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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Taxation is moving forward with a major technology upgrade designed to increase the scope of customer services, the efficiency of operations, and the effectiveness of tax collections.
Over the next four-and-a-half years, the upgrade will replace the department's 27 existing computer systems, some dating back to the 1980s, with a coordinated package of hardware and software called STARS, or the State Taxation Accounting and Revenue System.
"This project is a critical investment for the future of the department and a significant commitment to building a more effective, efficient operation." Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin said.
The department estimates that the project will more than pay for itself by reducing costs and increasing revenue collections.
During the first of six phases, the STARS project will replace the computer systems that help administer the state sales and use tax, the corporation franchise tax, and employer withholding for state and school district income taxes. Phase One changes are scheduled for completion by the end of 2009; computer systems supporting all the remaining taxes are scheduled to come online by the end of 2012.
STARS is expected to generate a $271 million return on investment during the first six years of operations through a combination of reduced expenses and more efficient tax collections. The new system is also expected to greatly expand customer service options, including the potential for taxpayers to directly access and manage their tax accounts.
The Ohio General Assembly approved the project last year in House Bill 119, the two-year operating budget bill. The project cost, estimated at $53.5 million, will be financed as a capital expense through the use of certificates of participation.
The department, in collaboration with the Ohio Office of Information Technology, recently awarded a contract for STARS to a vendor team lead by EDS, the Texas-based technology firm. Other vendors on the team include Oracle, CGI and Menya Communications.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that funding to assist eligible households with summer cooling costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program is available beginning on July 1, 2008, through Aug. 31, 2008.
"Part of our State's mission is to help improve the quality of life for our citizens, and our Summer Crisis Program reaches out directly to Ohioans who are the most susceptible to heat-related health problems," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We are working closely with our collaborating local agencies throughout the State to help ensure that the Ohioans who need it the most get the assistance they deserve."
The HEAP Summer Crisis Program provides assistance to low-income households with an elderly member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health. These households are eligible for electric bill payment assistance up to $100. Air conditioners or fans may be available on a limited basis within the $100 benefit cap. Due to limited funding for the program this year, residents are encouraged to work with their local community action, job and family services, and faith-based organizations for additional assistance. For many eligible customers, $100 will cover one month's electric bill.
The Ohio Department of Development assisted more than 387,000 Ohio families during the 2007-2008 winter heating season; approximately 30,000 more than the year before. The Department of Development and its counterparts are all encouraging the federal government to provide more money for HEAP to address increasing demand for energy assistance.
The gross income of eligible households must be at or below 175 percent of the 2008 federal poverty guidelines listed below:
1 - up to $18,200
2 - up to $24,500
3 - up to $30,800
4 - up to $37,100
5 - up to $43,400
6 - up to $49,700
7 - up to $56,000
8 - up to $62,300
For households with more than eight members, add $6,300 for each additional member.
For more information, call the toll-free HEAP hotline at 1-800-282-0880. The hearing impaired may dial 1-800-686-1557 for assistance. For information on the HEAP Summer Crisis Program Web site please click here.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Zoonotic Disease Program today confirmed the first evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in Ohio in 2008. The WNV-positive mosquitoes from Cuyahoga County were submitted by the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
To date, there have been no WNV-positive bird, horse or human cases but this testing affirms the need for Ohioans to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water to reduce their chances of WNV infection. Ohio has recorded human cases of WNV each year since 2002 when there were 441 cases. There were 108 in 2003, 12 in 2004, 61 in 2005, 48 in 2006 and 23 in 2007.
WNV is an unpredictable virus and it is not possible to predict how the 2008 season will unfold. ODH urges Ohioans to take the following personal protection measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against possible WNV infection:
To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites: Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; if you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellent and follow the label directions.
To eliminate mosquito breeding sites near your home: Remove all discarded tires and other water-holding containers, such as tin cans and unused flower pots, from your property. Eliminate standing water from your property. Make sure all roof gutters are clean and properly draining. Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty when not in use and drain water from pool covers. Change water in bird baths weekly.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed two executive orders aimed at maximizing the state's purchasing power for cost savings and increasing the effectiveness of two programs that help grow Ohio's minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.
"The initiatives announced today will greatly improve the way that the state conducts its business when purchasing goods and services," Strickland said. "Both executive orders are part of our continuing effort to reform government operations in a way that maintains our state's competitive advantage and attracts business to Ohio."
The first executive order reinforces the state's commitment to minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses by increasing participation in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs.
In this executive order, Strickland calls on each agency to appoint an equal employment opportunity officer and improve access to state contracts for MBE and EDGE vendors. Additionally, the executive order directs state agencies to track their spending with MBE and EDGE vendors through a scorecard system, set goals for improvement, and work closely with the Department of Administrative Services' Equal Opportunity Division, which oversees the programs and assists agencies with compliance.
"All businesses should have equal access to compete for and enter into state contracts," Strickland said. "While these programs exist to help bridge the economic gap for minorities and the disadvantaged, they ultimately create jobs and help small businesses grow and succeed."
Strickland also signed an executive order that outlines procurement reform efforts and directs all state agencies to work together for cost savings and efficiencies when purchasing supplies and services. In addition, the executive order directs the Department of Administrative Services to hire a chief procurement officer to oversee agency purchasing functions.
"By increasing collaboration among state agencies and ensuring accountability in our financial decisions, we will save money and allow government to run more efficiently," Strickland said.
