Community Blogs at ProgressOhio

What Happened to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Doug — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:31:40 EDT

Five signers were captured by the British and brutally tortured as traitors. Nine fought in the War for Independence and died from wounds or from hardships they suffered. Two lost their sons in the Continental Army. Another two had sons captured. At least a dozen of the fifty-six had their homes pillaged and burned.

What kind of men were they? Twenty-five were lawyers or jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers or large plantation owners. One was a teacher, one a musician, and one a printer. These were men of means and education, yet they signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing full well that the penalty could be death if they were captured.

In the face of the advancing British Army, the Continental Congress fled from Philadelphia to Baltimore on December 12, 1776. It was an especially anxious time for John Hancock, the President, as his wife had just given birth to a baby girl. Due to the complications stemming from the trip to Baltimore, the child lived only a few months.

William Ellery's signing at the risk of his fortune proved only too realistic. In December 1776, during three days of British occupation of Newport, Rhode Island, Ellery's house was burned, and all his property destroyed.

Richard Stockton, a New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice, had rushed back to his estate near Princeton after signing the Declaration of Independence to find that his wife and children were living like refugees with friends. They had been betrayed by a Tory sympathizer who also revealed Stockton's own whereabouts. British troops pulled him from his bed one night, beat him and threw him in jail where he almost starved to death. When he was finally released, he went home to find his estate had been looted, his possessions burned, and his horses stolen. Judge Stockton had been so badly treated in prison that his health was ruined and he died before the war's end. His surviving family had to live the remainder of their lives off charity.

Carter Braxton was a wealthy planter and trader. One by one his ships were captured by the British navy. He loaned a large sum of money to the American cause; it was never paid back. He was forced to sell his plantations and mortgage his other properties to pay his debts.

Your Weekly Address From The President Of The United States: On the 4th of July, Overcoming Americas Challenges

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:18:28 EDT

The President recounts America’s great history of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, and pledges to lead America in continuing that tradition.

Focusing on creating a clean energy economy, comprehensive health reform, and revitalizing an education system in need of change, the President pledges not to leave these decades-old problems to yet another generation to solve.

Watch It:

Green Energy Updates From Various States

Dennis Spisak — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:48:28 EDT

Green Energy Updates From Various States

Environment and Renewable Energy: As the Vermont National Resources Council reports, lawmakers passed a far-reaching energy bill to stimulate renewable energy projects. By passing H446, the Council says Vermont is the first state in the nation to create a state program for the development of small-scale renewable energy products through a standard offer contract. Broadly, the law uses a "standard offer contract" to guarantee a predictable rate paid by Vermont utilities for renewable energy. It authorizes municipalities to help property owners finance renewable energy projects through creation of "clean energy assessment districts" and strengthens standards for energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. The bill also expands the Clean Energy Development Fund, which supports VT-based renewable electric energy projects and directs federal stimulus money to the Fund. Other provisions will ease restrictions on residential installation of renewable energy and energy efficiency devices.
Minnesota Energy: The Energy Stimulus Bill included $132 million for low income weatherization assistance, $9.5 million for energy-efficiency improvements in commercial projects and industrial facilities, and $2 million in grants to help businesses manufacture renewable-energy technology components. It also included equitable access for disadvantaged women-owned businesses and businesses of color; and reports progress on how weatherization programs have explicitly benefited people of color and low income people. (SF 550)
Nevada: Energy and the Environment: A package of bills on renewable energy was one of the few areas in which the Legislature and the governor's office reached consensus this session.
· SB 358 creates the renewable energy and energy efficiency authority and establishes the position of the Nevada Energy Commissioner.
· AB 522 extends and improves tax abatements for large-scale solar and other renewables. In an attempt to have the economic benefits pass through to Nevadans, the legislation requires that developers taking advantage of the incentives make a minimum capital investment in the state, create a minimum number of jobs, establish a minimum average hourly wage, and requires a minimum level of benefits, including health insurance to be provided to workers.
· SB395 is part of a package of measures aimed at transforming Nevada from a state that spends $9 billion on fuel costs and importing energy to a renewable energy exporter. The legislation encourages renewable energy development, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and requires state buildings to adopt energy and water efficiency standards. It also increases Nevada's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that at least 25 percent of electricity come from renewable sources by 2025 and requires car dealers to disclose the amount of carbon dioxide starting with 2012 models.
· SB114 ensures homeowner associations cannot restrict a homeowner's right to install and use solar energy systems on his property.
· SB 152 allows for the use of stimulus funds to train an approximate 3,200 workers to perform weatherization, energy retrofit projects and energy audits.
While the Federal Government drags it’s feet on renewable energies, it’s great to see individual states pick up the ball and move forward on renewable energy resources for the future!
Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green Party
www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/

