Around the District

Governor Strickland includes health care reform measures in budget proposal

2009-02-06T21:08:00Z

The work of the State Coverage Initiative (SCI) and the Ohio Health Quality Improvement Summit did not go unnoticed in the budget proposal presented this week by Gov. Ted Strickland. In spite of what he has called the tightest state budget in 46 years, Strickland has set aside $26 million for health coverage and quality programs, according to a summary released by the Department of Insurance.

SEIU's John Burant was one of 12 appointees to the SCI board that met last year to develop recommendations on how Ohio could move towards expanding health coverage for an additional half million Ohioans who are currently uninsured.

If approved by the General Assembly, the Governor’s health reform plans, based in part by the work of the SCI, would enable 110,000 previously uninsured Ohioans to acquire coverage, according to administration estimates. Nearly half of the reduction to the uninsured population would come as a result of a plan to cap the cost of open enrollment, which would allow an estimated 52,000 more Ohioans to get coverage.

The budget sets aside $20 million for expanding the use of electronic health records and also would create the Ohio Health Care Coverage and Quality Council, which would oversee funding for, and implementation of, the Ohio Health Quality Improvement Plan, a series of strategies first developed during the Ohio Health Quality Imporvement Summit in November.

Other proposed reforms include expanding dependent child coverage to age 29 and requiring employers to allow uninsured employees to purchase coverage through Section 125 cafeteria plans, which would mean more than 21,000 and 37,000 Ohioans, respectively, would get health coverage, according to administration estimates.

Summary of Statewide Issues for Ohio on November Ballot

2008-10-22T22:06:00Z

ISSUE ONE: Reforming the Ballot Process for Issues This proposed constitutional amendment would reform the statewide ballot issue process. With the increasing number of issues being brought to the ballot in Ohio a number of ambiguities in the law have been uncovered. This amendment would require petitions be filed with the Secretary of State at least 125 days before Election Day, extending the time the Secretary of State has to review the signatures that have been gathered. It also clarifies how challenges to signatures by opposition groups will be handled and lays out specific deadlines for challenges to be resolved. SEIU is neutral on Issue One. ISSUE TWO: Clean Ohio Program Bonding Authority This proposed constitutional amendment gives the state authority to issue bonds (up to $400 million) to continue to the Clean Ohio program. This is part of Governor Strickland’s $1.57 billion job stimulus package to help jump start the Ohio economy. The Clean Ohio program focuses on conservation and preservation of natural areas for parks and other related projects. It also helps revitalize and redevelop contaminated and polluted lands. SEIU urges a YES vote on Issue Two. ISSUE THREE: Protect Private Property Rights for Owners near Water This proposed constitutional amendment clarifies rights of those who own private property near Lake Erie and other bodies of water. When the Ohio General Assembly debated the Great Lakes Compact (a multi-state piece of legislation to protect the public interest in the use of the Great Lakes) earlier this year some legislators expressed concern about the potential impact on private property rights for those near Lake Erie. In order to secure support for the Great Lakes Compact a deal was struck to place this issue before voters to ensure that the Ohio constitution provided protection for those who own property along such lakes. SEIU is neutral on Issue Three. ISSUE FOUR: Ohio Healthy Families Act (WITHDRAWN) ISSUE FIVE: Referendum on Payday Lending Reform Legislation Earlier this year SEIU joined with hundreds of other organizations to lobby and pass legislation in the Ohio General Assembly to rein in the payday lending industry. SEIU believes that the two-week payday loan product with a 391% APR interest is designed to capture borrowers in a cycle of debt that forces individuals to repeatedly borrow larger and larger amounts. This predatory lending practice is bad for Ohio. The coalition succeeded in passing a law to cap interest rates on small loans at 28% APR. Now the payday loan industry has funded an effort to undo this law by placing a referendum on the ballot. A YES vote is required to keep the interest cap of 28% and prevent the payday loan industry from preying on Ohioans in need of small loans. SEIU urges a YES vote on Issue Five ISSUE SIX: Allow Construction of a Casino in Southwest Ohio This proposed constitutional amendment would allow construction of a casino near Wilmington in Clinton County, between Columbus and Cincinnati. Supporters say that Ohio's 88 counties would divide 30 percent of the revenue from the casino; the proposed casino and resort would create thousands of jobs; and the casino would keep gambling money from going out of state. Opponents say that Ohio voters already have said no to casino gambling three times; Issue 6 also says that if other casinos are built in Ohio that the tax rate for the Clinton county casino would drop to whatever the other casino pays, possibly 0%; and the financial benefits will be minimal for counties and nonexistent for state government. SEIU is neutral on Issue Six

DISTRICT 1199 OUTLINES SUPPORT FOR CANDIDATES IN KEY STATEHOUSE RACES

2008-10-02T20:57:00Z

Columbus – Members of the Service Employees International Union District 1199 (SEIU District 1199) convened in Columbus this past weekend to seat newly elected officers and outline plans that will affect thousands of members throughout the three-state region of West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. In addition to seating 49 new Executive Board members, 10 officers and a president, the 210-member board outlined a bold new vision to improve the lives of working people. Executive Board members also recognized the commitment of several candidates whose vision and values align closely with that of the Union.

