In Case You Missed It: Updates from Representative Scott Oelslager - Feb. 12, 2020
Over the past few weeks I’ve come across several things in the news that I wanted to share. A lot has been happening in the state of Ohio, including funding for water quality testing, a drop in drug overdose deaths, and record breaking gambling revenues.
Legislature Approves Ear Protection for Motorcyclists: Under a bill passed by the House and the Senate, motorcyclists in Ohio would be allowed to wear earphones or earplugs to protect riders’ hearing. Noise from the wind and engines can cause severe hearing loss for motorcyclists. The legislation would prohibit motorcyclists listening to music or other entertainment. The measure passed both chambers unanimously.
ODHE Awards Research Incentive Funding for Infant Mortality Research: The Department of Higher Education will give funding to Cleveland State University, Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University and Mount St. Joseph University to advance collaborative research on infant mortality issues. Funds for specified research were allocated through the biennial budget passed in July 2019. Awardees were chosen through a third-party independent review process.
ODJFS Awards $6.2 Million to Expand Access to Quality Child Care: The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services announced the availability of $6.2 million in grants to grow the number of publicly funded child care providers and improve the quality of existing providers. By July 1, 2020, all licensed child care programs that receive state funding must participate in Step Up To Quality. As of December 2019, 86 percent of programs were quality rated.
Licensing Reciprocity for Military Members: Legislation aimed at easing the professional transitions for members of the military and their spouses was recently signed into law. The bill will make easier the process to transfer occupational licenses gained in other states to members of the military and their spouses who relocate to Ohio for active duty. The legislation requires agencies to issue licenses in a timely manner and at no cost to military members and their spouses who hold valid credentials in another state.
Medicaid Launches Primary Care Program: The Department of Medicaid released the first payment for the Comprehensive Primary Care for Kids program, which is designed to improve child health and wellness. The program provides primary care providers with incentives for following comprehensive access and care standards and working toward specific goals.
Ohio Top in Nation for LEED Schools: A Cleveland elementary school became the 350th school in the state to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design recognition. No other state has surpassed 200 LEED schools, according to the Oho Facilities Construction Commission. LEED is the most widely used “green” building rating system. Schools receiving funds through FCC for construction projects are designed to meet LEED standards.
Child Obesity Rate Down: Ohio’s childhood obesity rate for 10- to 17-year-olds decreased from 18.6 percent to 17.1 percent in 2018, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Ohio’s childhood obesity rate is still higher than the national rate of 15.3 percent.
I, along with the Ohio Legislature, will continue to work for the citizens of our state and foster an environment in which our business communities can thrive. As always, I am eager to hear your ideas on how to better serve Stark County. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 S. High St., 13th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.