SEIU 1199 HEALTH CARE WORKERS PRAISE SEN. BROWN FOR LEADERSHIP ON FIXING HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

SEIU District 1199 — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:04:39 EDT

NEW BILL FOR SEN. BROWN’S COMMITTEE STEP TOWARD AFFORDABLE, GUARANTEED HEALTH CARE

Columbus, Ohio — Healthcare workers in SEIU District 1199 today praised to Sen. Sherrod Brown for taking the lead to make healthcare affordable and guaranteed for working families.

Sen. Brown is a member of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, who’s newly announced bill on healthcare reform is viewed by healthcare workers who belong to SEIU District 1199 as a significant step towards making healthcare affordable and accessible.

The bill drives down costs for families through meaningful reforms that reduce premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for working families, guarantees the choice of a quality public health insurance option, and ensure that employers will take responsibility for helping workers pay for healthcare.

“Senator Brown and the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee’s proposal for a strong public health insurance option as part of comprehensive health care reform is what Ohio needs to drive down costs, extend coverage and enhance consumer choice for Ohioans,” said Becky Williams, President of District 1199.

SEIU members believe that everyone—individuals, business, and government—must come together and share responsibility in solving America's healthcare crisis.

By building on the employer-based system, the Senate HELP Committee has lowered costs and put money back in working families’ pockets through employer responsibility and a strong public health insurance plan.

Otherwise, reform will be meaningless if working people can’t afford to purchase coverage or can’t afford to get the care they need once they are covered.

Another Victory for the Public Option

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:44:20 EDT

Kay Hagan (D-NC) joins Arlen Specter as yet another Senator who had been openly skeptical of including a public option in the health care reform bill and has now come to embrace it.

In the latest proposal from the Senate's HELP committee, the public option has been rebranded the Community Health Insurance Option. Here are Sen. Hagan's remarks from yesterday about the plan:

"My colleagues and I on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee have been working on a plan to reform the health care system in this country. We have crafted a plan that will stabilize health care costs and includes a Community Health Insurance Option, which I support. It is a backstop option for people without access to affordable coverage. Health care providers will not be required to participate, payment rates will be set in a competitive fashion, and the community health insurance option will compete on a level playing field with private health insurance plans in the gateway."

The public option is a critical part of any serious effort to reform health care and is one of Health Care for America Now's reform principles.

Health Care Reform: We Can't Wait!

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:07:15 EDT

Lorraine Bieber, ProgressOhio, Anthony Caldwell and Bryce Stoepfe of SEIU1199

Two hundred and thirty three years ago, our countrymen declared their independence from the tyrannical British Empire.

Today, will you declare your independence from the tyrannical insurance industry and demand the choice of a public health insurance option?

Click here to sign the petition and declare your independence from the insurance industry!

On July 4, with our friends at SEIU, we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15), who has been fighting for us in Congress.

All over the country today, thousands of Americans are holding these truths to be self-evident - we need health care reform that will provide:

Coverage we can afford;

Comprehensive benefits we can count on;

Choice of a private or public health insurance plan; and

Equal access to quality care

When Representative Kilroy returns to Congress after the July 4 recess, she'll be armed with your signature and those of thousands of other fifteenth district patriots.

So join us and declare your independence today!

Sign the petition and throw off the shackles of the insurance industry.

Video: Hillary Clinton's 4th of July Message To American Embassies Around The World

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:54:25 EDT

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a 4th of July message, which was given to U.S. Embassies worldwide to play at their 4th of July celebrations.

Watch It:

Hello everyone. I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States as we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday.
For Americans, the 4th of July is a day to reconnect with loved ones, to remember our history, and to renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance, and justice. As President Obama said in Cairo last month, these are not just American values, these are core principles we share with people everywhere. So it is fitting that we open our doors and share this day with our friends and neighbors around the world.