“We understand that our ability to affect positive change for working people is directly related to the support we provide to candidates who share our vision of ensuring a more just and equitable society for working people,” said Becky Williams, President, SEIU District 1199.

In addition to candidate endorsements, the District 1199 Executive Board also weighed in on the payday lending debate. Overwhelmingly declaring that 391% is too high to pay for a short-term loan, board members voted to endorse the Vote Yes on 5 Committee.

SEIU District 1199 also endorsed the following candidates:

Ohio Senate

Danielle Blue, 16^th Senate District

Kathryn Bridgman, 4^th Senate District

Tom Sawyer, 28^th Senate District

Rick Shriver, 20^th Senate District

Ohio House of Representatives

Bob Belovich, 17^th House District

Linda Bolon, 1^st House District

Connie Crockett, 84^th House District

Celeste DeHoff, 50^th House District

Denise Driehaus, 31^st House District

Darlene Dunn, 46^th House District

Stephen Dyer (D), 43^rd House District

Andi Eveslage, 37^th House District

Ron Gerberry, 59^th House District

Keith Goldhardt, 23^rd House District

Tracy Heard (D), 26^th House District

Jan Lanier, 2^nd House District

Tom Letson, 64^th House District

Shane Meldick, 87^th House District

Merle “Joe” Miller, 3^rd House District

Mike Moran, 42^nd House District

Charles Morton, 36^th House District

Mark Okey, 61^st House District

John Otterman, 45^th House District

Ray Pryor, 85^th House District

Connie Pillich, 28^th House District

Jeff Sinnard, 34^th House District

Mark Schneider, 63^rd House District

Jennifer Stewart, 94^th House District

Vernon Sykes (D), 44^th House District

Terry Traster, 58^th House District

Carlton Weddington, 27^th House District

Endorsements for non-statehouse races include the following:

Bruce Carter 12^th District Court of Appeals of Ohio

Laura Curliss 12^th District Court of Appeals of Ohio

Ed Leonard Franklin County (OH) Treasurer

Todd Portune Hamilton County (OH) Commissioner

Joe D. Russo Ohio Supreme Court

Keep Predatory Payday Lending in Check. Vote Yes on Issue 5.

2008-08-26T14:32:00Z

Earlier this year SEIU worked in coalition with hundreds of other organizations to pass HB 545 reforming the payday lending industry in Ohio.

Among other provisions, HB 545 reduced the payday loan interest rates from 391% to 28% APR. Currently, the national payday lobby organization is collecting signatures for the first round of the referendum process. They plan to spend upwards of $20 million on this campaign.

The Attorney General ruled a few weeks ago that the first bill summary written by the national lobby was unfair and misleading. They rewrote the language and fanned out across the state collecting signatures.

If you or another member have been approached by a petition circulator, who may have misrepresented the issue to you, please contact cathyjohnston@cohhio.org with information about the location, date and summary of the circulator's presentation about the issue.

Below is a video about payday lending circulators misleading voters into signing their petitions.

<<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDoeXujagE4>>

The video explains how those who were deceived into signing can get their names off of the petitions.

But you must act fast; the PETITION SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31. You must have notified the payday lending campaign headquarters by FRIDAY, AUGUST 29. We can help you! Call us on our new hotline number:

1-866-966-8727

"The payday lenders took my name and I want it back,'' Bexley resident Peder Johanson says in the video. Johanson, who is studying for the seminary, was told the referendum is intended to lower interest rates, rather than raise them.

He urges others who were deceived into signing to call the new COHHIO hotline. Consumer advocates staffing the hotline will work to ensure that removal requests are honored.

Society condemns usury, fraud, exploitation and injustices, especially if it is directed toward the poorest members of our community. To learn more about what makes a payday loan a defective product, one that by design and intent, traps hardworking Ohioans in unmanageable debt, by visiting:

http://www.yesonissue5.com/

Please help us turn predatory payday lending into responsible payday lending by keeping House Bill 545 intact.

And don't be fooled into signing a petition that promises payday lending 'reform.' It's just another trap.

Thanks for your help with this important issue. And remember, in November, vote YES on Issue 5!