State government spends $3.5 billion each year on supplies and services. By maximizing the state's purchasing power, state agencies are estimated to save between $34 million and $72 million annually – not including the additional savings that may be realized by collaboration among higher education institutions as well as local governments.
The executive order also implements Think Ohio First practices, which will promote economic development by maximizing the use of Ohio businesses when agencies conduct purchases. Additionally, the executive order calls for making greater use of technology in tracking and performing purchases statewide.
In early 2007, Strickland launched Advantage Ohio, which addresses regulatory reform, procurement reform, adjudicative hearing reform, and expansion of the Ohio Business Gateway. The procurement executive order implements the second piece of the four-part initiative as well as recommendations from a procurement reform panel that was formed last year.
The Advantage Ohio Procurement Reform Panel, which included representatives from the public and private sectors, made seven recommendations for state government procurement reform: Create a center-led supply organization, maximize purchasing power through leverage, apply a consistent strategic sourcing process, attract and retain talented supply management professionals, set annual targets and report results of procurement efforts, maximize the use of information technology, and accomplish the objectives without comprising supplier diversity and the quality of goods and services.
"By implementing these recommendations, we will make the most effective use of state resources while continuing to provide quality services to the people of Ohio," Strickland said.
The full text of the executive orders is included below:
______________________________
Ted Strickland, Governor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State
______________________________
Ted Strickland, Governor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed into law House Bill 562, the state's capital appropriations/budget corrections bill.
Following is the text of the governor's budget message:
Article II, SECTION 16 of the Ohio Constitution authorizes the Governor to veto any item or items in any bill making an appropriation of money. I have boxed and initialed text in Amended Substitute House Bill 562 that I have disapproved. All remaining text in the bill is approved. The reasons for my vetoes are set out below.
Introduction
The $1.3 billion capital and corrections bill reflects our continuing efforts to make Ohio an attractive place for increased economic development and job-creating opportunities. We know that by upgrading our infrastructure and by funding projects that improve our communities, we greatly enhance the quality-of-life of Ohioans and increase our ability to grow and keep jobs in the state.
The bill also addresses a significant shortfall in the state's biennial operating budget caused by a weakening national economy, a spike in oil prices, the housing crisis and slowing retail sales. As we deal with the current economic situation, the administration remains committed to living within our means while investing in the things that are truly important to Ohioans.
I signed this veto message on June 24, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio and transmitted it, today, with copies of the disapproved text, to the Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives.
In order to signal my approval of the text not disapproved by me, I have, today, also filed the enrolled and engrossed original copies of the bill with the Secretary of State.
___________________________
Ted Strickland, Governor
I acknowledge receipt of an original copy of this veto message, along with a copy of the disapproved text in the bill on June 24, 2008.
___________________________
Name of Officer
___________________________
Title of Officer
___________________________
Date and Time of Receipt
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Columbus, Ohio – A rate increase request by Dominion East Ohio should be rejected because the utility has failed to prove it needs additional money from its customers, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, will say today in testimony to be filed at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
"In our tough economic times, the PUCO should be especially cautious about raising customer rates. Dominion has not justified its rate increase request, and consumers should not bear the burden of higher utility bills," said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel.
In August 2007, Dominion East Ohio requested to increase its base rates – the distribution portion of a customer's bill that pays for services and pipes – by $75 million per year. The base rate portion of a customer's bill includes a flat-rate customer charge as well as a component that varies according to how much natural gas a customer uses. The cost of the natural gas itself is not part of this case.
Based on OCC's review, Dominion East Ohio does not need a revenue increase. This can be attributed, in part, to Dominion asking for unreasonable profit level; differences in the methods of accounting for pensions and employee benefits; and other expenses for which customers should not have to pay through rates. These issues more than offset the increase the utility seeks for delivering natural gas to its customers.
The level of the flat-rate customer charge is a point of contention in the Dominion East Ohio rate case as it has been in similar cases dealing with the rates of Ohio's major natural gas utilities.
The PUCO staff has recommended more than doubling Dominion East Ohio's flat-rate customer charge while lowering the usage-based charge. Currently, customers pay $4.38 per month (Northwest Ohio) and $5.70 per month (Northeast Ohio) as a flat-rate customer charge. The PUCO staff recommended raising this charge to $17.50 for all Dominion customers. The utility had only requested to set its customer charge at $5.70 per month for both service areas.
The OCC opposes raising the flat-rate customer charge because such a change in the rate structure would negatively impact customers who attempt to conserve energy and results in low-use customers subsidizing high-use customers.
"Loading more of Dominion's costs into the fixed customer charge limits the ability for consumers to control their monthly bills by being more energy efficient. With customers' budgets stretched thin, a higher flat-rate customer charge means customers would pay over $17 regardless of how much natural gas is used," Migden-Ostrander said.
The OCC also recommends that Dominion East Ohio increase its proposed investment in energy efficiency from $6 million per year to $15.6 million per year.
"With rising energy prices, Dominion and its customers need all the resources possible to help control residents' natural gas usage," said Migden-Ostrander. "Energy efficiency gets consumers the most benefits for their money."
The OCC encourages individual customers to share their opinions with the PUCO by writing letters. All letters and envelopes should reference Case Number 07-829-GA-AIR. Letters should be sent to: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Attn: Docketing Division, 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
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Columbus, Ohio – On June 5th the Ohio Lake Erie Commission approved the draft Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan 2008 (LEPR), which outlines actions that the Ohio Lake Erie Commission and its member agencies will take toward restoration of Lake Erie and its watershed.
