ProgressOhio

What is RootsCamp Ohio 2009 all about?

It's about Ohioans talking with Ohioans.

It's an opportunity for open dialogue between Ohio’s activists, field organizers, leaders, techies, fundraisers, bloggers – the Grassroots that worked for Change in the 2008 Election.

We'll share innovations, failures, old wisdom and new discoveries, with an eye toward:

• Recapping the historic 2008 elections.

• Building organization and sustainability in Ohio's growing progressive movement 

WHEN:        Saturday and Sunday, February 7th & 8th, 2009

                        Sign-in starts at 9:30 AM at the opening session is at 10:15 AM.

WHERE:      Smith Laboratory (Building 065)

                        Ohio State University CampuS

                        174 W 18th Ave.

                    Columbus, OH 43210

                        [map)    Parking info.              

                  Need a ride to Columbus?  Email us at rootscampohio@gmail.com

Sign up here to attend RootsCamp 2009.

Invite your friends from our Facebook page.

Visit The RootsCamp Ohio Wiki

The Dispatch reported today that Mary Taylor is still considering a run for Senate, despite Rob Portman's declaration of candidacy and the $1.5 million in his campaign account.

No news on the Fisher-Brunner stand-off, but Ohio Rep. Tyrone Yates is now also making overtures for the Democratic nomination, joining Tim Ryan and Zack Space as a maybe.

Mike Dewine makes it pretty clear that he is looking to run for an unnamed state office.  Interestingly, the Dispatch characterizes it as a "statewide executive office", while coventional wisdom is he would run for Ohio Supreme Court.

If you're poor and the bank is coming for your home, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has a plan for you.

Just squat, she says.

From the House floor, Representative Marcy Kaptur told the American people "stay in your homes. If the American people, anybody out there is being foreclosed, don't leave, because I will tell you what. If you had a smart lawyer like those banks up there on Wall Street can get, they would take you into court and they couldn't find the mortgage. They couldn't find the mortgage."

Watch It:

Madam Speaker, I am glad I was here on the floor to respond to the prior Member who felt compelled to say that he thought the Wall Street bailout was working. I would like to know what evidence he has to prove that, since we have no forensic accounting of what the Wall Street banks that got all this money did with the money. Maybe he has some special access inside these institutions and can provide it to the Record, because I will tell you what happened yesterday.

I went before our Rules Committee and I proposed a very simple amendment. My amendment was that before we give one more dime of the people's money, we require the Treasury to do a forensic accounting of every bit of money that was sent up there to Wall Street. And I was denied my amendment.

There is no Member of this Congress that can say with accuracy, including the gentleman who just spoke, that he knows where the money is, because, you know what? They haven't told us. All you know is what you have read in the newspapers, and how can we extend more money from the American people when we don't even know what happened to the money that went out the door?

So you can say whatever you want and create a fiction, but the fact is that foreclosures are going up across this country. That bill that was passed last year was supposed to help people hang onto their homes. In Ohio, foreclosures have gotten worse every month.

What I am telling people right now is, stay in your homes. If the American people, anybody out there is being foreclosed, don't leave, because I will tell you what. If you had a smart lawyer like those banks up there on Wall Street can get, they would take you into court and they couldn't find the mortgage. They couldn't find the mortgage.

So why should any American citizen be kicked out of their homes in this cold weather? In Ohio it is going to be 10 or 20 below zero. Don't leave your home. Because you know what? When those companies say they have your mortgage, unless you have a lawyer that can put his or her finger on that mortgage, you don't have that mortgage, and you are going to find they can't find the paper up there on Wall Street.

So I say to the American people, you be squatters in your own homes. Don't you leave. In Ohio and Michigan and Indiana and Illinois and all these other places our people are being treated like chattel, and this Congress is stymied. We have the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and our committees are muzzled. Power is given to one chairman or one person.

We are all equal here. We have a right to be heard. The concerns of our constituents have a right to be registered in the committees of this House, not choked down as what is happening here today. It is just a tragedy. And if we don't fix the economic cure, it is going to get worse, and the cure is to go after the home foreclosure crisis.

Who does that? Treasury? No. That is absolutely the wrong place. We need the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Securities and Exchange Commission empowered to do the real estate workouts on books across this country. Those are the normal institutions that are used. And then you have got HUD there now with FHA that can take these mortgages once they are refinanced. But that is not what is happening across our country. There is no help for the homeowner. That whole section they talked about today, Help for Homeowners over at HUD, nobody has even benefited. We said last year they wouldn't, and that is exactly what has happened.

So I say to the American people, stay in your homes. You have earned them. And don't you get out until you get a really good lawyer who can find your mortgage up there on Wall Street. Because, you know what? They won't be able to find it, and therefore they can't prove you should be evicted.