Our fates and our fortunes are intertwined like never before. No one nation can meet today’s global challenges alone. We all share responsibility for working together to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future.

So I hope that today’s celebration will become tomorrow’s partnership. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish, no challenge we can’t meet, if we work together toward common goals and seek common ground.
Thank you so much for joining us and have a wonderful 4th of July.

Energy standard boosts rural Kansas, Why Not Ohio?

Dennis Spisak — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:32:23 EDT

Energy standard boosts rural Kansas, Why Not Ohio?
BY CHUCK HASSEBROOK
A proposal that would increase wind generation of electricity is the most significant legislation before Congress this year for bringing jobs and revitalization to rural Kansas.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., did the right thing last week by voting in support of a renewable electricity standard. It would require that a very modest 11 percent of the nation's electricity come from wind and other renewable sources. And Brownback stood firm when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee considered a number of amendments designed to weaken the boost for wind energy in the bill.
Western Kansas is the Saudi Arabia of wind energy. Dodge City is the nation's windiest city, according to the National Climatic Data Center. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Kansas has the third-greatest overall potential among the states for wind-energy production, and western Kansas is the best of the best.
Neither coal nor nuclear provides the economic boost that rural Kansas needs. No area has a bigger stake in legislation before Congress to increase renewable electric generation.
Wind energy means increased economic opportunity in rural areas. A Department of Energy study envisions Kansas becoming a major exporter of wind-generated electricity. It concluded that ramping up wind generation to 20 percent of the nation's electricity would create 3,100 permanent jobs in rural Kansas.
Seven times that many jobs would be created during wind turbine construction. Farmers and ranchers with turbines on their land would receive rental payments of $21 million annually ($5,000 per turbine each year), and potentially more in profits, if allowed to share in the ownership of wind turbines.
Rural America -- especially the western Kansas wind belt -- would be a big winner from an ambitious standard for renewable wind energy production. So would the rest of the nation.
Renewable energy serves the common good. It addresses the very real threats of reduced crop production and extreme weather damage, including lives lost, from climate change.
Though there are skeptics, the world's leading climate scientists have concluded that it is 90 percent likely that fossil-fuel emissions are causing climate change. We won't know with 100 percent certainty until it's too late to do anything about it. That makes it imperative that we take commonsense, practical steps now, like investing in wind-energy development.
Wind energy is practical. The Department of Energy study, published by the Bush administration, concluded that building a strong national transmission system largely would overcome the problem of local variability in wind and wind-electric generation. And wind electricity is affordable. The study estimated that we could pay off the costs of the new turbines and transmission lines with savings in fuel costs, plus about 50 cents per U.S. household per month.
That's a small price to pay for significant progress in addressing the very real threat of climate change and revitalizing rural America.
Chuck Hassebrook is the executive director for the Center for Rural Affairs, based in Lyons, Neb.
Rural Areas across Ohio and all America can benefit from wind and solar power! That’s why a yes vote in the Senate will be important to all America when the Energy Bill hits the Senate floor later this year!

Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green Party

www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/

Strickland to Harris: Stay Put this Weekend

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:45:03 EDT

Gov. Ted Strickland stepped things up this afternoon calling for the Statehouse to stay in Columbus until the budget is resolved.

Gov. Strickland also acknowledged that he expects political attacks come campaign season over his decision to recommend racetrack video gamblingover further budget cuts.

Health Care for America Now Applauds Senator Brown for Supporting Real Health Care Reform

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:25:30 EDT

Columbus, Ohio - ProgressOhio a member of the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) coalition - the nation's largest health care campaign - released the following statement today in response to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP) Committee's legislation for health care reform:

"We thank Senator Brown for his support of legislation that will give Americans all across this country what they want - a choice of a strong public health insurance option that will provide lower costs and keep the insurance companies honest. The bill that Senator Brown will vote for will make sure that Americans can keep their own insurance if they want or choose a new alternative to the private insurance industry. That new public health insurance option will encourage better health care delivery at lower cost. The legislation will also make good, affordable health care available to middle-class families in Ohio and includes strict rules to stop insurance company abuses. The bill is a good prescription for health care reform.
Last week well over a hundred HCAN volunteers travelled to Washington, DC from Ohio as part of a 10,000 person rally and grassroots lobby day. Clearly our voices were heard. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to work with Senator Brown and the entire Ohio Congressional delegation to be sure that Congress enacts legislation this year that will make sure every family in Ohio has good, affordable health coverage and lower costs."
- Brian Rothenberg, Executive Director, ProgressOhio.