Recent studies have shown that while the overall restoration of the Great Lakes could cost $26 billion dollars, this expenditure would yield more than $50 billion in long-term economic benefits and between $30 and $50 billion in short-term benefits. These studies have also shown that there would be a direct benefit of $2.1 to $3.7 billion to the Cleveland area alone.
The plan has been posted online at www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo for a June 13th - July 18th public comment period. Comments on the LEPR should be submitted in writing to the Lake Erie Commission via email to lakeeriecommission@ameritech.net or via postal mail to One Maritime Plaza, 4th Floor, Toledo, Ohio, 43604. Public comments will be incorporated into the plan's final draft, which will be presented to the Commission for approval at its September meeting.
Click here to view the LEPR 2008 PDF
The LEPR catalogues the state's commitment to improving Lake Erie as an economic and environmental resource critical to Ohio's future. The LEPR does not represent the commitment of federal, local, or private entities working to benefit Lake Erie. Action items for state fiscal years 2009-2011 are included within the plan, along with Strategic Objectives, which are meant to guide state actions through 2014.
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Columbus, Ohio – Today, law enforcement officials across Ohio prepare to launch a new plan that creates a statewide emergency alert program to aid in the identification and location of missing adults who are endangered and are sixty-five years of age or older or have a mental impairment.
Alerting the public about a missing child (the Amber Alert) is something Ohio has championed since its inception. Included on that list of public notification Ohio adds missing and endangered adults. The revision of Senate Bill 87 most notably creates the statewide emergency alert program to aid in the identification and location of missing persons who have a mental impairment or are 65 years of age or older. The program is required to be a coordinated effort among the Governor's office, the Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General, law enforcement agencies, public and commercial television and radio broadcasters. Arguably, these and other provisions of the bill largely mirror current law relative to the above-noted program to aid in the identification and location of abducted children. The state of Ohio has decided that rather than establishing and maintaining a new program specific to missing persons who have a mental impairment or are 65-years of age or older, state government will simply integrate the bill's requirements into their existing emergency alert program for locating abducted children.
"The missing adult alert system provides resources and coordination between various government agencies, law enforcement, media, and most importantly - the public who are the eyes and ears need to locate a missing person," says Mark Patchen, Technical Support Division Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Criteria to implement the Missing Adults system include:
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), along with local health officials in five counties, are investigating 16 cases of E. coli O157:H7.
Of Ohio's 16 cases, 10 are linked by genetic fingerprinting and public health investigators are working with clients to examine whether a common source of infection can be found. This genetic fingerprint also matches cases in Michigan. This could suggest a common source, but health officials do not have enough information to draw that conclusion.
ODH is working with colleagues in Delaware (one confirmed), Fairfield (three confirmed; one probable), Franklin (four confirmed; five probable), Lucas (one confirmed) and Seneca (one confirmed) counties, the State of Michigan and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to better understand the cause of these illnesses.
"We urge Ohioans to take steps to protect themselves against E. coli O157:H7 infection, not only now, but always," said ODH Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D. "Ohio averages about 140 cases annually and prevention is of key importance to avoiding this serious infection."
To protect yourself: Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before and after eating or preparing food and after touching animals; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. Cook ground beef to 160° F. Test the meat by putting a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Wash the thermometer after each use. Don't eat ground beef that is pink in the middle. If a restaurant serves you an undercooked hamburger, send it back for more cooking. Ask for a new bun and a clean plate, too.
Don't spread bacteria in your kitchen. Keep raw meat away from other foods. Wash your hands, cutting board, counter, dishes and silverware with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat, spinach, greens or sprouts. Never put cooked hamburgers or meat on the plate they were on before cooking. Drink only pasteurized milk, juice or cider. Frozen juice or juice sold in boxes and glass jars at room temperature has been pasteurized, although it may not say so on the label. Drink water from safe sources such as municipal water that has been treated with chlorine, wells that have been tested or bottled water. Wash all fruits and vegetables prior to eating them. Do not swallow lake or pool water while swimming.
People with E. coli O157:H7 typically have diarrhea, which can be bloody and severe, and abdominal cramps two to eight days after infection. People with these symptoms should see their physicians.
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Columbus, Ohio – In a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness in promoting safety and preparedness for severe thunder and lightning storms, Governor Ted Strickland proclaimed June 22-28, 2008 as "Lightning Safety Awareness Week." The governor's resolution is in conjunction with the National Weather Service's National Lightning Safety Awareness Week.
The purpose of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is to help safeguard people from the hazards of lightning and thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is considered an underrated risk because it generally does not cause mass property destruction and may claim one or two victims per incident.
A study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shows that between 1998 and 2007, Ohio had 14 deaths resulting from lightning strikes, ranking Ohio the eighth highest in the nation. Florida had the highest number of deaths during that period: 74. Nationwide last year, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning.
"When it comes to severe weather safety and preparedness, education is essential," said Gov. Strickland. "I applaud the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness for its dedication in helping Ohioans understand the dangers of lightning, thunderstorms, and other natural hazards that affect our great state."
The National Weather Service's safety slogan continues to be, "When thunder roars, go indoors!" Other safety tips promoted by the NWS and Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness are as follows:
Remember: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
For additional information on lightning safety and severe weather preparedness, visit the following sites:
www.redcross.org/services/disaster/ click on "Thunderstorms"
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Columbus, Ohio – The official start of summer is just days away and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) wants to have the safest summer on record. The Department is launching the "100 Days of Summer" safety program aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries on Ohio roads caused by impaired driving and failing to buckle up.