The economy is tanking. People can't afford health care. The middle class is struggling. Big problems? Without a doubt.

But, history tells us that we have overcome great challenges before and we can do so again. As public service workers, AFSCME members are uniquely suited to lead the way. That's why AFSCME has launched the "Make America Happen" campaign.

http://www.makeamericahappen.com/

- Together, we can jump start the economy by creating jobs and investing in communities.

- Together, we can make affordable health care available to all.

- Together, we can rebuild the middle class.

- Together, we can Make America Happen.

Watch It:

Watch the address and read the full text below.

Perhaps in response to an on-going investigation that he violated Ohio residency laws by not residing in his home district of Kettering, State Sen. Jon Husted accepted a position today with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

Husted will be in distinguished company, joining ex-Gov. Bob Taft.

Here is the internal announcement:

Dear Chamber Board

 We are excited to share with you that former Chamber staff member Jon Husted is returning to our Chamber staff as the Director of Workforce Education & Employer Services.

 his position is a direct result of our 2008-2010 Strategic Plan and was discussed and presented to our Officers, Executive Committee and you, our Board during our planning and budgeting process in the fall for our 2009 Business Plan. We have budgeted for this job and through member support made sure it fit our plans, goals and resources for 2009.

 After a very lengthy process where we received 63 applications and multiple interviews for the position, we selected Jon. Jon's background is very impressive and for some that may not remember him as a Chamber staff member, I have attached several items for your review as well as the press release we are sending out today. Having not only Jon back on staff, but new volunteers for the Chamber like former Governor Bob Taft, strengthens our role as the region's largest and we hope best advocate for the business community when dealing with strategic and complex issues facing our members.

 Personally, I feel blessed that our organization has had a reputation…and continues to have the reputation of attracting talented, passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers. I am sure you feel the same way and know with that talent, we can achieve not only our goals but achieve the mission of the Chamber.

I am communicating this decision, which was supported by our officers, to you first before I send it to the community. I am as always available for your comments or questions by phone or e-mail. And as always appreciate your support of our fine organization.

Does Jon Husted meet Ohio's residency laws?  Watch this video and judge for yourself:

We are currently in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Given that, our current budget struggles, both at the city and state level, shouldn't be surprising.

Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman is just one of many leaders nationwide currently facing a tough budget battle.

• Mayor Bloomberg just announced that New York City may have to lay off 15,000 teachers and education employees.
• Another Mayor Coleman, Chris Coleman of St. Paul, Minnesota, is also cutting rec centers and working with unions to save money.

In a letter he released today, Mayor Coleman outlined some of the previous steps he's taken to balance the nearly $100 million budget gap:

This included some very painful choices, including the closure of recreation centers and pools, a cut in bulk collection, health center cuts, and 130 layoffs. [...] Since 2000, non-uniformed General Fund staffing is down 30%, and by the end of 2009, we'll have 400 less job positions than budgeted for in 2008. A quarter of the positions identified for layoff since August have been managers, administrators, supervisors....

[...]Despite this work, City Auditor Hugh Dorrian announced earlier this month that due to a reduction in income tax revenue, investment income, and aid from the state of Ohio, Columbus had an additional $13 million to make up in 2009. Again, we sat down with the Unions and asked their leaders to consider giving up their raises and longevity credits, saving $10 million.

The Ohio Constitution requires that state and municipal govenments operate under a balanced budget.

Given that over 70% of Columbus's budget goes to providing emergency / safety service, it is nearly impossible to address a budget shortfall of the magnitude we're facing without looking for savings there, as well.

WCMH 4's coverage of this issue has elicited some interesting responses from the community:

I work in a hospital and last year our cost of living increase was cut in half and this year we were asked to take a $1.00/hr cut, as well as less money to our pension to minimize lay-offs, we all grumbled but know that the economy is terrible and hospital census is down so this was just reality.  Police and fire are important, but more important than nurses and other hospital workers?  I applaud the fire union for agreeing to the pay freeze. 

Another reads:

In casual day to day conversations, I have experienced an overwhelming number of my fellow members who would have agreed to defer (as the firefighters did) or even concede the raises if we could avoid further layoffs to our fellow employees. 

One thing to note is that capital improvements (e.g. the new sewage system, roads, parks) are funded from a completely separate pool of money than the city's operating budget.  

While you can question whether an individual construction project is a necessity, there is clearly not tens of millions of dollars in easy cuts to be made out of the operating budget (available online here). Coleman's spokesman used an apt metaphor: "We cut through the fat, through the skin, and now we're into the bone."

Strong fiscal management has made Columbus the only city out of the nation's 25 largest to have AAA bond rating.  Strong fiscal management and a larger economic turnaround is what will see Columbus through this current crisis.