Statement by the President on Health Care Reform Bill Released by Senate HELP Committee Today

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:38:51 EDT

For decades, Washington has failed to act as health care costs continued to rise, crushing businesses, families and placing an unsustainable burden on governments. Today the Senate HELP committee has produced legislation that lowers costs, protects choice of doctors and plans and assures quality and affordable health care for Americans. The Congressional Budget Office has now issued a more complete review of this bill, concluding that it will cost less and cover more Americans than originally estimated. It also contains provisions that will protect the coverage Americans get at work. When merged with the Senate Finance Committee’s companion pieces, the Senate will be prepared to vote for health reform legislation that does not add to the deficit, reduces health care costs and covers 97% of Americans.
The HELP Committee legislation reflects many of the principles I’ve laid out, such as reforms that will prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and the concept of insurance exchanges where individuals can find affordable coverage if they lose their jobs, move or get sick. Such a marketplace would allow families and some small businesses the benefit of one-stop-shopping for their health care coverage and enable them to compare price and quality and pick the plan that best suits their needs.
Among the choices that would be available in the exchange would be a public health insurance option. The public option would make health care affordable by increasing competition, providing more choices and keeping the insurance companies honest.
The legislation also improves the quality of patient care, improves safety for patients and strengthens the commitment to preventive health care – preventing people from getting sick in the first place.
I thank chairman Kennedy, Senator Dodd, and all the members of the HELP Committee for their hard work on health reform.

Stand With The President!

Sign the Declaration of Support and
Tell Congress to Pass Real Health Care Reform in 2009.

Kennedy, Dodd Deliver Strong Public Option Bill That Is $400 Billion Below Estimates

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:56:31 EDT

Revised Senate Health Bill Includes Employer Mandate, Public Plan Option

Revised draft health care legislation would result in insurance coverage for 97 percent of Americans at a lower cost than expected — about $611 billion over 10 years, leaders of a key Senate committee say.

The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee could resume work next week on the latest version of an overhaul bill, released Wednesday night.

Chairman Edward M. Kennedy , D-Mass., and Sen. Christopher J. Dodd , D-Conn., outlined the revised measure in a letter to other panel members. The Congressional Budget Office’s estimate of the bill’s cost and coverage puts a far better shine on the legislation than its assessment of an earlier, incomplete version in which CBO said it would cost $1 trillion over 10 years and cover only about 16 million of the 47 million uninsured Americans.

The latest draft bill includes a government-run health insurance plan that would compete with private insurers. It also would mandate employers to provide health insurance to their workers or pay a fee instead — a so-called “pay-or-play” requirement that is opposed by many business lobbying groups but drew important support this week from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Businesses with 25 or more employees that don’t offer insurance would have to pay the government $750 per worker per year, or $375 for part-time workers. Those with fewer than 25 employees would be exempt from the requirement.

Together, the two new sections increased the bill’s coverage and reduced its cost, according to CBO.

American Clean Energy and Security Act and the importance of agriculture’s inclusion in forthcoming climate legislation.

Dennis Spisak — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:55:23 EDT

American Clean Energy and Security Act and the importance of agriculture’s inclusion in forthcoming climate legislation.

There were several key components of the American Clean Energy and Security Act that are critical to ensuring that agriculture will be a strong contributor to curbing the impacts of climate change including:
o A robust offset trading market will be widely available to producers. To ensure this type of market, the USDA will now implement this program with farm and forestry projects to offset carbon emissions from the capped sectors instead of the EPA. This will result in greater producer participation.
o Producers will have good opportunities to generate wind and solar energy, and to utilize digester technologies to producer biogas or electricity. Further, additional changes make biomass power generation more accessible to producers.
o Several provisions in the bill recognize pioneering producers who have already begun to institute conservation and stewardship practice that sequester carbon.
• This legislation provides the possibility for hundreds of millions of acres of farmland to be tended with greater conservation practices.
• Agriculture has a key role to play in US efforts to curb climate change and any legislation that is written for this purpose must include a role for agriculture. When the house votes again later this year on climate legislation, ask them to make sure that agriculture is included.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just another reason why a yes vote was important on this bill. Too bad Ohio Congressman Charlie Wilson who also lives in a rural area failed to see the benefits to farmers, but could only see the problems this bill would cause to his big time lobbyists in the coal industry. Charlie Wilson doesn’t support farmers in his district, He only supports Dirty Coal Lobbyists!

Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green party

www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/

Take the Voinovich Temper Quiz (2009 edition) We're gonna miss you George

Brian Rothenberg, Executive Director — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:13:40 EDT

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich’s decision to drop an f-bomb in a private conversation with Karl Rove inspired a 2007 trivia quiz. His recent off-color assessment of the new climate change bill prompted us to update the survey.

As long-time Georgiephiles know, Ohio's senior senator has a temper than can be real hot.

Take the Temper Trivia Test to see just how hot.

1. When the FAA grounded his state airplane to clear the airspace for President Clinton, Voinovich told the control tower to go:

A. blow

B. screw themselves

C. screw the Democrats

D. fly a kite

E. to hell.

2. When the FAA grounded his state airplane to clear the airspace for President Clinton, Voinovich called the decision:

A. bullsh*t

B. horsesh*t

C. cow sh*t

D. a vast left-wing conspiracy

E. Dick Celeste's fault.

3. After the incident, the FAA fined Voinovich and accused him of trying to:

A. impersonate a licensed pilot

B. impersonate an air traffic controller

C. impersonate a rational man

D. endanger the life or property of another.

E. harm the reputation of the United States Senate.

4. When welfare recipients descended on the Statehouse to protest then-Gov. Voinovich's plans to cut welfare benefits he:

A. ordered the Ohio Highway Patrol to remove them

B. ordered the Ohio National Guard to shoot them

C. ordered Mike Dawson to spin them

D. blamed Dick Celeste

E. cried

5. As Cleveland Mayor, Voinovich hosted a news conference to urge people to patronize the struggling Cleveland Indians. When a reporter pressed the mayor for information about the last time he had attended a game, Mayor Voinovich blurted out:

A. Go Browns. And take the Indians with you.

B. Who-Dey!

C. Rah, rah, rah. Get behind the team.

D. The tickets are too pricey.

E. Frank Celeste hated baseball.

6. When the Ohio Supreme Court first ruled that the state's system of funding public schools was unconstitutional, Voinovich's initial response was to:

A. cry

B. blame Dick Celeste and the Democrats

C. want to strip the court of its authority to determine what constitutes a constitutional school-funding plan

D. put out a contract on Paul Pfeifer and Andy Douglas

E. cry harder

7. When the Ohio Supreme Court again ruled that the state's system of funding public schools was unconstitutional, Voinovich responded by:

A. accusing the OEA of being greedy

B. accusing Democrats of being greedy

C. accusing Pfeifer and Douglas of being Democrats

D. blaming Dick Celeste

E. appointing a commission

8. When explaining his opposition to cap and trade legislation, Senator Voinovich said:

A. “They should call it crap and trade.”

B. “There is just a lot of crap in there.”

C. “Where did all this crap come from?’’

D. “Who gives a crap?’’

E. “If crap falls in the forest, and no one else is present, does it really make a smell?’’

Answers:

1. B (screw themselves)

2. A (bullsh*t)

3. D (endanger the life or property of another)

4. E (cried)

5. C (Rah, rah, rah. Get behind the team).

6. B (blame Dick Celeste and the Democrats ) and C (wanted to strip the court of its authority)

7. E. (appointing a commission)

8. B (There is just a lot of crap in there.)

Non-Temper Bonus Question:

On the day of his inauguration as governor, a tuxedo-clad Voinovich signaled his desire to tighten the state's belt when he:

A. Sold inaugural mugs engraved with "Let's Work Harder and Smarter and Do More With Less.''

B. Gave free inaugural pencils stenciled with "Let's Work Harder and Smarter and Do More With Less.''

C. Signed an executive order to cap state spending.

D. Signed an executive order to cap tuition at public colleges.

E. Picked a penny out of a urinal.

Answer to Bonus Question:

E. Picked a penny out of a urinal

BREAKING: Christopher Celeste Endorses Jennifer Brunner for U.S. Senate

Lorraine Bieber — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:50:38 EDT

Christopher Celeste, who had previously explored a possible U.S. Senate run for 2010, has endorsed Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner for the seat over her primary opponent, Lee Fisher.