The Department's Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO, formerly the Governor's Highway Safety Office), the Division of EMS and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are teaming up and coordinating with other safety partners to remind motorists that simple steps like not driving impaired and buckling up will save lives.
In 2007, from June 21 through September 23, there were 424 fatalities on Ohio's roads. That means one person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every five hours last summer. Of those fatalities, 133 people of those who had seat belts available were not wearing them, and there were 165 fatalities and more than 3,800 crashes that were alcohol-related during that time period.
"Summer should be a time for fun, relaxation and vacations, but one thing that should never be relaxed is safety," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "A disproportionate number of deaths occur on our roadways during the summer months and we must reverse this trend."
Starting the week of June 21, OTSO will post a comparison of the number of traffic deaths that occurred on Ohio's roads each day during the summer of 2007 with the provisional fatality reports each day of the summer of 2008.
"The Ohio Traffic Safety Office is working to identify key areas – like impaired driving and seat belt use – to target at critical times during the year to decrease deaths and injuries on Ohio's roads," said Tina O'Grady, administrator of OTSO. "To truly make an impact, we need all of our safety partners working together to help us make this the safest summer on record."
Throughout the summer, expect the Ohio State Highway Patrol to be highly visible on the state's highways. Local law enforcement who receive grants from OTSO through OVI (Operating a Vehicle while Impaired) Task Forces and for high-visibility enforcement of key safety issues will be joining the effort along local roads, looking for impaired driving and other dangerous behaviors. The Department's Ohio Investigative Unit will be focusing on underage drinking this summer as well.
Partners like Safe Community organizations, Fire and EMS will also be working to spread the word and remind motorists of the importance of safety on the road this summer.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today announced a total of $390,235 in grants to 15 public colleges and universities across the state to expand recycling and waste reduction efforts on their campuses.
The grants range from $5,833 to $50,000, depending on the type of project funded and the grant amount requested. Institutions receiving grants will expand existing recycling programs, as well as initiate new ones. Many of the programs are innovative and virtually all involve increased education and awareness of the need for material conservation and waste reduction.
Funding for the grants comes from disposal fees on construction and demolition debris. A cash match of 50 percent is required of the institution receiving the grant.
The 2008 grant recipients are listed below by region:
The Central Ohio Technical College in Licking County received $16,224 to expand campus-wide recycling. Recycling will also be established at a newly constructed campus building that promises to generate a high amount of recyclable material. An estimated 16 tons of recyclables will be collected.
Columbus State Community College in Franklin County received $18,000 to establish logistics for recycling all construction and demolition debris from two campus building projects. The money will also fund a campus-wide waste stream audit. At least 96 tons of materials are expected to be recycled.
Jefferson Community College in Jefferson County received $12,883 to purchase recycling containers and equipment to expand its current program. The college will purchase a recycling trailer to transport materials. Paper will be marketed to a Recycling Market Development grantee. At least 22 tons of material will be recycled.
Kent State University Campus - East Liverpool in Columbiana County received $10,000 to establish recycling programs on the Kent State campuses in East Liverpool and Salem. The money will purchase numerous recycling containers and fund an education program for both students and faculty. An estimated 33 tons of materials are expected to be collected.
Kent State University - Tuscarawas in Tuscarawas County received $5,833 to expand current recycling by purchasing bins and storage buildings to hold materials for pick up. Students in Ecology classes will audit the waste generated at the school to determine the amount of waste material that has market value and to make improvements to the waste recovery program. This expansion will allow for the recycling of an additional 28 tons of materials.
Cuyahoga Community College in Cuyahoga County received $50,000 to expand recycling efforts by purchasing recycling containers for three main campus locations and the District Administration Building. About 20 tons of materials will be recycled.
Kent State University in Portage County received $10,000 to improve an existing recycling program and conduct a waste audit. The amount of recycled materials has leveled off over the last five years on campus and administrators believe that a waste audit will identify additional materials that can be recycled.
Bowling Green State University in Wood County received $50,000 to purchase equipment for processing 3,000 gallons of waste cooking oil generated from campus eateries to be used in lawn mowers. The lawn mowers will be modified to operate on this recycled fuel.
Northwest State Community College in Henry County received $50,000 to purchase plastic processing equipment for its Polymer Engineering Department. Plastic beverage containers generated on campus will be processed and made into items that promote recycling, polymer technology and the college.
The University of Toledo in Lucas County received $41,782 to establish recycling at its new Health Science Campus. The money will fund a recycling vehicle, containers and a waste audit. Approximately 30 tons of recyclables will be collected.
Shawnee State University in Scioto County received $14,255 to expand current recycling efforts that began in 2007. The money will purchase numerous recycling containers and pay for a contracted recycling service. One hundred additional tons of recycled materials will be collected and sold.
Central State University in Greene County received $24,000 to increase campus-wide recycling by conducting a waste audit, providing recycling containers and a recycling education and awareness campaign. A conservative estimate of four tons of materials will be collected.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Hamilton County received $45,831 to expand campus-wide recycling of paper, plastic, cardboard and aluminum cans. Recycling containers and signs will be purchased for 28 locations. In addition, the money will fund a waste audit of electronics to determine the volume that is disposed of on campus.