DISTRICT 1199 ANNOUNCES POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS

2008-08-19T21:10:00Z

Monday, August 11, 2008

Endorsements complemented by Member Political Organizer Program
Columbus – With a desire to change the face of the Republican-controlled state legislature and White House, members of the Service Employees International Union District 1199 (SEIU District 1199) today announced endorsements of several candidates seeking elected office. The union endorsed 19 candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives and one candidate for Ohio Attorney General. District 1199 expects to announce additional endorsements in the coming weeks.

"Our endorsements represent our belief that each candidate will continue working to address the issues facing average Ohioans; rising health care costs, stagnant wages, unemployment and rising oil prices," said Becky Williams, President, SEIU District 1199.

District 1199 is issuing more than endorsements. To help ensure that endorsed candidates are successful, the union recently launched the Member Political Organizer (MPO) program. The MPO program enables SEIU members to work full-time on the presidential campaign and targeted Ohio House and Senate seats. Over the next couple of months, 200 District 1199 (and Local 3) members will take a leave of absence from their primary employer and work full- or part-time on targeted races.

"Our endorsements and our MPO program are a part of an effort to change the face of the Republican-controlled White House and Ohio General Assembly and ensure that government is more responsive to the needs of working people," Williams concluded.

ENDORSED CANDIDATES:

Statewide Office:

Richard Cordray, Ohio Attorney General

Ohio House of Representatives:

Jennifer Brady, 16th District
Armond Budish, 8th District
John Carney, 22nd District
Ted Celeste, 24th District
Dan Dodd, 91st District
Mike Foley, 14th District
Lorraine Fende, 62nd District
Nancy Garland, 20th District
Jay Goyal, 73rd District
Bobby Hagan, 60th District
Marian Harris, 19th District
Matt Lundy, 57th District
Eugene Miller, 10th District
Debbie Phillips, 92nd District
Mike Skindell, 13th District
Richard Spangler, 72nd District
Dan Stewart, 25th District
Matt Szollosi, 49th District
Matt Patten, 18th District

Major Harris: In Memoriam

2008-02-20T22:06:00Z

Major Harris, a leader in every sense of the word, passed away Feb. 19. A young wall washer in 1964, brother Harris was a part of the original organizing drive at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland.

When workers at Lutheran Hospital won the Union, he was elected to the SEIU bargaining team and remained a Union leader throughout his 44 years of employment. At Lutheran Hospital, brother Harris went on to become a painter, eventually retiring as a groundskeeper.

When brother Harris retired in 2007, he was recognized by SEIU District 1199 for his tireless service for workers' rights and equality. As late as January, SEIU members continued to seek his advice and counsel from his bed as a patient at Lutheran Hospital.

A memorial gathering will be held for brother Harris before he is taken to Alabama for his funeral. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those touched by his life.

SEIU Legislative Update for December 20, 2007

2007-12-20T21:21:00Z

Please find attached to latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

Ohio Healthy Families Submit 268,000 Signatures for Paid Sick Days

President Bush Vetoes SCHIP Bill Again

Ohio Payday Lending Bills Receive First Hearing

California Assembly Takes Step Towards Comprehensive Health Care Bill

Please feel free to share it with SEIU staff, members, and whomever else you feel is appropriate.

I appreciate feedback so please post any comments you might have. If you want to receive the Legislative Update directly by e-mail I'm happy to add you to my distribution list. You can contact me at collinsseiu@hotmail.com

Chris Collins, Legislative Director

Urge Congress to Override Bush SCHIP Veto

2007-10-08T19:34:00Z

URGE OHIO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

TO OVERRIDE PRESIDENT BUSH’S SCHIP VETO

Raise Your Voice Against the President’s Veto

Late in September, Congress renewed SCHIP for $35 billion over five years. The program currently provides health coverage to nearly 145,000 Ohio children. Congress’s reauthorization would provide health coverage for more than 4 million additional children across the United States.

Last week, President Bush vetoed SCHIP reauthorization. We need to encourage Ohio’s members of Congress to override the veto. Please call your United States Senators and Representatives TODAY!