“I am the product of a long line of veterans, and I take our country’s commitment to our heroes very seriously,” Space said.  “For far too long, the VA has shortchanged our veterans; I will not stop fighting until each and every one gets what they have earned.”

“Last Congress, we made some significant strides on behalf of our veterans, but we still have a long way to go.  I am honored that my colleagues value the work I am doing and want me to remain on the committee to continue that work,” Space continued.

Congressman Space has served on the committee since 2007.  In his first term, the House passed legislation he authored to reimburse rural hospitals for emergency care provided to veterans before being transferred to VA facilities, as well as legislation to reform the disparity in veterans’ disability payments that has been short-changing Ohio veterans.  Space plans to work with Secretary Shinseki, to address issues of seamless transition and rural veterans’ health care.  Space’s Veterans Advisory Board has been asked to serve another term to keep him apprised of concerns facing veterans in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District.

 Space also serves on the prestigious Energy and Commerce Committee.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007.  He is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio's economy, and support renewable energy.

The bill, which was approved 66-32, authorizes an additional $32.8 billion over the next 4 1/2 years for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The House plans to take up the same measure next week.

Even with the added spending, an estimated 5 million children still would be without health insurance. During his election campaign, Obama called for requiring all children to have health coverage.

"When President Obama signs this bill, the real victory will belong not to politicians, but to kids," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

The bill pays for expanding SCHIP by increasing the federal excise tax on cigarettes from 39 cents to $1 a pack. Opponents argued that the tax would hit the poor the hardest.

The Democratic majority turned back Republican amendments to limit expansion of the program. Among the failed amendments were a prohibition on using federal money to cover children of newly arrived legal immigrants and a stricter income limit in some states for participating families.

Current law requires a five-year waiting period before legal immigrants become eligible for coverage under Medicaid and SCHIP. Democrats said that removing the ban would help children before small health problems became big ones.

Senator Sherrod Brown Voted Yes while George Voinovich voted No.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner commended President Barack Obama and the US House and Senate for the passage and signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. 

The act provides workers with the right to seek compensation for pay inequity for a two-year period without requiring the worker to discover it and file suit within 180 days of a company's initial decision to pay a worker less than it pays another worker doing the same job. 

Lily Ledbetter worked for 19 years at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant in Gadsden, Alabama, but was denied her chance to recover because in 2007 the court determined she discovered it too late. 

"In the passage and signing of this legislation, it is clear that fairness must govern the sacrifices of men and women in doing their parts to help heal the nation's economy.  In the end, policies that promote the quality of life for all Americans produce the most lasting results," said Brunner.

Later this year, Brunner's office will release a web-based index of Ohio life quality indicators to map the status and trends of factors that affect the life quality of Ohioans.  The index is designed to assist with budget and policy making decisions and to provide a "snapshot" of Ohio's workforce to attract new and better jobs to the state.

The Ohio Secretary of State's office serves all Ohioans as the launching point for business in Ohio.  The office provides business filing services, special official filings, and serves as an official partner in the Ohio Business Gateway Project, which offers Ohio's businesses time and money-saving ways to work with state government.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Senate voted to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office Thursday, marking the first time in the state's long history of political corruption that a chief executive has been impeached and convicted.

The 59-0 vote followed several hours of public deliberation in which senator after senator stood up to blast Blagojevich, whose tenure lasted six years. And it came after a four-day impeachment trial on allegations that Blagojevich abused his power and sold his office for personal and political benefit.

The conviction on a sweeping article of impeachment means the governor was immediately removed from office. The Senate also unanimously voted to impose the "political death penalty" on Blagojevich, banning him from ever again holding office in Illinois.

Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, Blagojevich's two-time running mate, has become the state's 41st governor.

John Boehner's campaign to stop the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the House succeeded... in making Rush Limbaugh the "minority whip" and face of today's Republican Party.

However, it failed to stop the bill, which will be up for a vote in the Senate early next week.

American United for Change, SEIU, AFSCME and MoveOn will be airing versions of this pretty nifty ad, urging bipartisan support for the bill:

"I hope he fails."

With those four words, Rush Limbaugh started a firestorm. Though our country is facing a devastating economic crisis, two ongoing wars, and myriad other challenges, the nations most listened-to conservative radio host stated unequivocally that he hopes the president fails to help America overcome them.

That is why it is vital we all join together and with one voice say:

Rush Limbaugh does not speak for me!

When you make a $10 contribution to Media Matters for America, they'll send you a Rush Limbaugh Doesnt Speak for Me bumper sticker. They'll use your contribution to fight against Rush Limbaugh and other conservative smear merchants. 

ProgressOhio is a content partner with Media Matters For America.