Miami University in Butler County received $14,760 to expand campus-wide recycling. Sixty-three buildings are targeted. The money will fund a waste audit to evaluate the effectiveness of the recycling program and make improvements where needed. Eighteen additional tons of materials are expected to be recycled.
Sinclair Community College in Montgomery County received $26,667 to process 500 gallons of waste cooking oil generated by campus eateries into fuel for lawn mowers. The mowers will be modified to run on this recycled fuel. The college will also conduct a waste audit and purchase recycling software to manage deconstruction and recycling efforts. Twenty-five tons of carpet will be recycled, in addition to other construction and demolition debris waste.
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Columbus, Ohio – A team of students from Chardon High School in Geauga County placed first in the 2008 Ohio Envirothon, held at Urbana University June 8-10, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This year marked Ohio's 20th annual Envirothon competition.
Twenty teams from 17 Ohio high schools participated in this year's outdoors competition, which tested students' knowledge of soils and land use, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues.
First prize was a check for $300 and registration as Ohio's representative to the North American Canon Envirothon, set for July 28-August 3 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. There, students from 55 states and provinces will compete for more than $125,000 in academic scholarships and prizes.
The Fort Jennings High School team from Putnam County finished second in Ohio's recent competition, taking home a check for $200. A team from Wynford High School in Crawford County placed third, taking home a check for $100. The team from Hardin Northern High School in Hardin County took honors as the high scoring "rookie" team in the event. Each of the teams also received a plaque to display at the school.
ODNR's Division of Soil & Water Conservation and the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts sponsor the annual event.
Each participating team earned the opportunity to compete at the state level by placing among the top four teams in five regional Envirothons that were held in April and May. In all, 343 teams competed for a chance to attend the state event.
Each year, the Envirothon focuses on a specific environmental issue. This year's topic, Recreational Impacts On Natural Resources, encouraged students to evaluate ways in which active and passive outdoor recreational pursuits impact the environment and how these impacts might be limited. In addition to five field-testing exercises, each team prepared a five-minute oral presentation which was delivered to a panel of ODNR experts.
Staff from ODNR, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, OSU Extension, and Champaign, Clark and Union County Soil & Water Conservation Districts prepared the state Envirothon questions.
High scores in the individual contest components were:
Soils/Land Use - Granville High School; Chardon High School Team A (tie)
Wildlife - Chardon Team A Aquatic Ecology - Fort Jennings High School Team 1; Fort Jennings Team 2; Hardin Northern High School (3 way tie)
Current Environmental Issue - Fort Jennings Team 1
Forestry - Chardon Team A; Hardin Northern; Fort Jennings Team 1 (3-way tie)
Oral Presentation - Chardon Team A
The Ohio Envirothon is funded by donations from individuals, individual county soil and water conservation districts, local businesses, agencies and organizations. Donors for the 2008 Ohio Envirothon included: American Electric Power, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Education Fund, the ODNR Divisions of Wildlife and Forestry, Pheasants Forever, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Credit Services, the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and Canon Envirothon.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson today announced the expansion of the award-winning Insure U consumer education program with new topic areas for consumers in four life situations: domestic partners, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and members of the military.
"Expanding the Insure U program directly reflects the varied life situations and needs that characterize our diverse nation," said Director Hudson. "Insure U is an important resource to help consumers better understand insurance issues specific to their experiences. I am proud that we have four new ways for Ohioans to get smart about insurance."
The Insure U curriculum, available at www.insureUonline.org, provides insurance tips and special considerations on four basic types of insurance: auto, home, health and life. The expanded topics build on the four life situations already available on the site: young singles, young families, established families and seniors.
In developing the new Insure U content, the Ohio Department of Insurance, along with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), conducted national research among domestic partners, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and members of the military.
The following is a summary of the key research findings:
The Insure U curriculum also provides information about how to avoid being scammed by fake insurance companies selling fraudulent insurance policies. Disaster preparedness and long-term care insurance tips are also included.
Ohioans who have questions about insurance should contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 1-800-686-1526. Language Line translation service is available for non-English speaking consumers who have questions.
Ohio consumers can find the Insure U web site, in English and Spanish, by going to www.ohioinsurance.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed several bills passed in the 127th General Assembly, including House Bill 554, the $1.57 billion bipartisan economic stimulus package.
State Representative Jay Hottinger sponsored House Bill 554, the $1.57 billion economic stimulus package, which makes investments in job-creating industries and in the state's communities, infrastructure and workforce to stimulate job creation and lay a foundation for long-term economic growth. The governor exercised his line-item veto power on three provisions of the bill: (1.) language that limits scientists' ability to conduct potentially life-saving stem cell research and hinders economic progress; (2.) the date (July 1, 2008) associated with the transfer of $200 million in budget stabilization funds to a local transportation fund for public works projects; and (3.) to change the name of the "Choose Ohio First Co-op/Internship Program" to the "Ohio Co-op/Internship Program," to avoid confusion with the already existing Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program, which applies exclusively to STEM disciplines.
State Senator Tim Schaffer sponsored SB 237, which changes the requirements regarding the length of stays for guests in transient hotels. Additionally, the legislation changes the title of the Office of the Fire Marshal to the Office of State Fire Marshal.
State Senator Bill Seitz sponsored SB 268, which authorizes a county contracting authority to use competitive sealed proposals instead of competitive sealed bidding in certain circumstances and establishes specified regulations for a county contracting authority's use of competitive sealed proposals.