In his May announcement that he would not seek the seat, Celeste had hinted at his support for Brunner.

Celeste's full endorsement:

To My Friends & Other Ohioans Interested in Ohio's Future:

As some of you know, for the past six months I actively explored entering the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator George Voinovich. As part of that process I spoke at length with personal friends and advisers in Ohio and nationally; as well as with both of the already announced Democratic candidates, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. For a variety of personal and political reasons--and despite my strong desire to be an agent of change in the public realm--I ultimately decided entering this particular race, at this particular time, would not be in my party's, or my, best interest.

That said, my belief that this election is crucial to Ohio's future remains unchanged.

The problems (and opportunities) we face in this state are too large to be tackled by local or state officials alone. Long overdue urban revitalization. Reinvention of our historic manufacturing base. Exploding health-care costs that choke families and business alike. Outdated education systems that fail our children. Again and again, we face changing realities in our communities whose scale and complexity require political leadership at the federal level capable of sustained, creative--at times even courageous--reinvention. In my opinion, this isn't just about electing one party versus the other. It's about electing one type of leader versus another. Like our recently elected president, what we need is a leader with the courage to lead, especially when the path ahead may be challenging or unpopular. Not just another politician (Democrat or Republican) with a "wait-and-see" attitude.

As it turns out, much like in the last Presidential primary, two well-regarded and experienced officeholders are now making their case to Democratic primary voters about why they should be the party's nominee in the Fall. They are both formidable politicians who have won statewide, and worked long and hard on behalf of Ohioans. And while I respect both Lee and Jennifer for their commitment to public service, after much thought, I have decided to support, invest in and personally work on behalf of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

Jennifer's public leadership demonstrates an impressive mix of creativity, collaboration, and courage. Whether spearheading innovative drug-intervention methods from the bench, or being an early and consistent advocate of equality for all Ohioans, or protecting the basic integrity of our election process itself, Jennifer Brunner is a not a wait-and-see politician. Equally important, as a woman who started her own law practice in the corner of her home while raising a family, Jennifer has an intimate appreciation for what everyday Ohioans encounter when they face off against their own daily struggles. This combination of political and personal tenacity make Jennifer a woman unafraid to lead. Already her efforts have garnered positive national recognition, including being awarded the 2008 John F. Kennedy "Profile in Courage" Award for her stewardship of Ohio's election reforms.

It's for these reasons and many others I am speaking out on behalf of Jennifer now, in her primary race. And why I believe she will also be the Democratic Party's strongest candidate on the ballot in November. Please join me in being an early, vocal, and unapologetic supporter of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

It is time for Ohio to recapture its historic spirit of pioneering leadership -- and I believe Jennifer's election as an unrelenting agent of positive change, as well as our state's first female United States Senator will do just that.

With respect & enthusiasm,

Christopher

Christopher A. Celeste

Health Care We Can't Wait!

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:22:22 EDT

Two hundred and thirty three years ago, our countrymen declared their independence from the tyrannical British Empire.

Today, will you declare your independence from the tyrannical insurance industry and demand the choice of a public health insurance option?

Click here to sign the petition and declare your independence from the insurance industry!

On July 4, with our friends at SEIU, we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo we will present the signatures to Representative Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15), who has been fighting for us in Congress.

All over the country today, thousands of Americans are holding these truths to be self-evident - we need health care reform that will provide:

Coverage we can afford;

Comprehensive benefits we can count on;

Choice of a private or public health insurance plan; and

Equal access to quality care

For too long, the insurance industry has held us in their monopolistic grip, so much so that there is no competition in 94% of our communities.1 We have no choice but to pay their absurd rates and receive their sub-standard care so they can pay their CEOs another bonus.

No more! With the choice of a public health insurance option the industry will finally have a competitor strong enough to keep them honest. With this choice, we can restore stability to our lives, with no more unaffordable and low-quality coverage.
When Representative Kilroy returns to Congress after the July 4 recess, she'll be armed with your signature and those of thousands of other fifteenth district patriots.

So join us and declare your independence today!

Sign the petition and throw off the shackles of the insurance industry.