RNC Buzzzzzzz

Sources say Chip Saltsman, former chairman of Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, is unlikely to meet the threshold to get on the ballot for Republican National Committee chairman. Rules require each candidate to be endorsed by the majority, or two of three members, of three state delegations. He hasn't been spotted at the committee meeting at the Capital Hilton either. And deadline to make the ballot is 5 p.m. this eve. Saltsman, of course, mailed members a CD featuring a song titled, "Barack the Magic Negro."

Still other sources say that former Ohio Sec. of State. Ken Blackwell's supporters are being lobbied hard for their support by advocates for the other four candidates. As one GOPer described it: "He's roadkill." Likely the first one out of the contest.

To bad for J. Kenneth that he's not making the rules and counting the votes like in Ohio 2004.

UPDATE: CHris Cilliza of the Washington Post adds this:

RNC Chair Race: The Fix's Final Handicapping

Ken Blackwell (Teens): Blackwell was the last candidate into the race and, for a little while, appeared to clawing his way into the top tier. That movement has slowed considerably, however, as Blackwell has struggled to grow his support beyond the strongest social conservatives on the committee. Duncan's camp believes that if Blackwell drops out, much of his support will naturally move to the current chairman. If Blackwell's bloc moves en masse to Duncan, then the incumbent could well be positioned to win. If Blackwell's support fractures among the candidates, Duncan could be in a tough position.

If you miss viewing one of our videos collected from across the web which update across the top of the ProgressOhio home page, you can always see the latest or search through all of them at POTV.

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Please take a look at all the video content from ProgressOhio that you may have been missing.

Ohio-Specific Stimulus Estimates 

• Medicaid - $2.827 billion over three years
  • State Fiscal Year 2009 - $780.6 million
  • State Fiscal Year 2010 - $1.342 billion
  • State Fiscal Year 2011 - $704.4 million
• Food Stamps - $756 million over five years
  • 1.2 million people
• Supplemental Security Income - $147.2 million above current levels (2009)
  • 257,900 additional people
• Emergency Shelter Grant Program - $66.1 million (2009)
  • 16,000 additional households covered
• Child Tax Credit (2009)
  • Approximately 623,000 children will be helped
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - $49.9 million
• Elderly Nutrition Services - $7.2 million over 2 years
• Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant - $14.4 million over two years
• Unemployment Insurance
  • 666,416 people will receive an additional $25/week
  • 91,704 people will be granted an extension of benefits through the end of 2009

Infrastructure 

• Highways and Bridges - $1.036 billion
• Transit Capital - $150.9 million
  • Urban - $128.5 million
  • Rural - $22.4 million
• Fixed Guideway Modernization - $24.1 million
  • Will not apply to OH-15
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund - $326.8 million

Education 

• Educational Technology State Grants - $36 million over two years
• Pell Grant - $969.1 million
  • 268,804 recipients
  • $3,605 average per award
• Head Start - $27.4 million over two years
• Child Care & Development Block Grant - $68.2 million over two years
• Education and Training
  • Adult - $23.6 million
  • Youth - $56.7 million
  • Dislocated Worker - $54.4 million
  • Employment Service - $20.3 million 

Other 

• State Fiscal Stabilization Fund - $2.385 billion over two years
• Community Services Block Grant - $39 million over two years

*Information Provided By The Office Of Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy, Representing Ohio's 15th Congressional District

House Resolution 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed the House today 244 to 188, with 11 Democrats and 177 Republicans voting against it.

With no Republican support, the House approved an $819 billion stimulus plan that will serve as the cornerstone of President Obama's efforts to resuscitate the economy, an early victory for the new president but still a disappointment because of the lack of Republican votes.

The measure passed 244 to 188, with 11 Democrats and 177 Republicans voting against it.

The two-year economic package includes $275 billion in tax cuts and more than $550 billion in domestic spending on roads and bridges, alternative-energy development, health-care technology, unemployment assistance, and aid to states and local governments. It would also provide up to $500 per year in tax relief for most workers and more than $300 billion in aid to states for funding to help rebuild schools, provide health-care to the poor and reconstruct highways and bridges.

The vote on House Resolution 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is expected to come tonight.

HR 1 is President Barack Obama's preferred plan to start tackling our nation's economic problems. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the bill, it could create up to 7.8 million jobs , while promoting green technology and mass transit.

Yet, many on the right are doing all they can to undermine this bi-partisan bill.

The stakes couldn't be higher and we need your help. 

These are the members who need to hear from your most:

• Rep. Mike Turner 202 225-6465

• Rep. Pat Tiberi 202 225-5355

• Rep. Zack Space 202 225-6265

• Rep. Steve LaTourette 202 225-5731

• Rep. Marcy Kaptur 202 225-4146

Please contact them via phone RIGHT NOW and urge them to vote for HR1!