SB 352 - MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING. Sponsored by Sen. Roegner (R - Hudson), would modify municipal income tax employer withholding rules for COVID-19-related work-from-home employees.
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Ohio Municipal League Meetings & Trainings
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Mayors Court 3 Hour Update Webinars
August 21, October 2 & November 13
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OML/OMAA Webinar
Signed, Sealed & Delivered: Understanding Construction Procurement for Municipal Construction
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Website, Bulletin or Membership Issues:
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