State Senator Larry Mumper sponsored SB 271, which enacts several legislative changes related to boating safety. Additionally, the legislation raises the boat horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake in Ashtabula County from 9.9 hp to 20 hp. The bill contains an emergency clause so the provisions are in effect and enforceable for the 2008 boating season.
State Representative Ross McGregor sponsored HB 30, which requires a local authority to post signs when using traffic law photo-monitoring devices on a state highway and extends yellow lights by one second at intersections where such devices are being used. Additionally, the bill allows the Director of Transportation or a local authority to issue special permits for transporting steel coils.
State Representative Bob Gibbs sponsored HB 48, which allows charitable organizations and schools to sell donated items at an auction without having to license their organization.
State Representative Lynn Wachtmann sponsored HB 87, which designates the bridge on State Rt. 108 over the Maumee River in Napoleon as the "Henry County Veterans Bridge."
State Representative Jim McGregor sponsored HB 150, which encourages retail establishments to allow customers with specified medical conditions to use restrooms not normally available to the public. Additionally, the bill designates May 23 as "Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Day."
State Representative Arlene Setzer sponsored HB 181, which establishes notification and record-keeping procedures for a law enforcement agency and a school when a student from that school is the subject of a missing child report.
State Representative Shawn Webster sponsored HB 283, which allows for the possession and distribution of dangerous drugs, without a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs license, by certain business entities comprised solely of licensed health care professionals who are authorized to prescribe drugs and the professional services provided by the business entity.
State Representative Jim Carmichael sponsored HB 297, which designates May as "Ohio Lyme Disease Awareness Month."
State Representative Jim Hughes sponsored HB 346, which requires each hospital to create a written nursing services staffing plan that guides the assignment of nurses in the hospital.
State Representative Jay Hottinger sponsored HB 385, which allows lands that were purchased by a board of township trustees to preserve as a "greenspace" to be used for recreational purposes.
State Representative Arlene Setzer sponsored HB 428, which establishes new provisions and makes several changes regarding the reporting of and discipline for school employee misconduct.
State Representative Scott Oelslager sponsored HB 499, which provides clarifications and modifications to the Ohio Trust Code.
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Columbus, Ohio – As Ohio welcomes summer, Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is providing tips to Ohioans on ways to protect their homes from excessive damage in the event of severe weather. The tips were compiled in coordination with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"Unfortunately, a disaster can strike without notice or warning," said Director Hudson. "However, by taking precautionary steps, homeowners can reduce the damage caused by windstorms, floods and fires. These steps may qualify the homeowner for discounts from certain insurance companies."
The Ohio Department of Insurance suggests these tips for protecting homes against disasters:
Ohioans with questions concerning insurance are encouraged to call the Department's consumer services hotline, 1-800-686-1526. Additional tips and more information about insurance, including a link to the Insure U web site, can be found at the Department's web site, www.ohioinsurance.gov.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs today announced recommendations from the Ohio Agriculture to Chemicals, Polymers and Advanced Materials Task Force, also known as the Bioproducts Task Force, that will be submitted as part of a report to Governor Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly later this week.
The task force was created by House Bill 233 to identify ways in which Ohio can become a leader in the bioproducts industry by linking the state's $98 billion food and agriculture industry with its $49 billion chemical and polymer industries.
"Never before in our history has a commitment to renewable energy been as important, or as necessary," said Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "This task force and its recommendations illustrate that Ohio's economic sustainability is at the intersection of our historic agricultural strengths, our burgeoning advanced materials industry, and our innovative entrepreneurial community."
Bioproducts are commercial and industrial materials than can be made from agricultural products, rather than petroleum. Examples of bioproducts include lubricants, coatings and ink toner that are made from soybeans, as well as plastics and molded fiberglass made from corn and plant fibers. Ohio's research laboratories, both public and private, are developing new bioproducts, such as high performance rubber made from Russian dandelion--a crop that could be grown in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture chaired the Bioproducts Task Force. Other task force members included the Ohio Department of Development, the governor's energy advisor, state lawmakers, representatives of Ohio's agricultural, chemical and polymer industries, and the Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center.
"Over one hundred and fifty years ago, it was agriculture that met our food, energy, and material needs," said Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. "Now, as the surging demands upon limited petroleum supplies push oil prices to skyrocketing levels, I am convinced that our agricultural industry will again be a key driver to lead us into a new era of independence from petroleum."
Since its first meeting in February 2008, the task force received over 40 recommendations from industry experts and key stakeholders from across the state. Based upon its findings, the task force unanimously approved eleven key recommendations. Examples of the recommendations include:
The complete task force report will be submitted on June 14.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently added Ohio to a list of states that are not associated with the latest food safety alert for certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes, due to an outbreak of salmonellosis.
Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs informs Ohio consumers that Ohio-grown tomatoes are safe for consumption.
"The FDA has cleared Ohio tomatoes as part of their investigation, allowing consumers to buy with confidence," Boggs said. "Ohio is ranked fifth nationally in tomato production, and I'm glad that our producers won't feel the economic affects of this nationwide food safety alert."
According to the FDA, 145 cases of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Saintpaul have been reported since mid-April. The FDA recommends that consumers not eat raw red Roma, raw red Plum, raw Round red tomatoes, or products that contain these types of raw red tomatoes unless the tomatoes are from sources not associated with this outbreak.