To your health,

Brian Rothenberg
Executive Director
ProgressOhio.org

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Slot Hearings to Start - Possible Budget Breakthrough

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:06:38 EDT

Senate President Bill Harris will hold hearings tomorrow on the Gov. Strickland's plan to allow video gambling at racetracks.

Harris has many questions: How did the administration arrive at the $933 million estimate? What will happen to school funding if those revenues are not realized? Would the state and the schools realize more money if the licenses were competitively bid? Is the Lottery Commission adequately prepared to take on these new responsibilities, especially if the change occurs immediately?

[...] The hearings could represent a breakthrough on the slots impasse. Some members of Harris' caucus want such gambling at the tracks, and it's possible that Harris would allow them to be included in the budget if he is satisfied that all questions have been answered.

Check out the end of the article for some fun down-dressing of top Republican slot proponent Sen. Bill Seitz by Harris. Seitz said slots had the support of about half the Republican caucus, which should give it enough votes for passage without extensive horse-trading.

Ohio Supreme Court Hands Down Abortion, Contraception Decisions

Bret Thompson, ProgressOhio — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:14:59 EDT

Two reproductive right decisions were issued by the Ohio Supreme Court earlier this morning. In one, Planned Parenthood of SW Ohio was barred from being forced to hand over confidential medical records as part of a lawsuit.

In the other, the court ruled 4-3 that state law requires RU-486 be dispensed consistent with national FDA guidelines.

Recovery Act Funding To Jump Start Affordable Housing Construction In Ohio

Dave Harding, ProgressOhio — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:10:39 EDT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $83,484,547 to jump start affordable housing programs in Ohio that are currently stalled due to the current economic recession. Funded through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), HUD’s new Tax Credit Assistance Program (TCAP) will allow the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to resume funding of affordable rental housing projects across the state while stimulating employment in the construction trades.

“The intended purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to jumpstart the nation’s ailing economy, with a primary focus on creating and saving jobs in the near term,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “The funding being awarded today is an important step in achieving the goal of putting American people back to work while at the same time providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income families at a time when it is needed more than ever.”

The current economic and financial crises present significant challenges for the construction industry, particularly residential construction. One of the by-products of this crisis has been the freezing of investments in the LIHTC market. Tax credits provide an incentive for investors to provide capital to developers to build multi-family rental housing for moderate- and low-income families across the nation. Since the contraction of the credit market, and as traditional investors remain on the sidelines, the value of tax credits has plummeted. Consequently, as many as 1,000 projects (containing nearly 150,000 units of housing) are on hold across the country.

In response, the Recovery Act provides $2.25 billion for TCAP, a grant program to provide capital investments in these stalled Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. HUD is awarding these TCAP grants by formula to state housing credit agencies to complete construction of qualified housing projects that will ultimately provide affordable housing to an estimated 35,000 households nationwide. Since a major purpose of this program is job creation, the Recovery Act establishes ambitious deadlines for expenditure of grant funds and requires state housing credit agencies to give priority to projects that can begin immediately and be completed by February 16, 2012.

Healthcare for All

Dennis Spisak — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:53:08 EDT

Healthcare for All
It is immoral for a country as wealthy as ours to have 45 million people with no health coverage, and tens of millions more with inadequate or overly expensive coverage. It also makes no economic sense; despite spending twice as much as other industrialized nations on healthcare, our system performs poorly because the private U. S. insurance bureaucracy soaks up nearly one-third of all health care money in waste, profits, paperwork and advertising. Poor health and poor health care are drags on the economy and job creation; up to half of all personal bankruptcies are caused by health care crises.
The Green Party supports Rep. John Conyers bill, H.R. 676, which establishes streamlined, nonprofit national health insurance--enhanced Medicare for All--that would negotiate drug and treatment costs. By replacing private insurers and recouping administrative savings of up to $300 billion per year, this single-payer approach provides topnotch health care to everyone. Care would be privately delivered by healers and hospitals, but publicly financed--with no bills, co-pays, deductibles, denials or medically-induced bankruptcies. The Green Party also supports health care initiatives at the state and local level that move us toward a nonprofit single-payer system.
Dennis Spisak
Mahoning Valley Green Party
Ohio Green Party
www.ohiogreens.org
www.votespisak.org/thinkgreen/