A complete list of states, territories, or countries not associated with this outbreak is available at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html#retailers.
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Columbus, Ohio – Various cars, pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles and a go-cart will be available for purchase at the state of Ohio surplus vehicle auction Saturday, June 21.
The auction will be held at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, General Services Division headquarters, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus. The doors open at 8 a.m.; the auction will begin at 10 a.m.
A Cadillac sedan, various extended-cab pickup trucks, multiple Ford Crown Victoria cars, three kayaks, three all-terrain vehicles (ATV), two electric golf carts and a go-cart are among about 130 items up for auction. To view the items, please visit http://das.ohio.gov/gsd/PropFac/Surplus/nextauction.htm.
Vehicles may be inspected from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16 through 20. Vehicles may be started only from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. June 20. All vehicles are sold as is with no warranty. Thirty-day temporary tags will be available for purchase on site for $10 cash.
A deposit of at least 25 percent of the total purchase price must be paid on the day of the auction with the remaining balance paid in full by 2 p.m. Monday, June 23. Cash, cashier's check, business or personal checks and credit cards are accepted. All methods of payment other than cash must be approved by the auctioneers, Cassel & Associates.
All purchased vehicles must be picked up by Friday, June 27.
Surplus property auctions provide the general public an opportunity to purchase quality goods at reduced prices and enable the state to recoup a portion of its initial investment. Miscellaneous property and vehicle auctions have generated nearly $4 million to date during fiscal year 2008.
Public auctions are the last step in the state's surplus program. State agencies declare property as surplus because it is damaged or at the end of its life cycle for government use. The property is then made available to other state agencies, state higher education facilities, tax-supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions.
For more information, including payment options and directions, contact Jeff Scanlan at (614) 466-2670 or visit the State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – Employees of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Rehabilitation Services Commission who work at either 246 N. High St or 35 E. Chestnut St. in Columbus should not report to work on Monday.
A leak in a cooling system caused some water damage Sunday and caused a shut down of the air conditioning in both buildings. The buildings, known as the "North High Complex" and located downtown, share a heating and cooling system.
The Ohio Department of Administrative Services which manages the buildings said Sunday that the water leak was repaired by 10 p.m. Temperatures in the buildings at that time were near 90 degrees.
The buildings' air conditioning is expected to be operational again by early Monday morning, but Sunday's extreme heat and Monday's expected temperatures in the 90s mean it will take several hours to cool the buildings down to normal temperatures.
DAS officials said on Sunday night that workers are on the scene and working through the night and Monday to get the buildings open for business on Tuesday.
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Columbus, Ohio – Consumers looking for products made and grown in Ohio can now find them more easily at the Ohio Department of Agriculture's new, interactive Ohio Proud Web site.
The new site, www.ohioproud.org, provides consumers quick and easy access to information that includes locations of farmers' markets, recipes featuring Ohio-specific foods, and local events, such as cooking demonstrations at the State Fair and in-store sampling at retail stores. The new Web site also makes it easier for Ohio Proud partners to update their company information, to download the Ohio Proud logo and point-of-sale materials, as well as to access information on expanding their businesses in domestic and international markets. In addition, information about program perks, fees, and regulations is available for potential partners.
Ohio Proud is the department's signature marketing program that promotes food and agricultural products that are made and grown in Ohio. Originally created in 1993, the program was re-launched in 2008 to meet changing consumer trends. Ohio Proud companies support the state's agricultural economy by employing more than 50,000 Ohioans throughout 71 counties.
For more information about the Ohio Proud program, visit www.ohioproud.org, or call the Ohio Proud office at 614-466-8798.
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Columbus, Ohio – Lake Erie anglers fishing in Ohio waters west of Huron are reminded that the 30-fish daily bag limit for yellow perch is reduced to 25 fish, effective July 1.
The reduction, approved by the Ohio Wildlife Council in March, is in response to declining yellow perch stocks in western Lake Erie, generally attributed to poor spawning. The daily bag limit will remain at 30 fish per angler from the Huron pier eastward, where perch stocks are more plentiful.
The wildlife council's action followed a March announcement by the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, that the lakewide 2008 total allowable catch (TAC) of yellow perch would be 10.16 million pounds, including 1.4 million pounds in the Western Basin.
The TAC represents the amount of fish that can be caught without putting stocks at risk. This year's western basin TAC is well below the average of 2.7 million pounds allowed over the past decade and is the lowest since 1996.
Fishery managers from the five states and provinces surrounding Lake Erie agree on the annual TAC, using an area-based sharing formula to determine the allocation of fish among the jurisdictions. Ohio's 2008 allocation or "quota" for yellow perch totals 4.388 million pounds from three perch stocks in Lake Erie, but only 708,000 pounds is available in the Western Basin.
"In 2007, Ohio's sport fishermen caught more than 781,000 pounds and the commercial fishery more than 200,000 pounds of perch in the western basin," said Roger Knight, Lake Erie fisheries administrator with ODNR. "That was more than we anticipated from the sport fishery and it pushed us over our quota in the Western Basin by about 18 percent."
To remain within the Ohio Western Basin quota for 2008 and protect the declining perch stock there, ODNR is allocating commercial quota only in the Central Basin, and reducing the sport bag limit in the western basin. Knight noted that ODNR intends to restore the daily bag limit to 30 fish lakewide as soon as stocks recover in the Western Basin.
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Columbus, Ohio – June is Homeownership Month and buying a home is within reach for many potential homeowners. National Homeownership Month is an education outreach effort to help borrowers understand the commitment involved in buying and owning a home.
"Successful homeownership is the cornerstone of our communities and neighborhoods," said Governor Ted Strickland. "My administration continues to encourage educational opportunities for current and potential Ohio homeowners to preserve the dream of homeownership in Ohio. The National Homeownership Month will assist us in those efforts."
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers affordable housing opportunities. Since 1983, OHFA's programs and services have helped more than 110,000 households achieve homeownership by providing affordable mortgage products and homeownership education.
"Now is a great time to explore homeownership and there are many homes throughout the state that are ready for new owners," said Doug Garver, Executive Director for the Agency. "Despite challenges in the housing industry, many first-time homebuyers are able to purchase homes at lower prices than before."
The First-Time Homebuyer program offers low, competitive mortgage rates to homebuyers through conventional loans or FHA, VA and USDA-RD government loans. OHFA partners with lenders throughout the state to make these attractive loan options available to borrowers. Each of these 30-year, fixed-rate loans is available to consumers based on their household income. The program offers down payment assistance with the option of a second mortgage in an amount up to four percent of the purchase price of the home or a grant in an amount equal to three percent of the purchase price of the home. OHFA increased the maximum sale price permitted in the program effective June 1.
In addition, first-time homebuyers who are active military personnel or military veterans, firefighters or emergency medical technicians-paramedics, healthcare workers, police officers or teachers can receive a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a quarter of a percent less than OHFA's rate for the First-Time Homebuyer program. Since the Ohio Heroes program began in March, more than 400 Ohioans have used it to purchase a home.
Traditionally, borrowers qualify for the program by being a first-time homebuyer, not owning their principle residence for at least three years or purchasing a home in a targeted area.
"This also is a great time for current homeowners to review their current mortgage to determine if it still meets their financial needs. If circumstances have changed, then homeowners should contact their lender to discuss whether a lower rate can be achieved through refinancing," said Garver.
Consumers interested in the First-Time Homebuyer program, refinancing options or homeownership information should visit www.ohiohome.org or call 1-888-362-6432.
OHFA utilizes federal and state resources to provide housing opportunities for families and individuals through programs designed to create, preserve, and manage affordable housing throughout the State of Ohio. The Agency is a self-supporting quasi-public agency governed by an eleven-member board, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Two additional seats on the board, by statute, are reserved for the Director of Development and the Director of Commerce or their designees, and both serve as ex officio voting members.
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Ohio farm families and local communities recently submitted applications to Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Robert Boggs requesting funds to help keep their land forever in agricultural use. The department has received applications from 198 families for the seventh and final round of funding from the Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP).
"Farmland preservation is at the heart of our efforts to maintain the foundation upon which our state was built," said Boggs. "Viable farmland provides us food, jobs, and a way to make Ohio an industry leader in sustainable agriculture. The Clean Ohio AEPP funds allow us to preserve this valued resource for generations to come."
An agricultural easement is a voluntary, legal agreement in which a landowner agrees to use the land only for agricultural purposes and permanently relinquishes the right to develop the land for non-agricultural activities. The landowner retains ownership and management of the land with a governmental entity or non-profit organization "holding" the easement, which grants them the legal right to enforce the agreement. The agricultural easement is a permanent and legally binding restriction upon the land, which does not affect the rights to sell or pass along the land.
AEPP applications were received from families in the following 30 Ohio counties: Ashland (26), Ashtabula (1), Butler (8), Champaign (9), Clark (14), Clinton (2), Fairfield (13), Fulton (11), Greene (4), Holmes (2), Knox (18), Lake (2), Logan (3), Lucas (1), Madison (5), Marion (5), Miami (13), Montgomery (2), Morrow (2), Perry (4), Pickaway (1), Portage (10), Preble (16), Seneca (10), Trumbull (2), Union (2), Warren (2), Wayne (2), Williams (1), and Wood (7).
The AEPP applications are currently undergoing the first of a two-step scoring process. The first step uses a formula that takes into account soil quality, proximity to other protected areas, proximity to intermediate development pressure, the use of best management practices, and local support and planning for agriculture. The second step includes a review by the Ohio Agriculture Director's 12-member Farmland Preservation Advisory Board. The advisory board evaluates a set of questions designed to provide further insight into the farm's operations, the farm's estate, business and conservation plans, local agricultural infrastructure, and local farmland protection efforts. Scores from both rounds are combined, and the advisory board presents its recommendations to Director Boggs. Recipients are expected to be announced in mid-July, with more than $3.1 million in Clean Ohio funds to be distributed.
Since the AEPP's inception in 2002, the department's Farmland Preservation office has received more than 1,800 Clean Ohio AEPP applications. Due to limited funding, ODA has been able to preserve only 117 of those farms, totaling 23,615 acres. Following this year's round of funding, the $25 million allocation from the Clean Ohio Fund will be depleted. Governor Strickland's Building Ohio Jobs proposal, a $1.57 billion investment in Ohio's economy and infrastructure that will create tens of thousands of new jobs, includes a $400-million bond renewal for the Clean Ohio Fund. If passed, this money will not only help preserve farmland but will also preserve greenspace, develop recreational trails, and clean up brownfield sites.
For more information on Clean Ohio or the AEPP, visit the department's website at www.ohioagriculture.gov/farmland or contact the Office of Farmland Preservation at 614-728-6210.