Please call these legislators to thank them for supporting SCHIP and encourage them to continue their support with a vote to override the President’s veto:

Senator Sherrod Brown 202-224-2315

Rep. Dave Hobson, 7^th District 202-225-4324

Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, 11^th District 202-225-7032

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, 9^th District 202-225-4146

Rep. Steve LaTourette, 14^th District 202-225-5731

Rep. Deborah Pryce, 15^th District 202-225-2015

Rep. Ralph Regula, 16^th District 202-225-3876

Rep. Tim Ryan, 17^th District 202-225-5261

Rep. Zach Space, 18^th District 202-225-6265

Rep. Betty Sutton, 13^th District 202-225-3401

Rep. Pat Tiberi, 12^th District 202-225-5355

Rep. Michael Turner, 3^rd District 202-225-6465

Rep. Charlie Wilson, 6^th District 202-225-5705

Please call these legislators to tell them that you’re disappointed that they didn’t support SCHIP and ask them to reconsider and vote to override the President’s veto:

Senator George Voinovich 202-224-3353

Rep. John Boehner, 8^th District 202-225-6205

Rep. Steve Chabot, 1^st District 202-225-2216

Rep. Jim Jordan, 4^th District 202-225-2676

Rep. Dennis Kucinich, 10^th District 202-225-5871

Rep. Jean Schmidt, 2^nd District 202-225-3164

Tell your legislators that:

Ohio’s children need SCHIP so they can grow up healthy and strong and become productive citizens.

SCHIP is one of the greatest social policy successes in recent years, and we need to continue the progress for Ohio’s children.

Ohio’s leaders know what’s best for Ohio’s kids, and they’ve said that covering Ohio kids with SCHIP is the best thing for our state and its families.

Here is a link to an example of the TV ads SEIU is running in various states to urge voters contact their Member of Congress to ask them to override the Bush veto. http://youtube.com/watch?v=oM-t_9hCyh8 (Just replace the reference to Congressman Alexander with those Ohio legislators who voted against the SCHIP legislation listed above.)

SEIU Legislative Update for September 26, 2007

2007-09-27T15:10:00Z

Please find attached to latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

Members Attend Largest Political Action Conference in SEIU History

SEIU Members Paint U.S. Capitol Purple

SEIU Supports Payday Lending Reform

SEIU Want Public Officials to "Spend Smart"

Please feel free to share it with SEIU staff, members, and whomever else you feel is appropriate.

Chris Collins, Legislative Director

SEIU Legislative Update for August 13, 2007

2007-08-13T17:54:00Z

Please find attached to latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

Congress Passes SCHIP Reauthorization Bills. Sign the SCHIP Petition to Show Our Support

Report on Ohio House/Senate Committee Listening Tour on Health Care Concerns

Barack Obama Walks a Day in the Shoes of a SEIU Home Care Worker

Please feel free to share it with SEIU staff, members, and whomever else you feel is appropriate.

Chris Collins, Legislative Director

New Expanded Homestead Exemption Gives Property Tax Break for Seniors and Disabled

2007-07-19T17:36:00Z

The Ohio General Assembly has enacted a new, expanded Homestead Exemption that will provide additional property tax relief to qualified senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled Ohioans.

Previously, most senior citizens and disabled Ohioans were excluded from the Homestead Exemption because of income tests. The new exemption offers eligible homeowners, regardless of income, the opportunity to shield up to $25,000 of the market value of their homestead (the dwelling and up to one acre of land) from property taxation.

The catch? Seniors and disabled Ohioans who weren’t previously eligible must apply with their local county auditor by Oct. 1, 2007 in order to take advantage of the Homestead Exemption, which will save the typical homeowner about $400 per year.

Go to the link below to find out all the details:

http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/communications/homestead_exemption_information.stm

SEIU Legislative Update for July 16, 2007

2007-07-17T14:09:00Z

Please find attached to latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

Governor Strickland Signs State Budget Bill, Announces Line-item Vetoes

Spend Smart Campaign Continues

U.S. Senate Works on SCHIP Reauthorization

Health Care Reform Field Hearings Coming to Location Near You

Please feel free to share it with SEIU staff, members, and whomever else you feel is appropriate.

Chris Collins, Legislative Director

SEIU Legislative Update for June 18, 2007

2007-06-18T16:03:00Z

Please find attached to latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

Ohio Senate Passes Budget Bill Unanimously

Spend Smart Campaign Update

Legislation Mandating Public Pension Divestment in Iran on Hold

Sick Leave Campaign Update

Please feel free to share it with SEIU staff, members, and whomever else you feel is appropriate.

Chris Collins, Legislative Director

Legislators seek to limit payday loans

2007-06-13T18:17:00Z

Short-term borrowing expense mounts when used repeatedly, but industry says it's necessary

By Dennis J. Willard, Akron Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS - Gail Meyers was newly divorced with a 6-year-old daughter, a full- and a part-time job and a payday loan she couldn't get out from under.

Every other Friday she would go to a payday lender in Columbus and hand over $345 in cash. The lender would then rip up a check from Meyers for a like amount that she wrote two weeks earlier.

The next day, Meyers would go back to the lender, write another check for $345 and get $300 in cash back -- enough to keep her going for the next two weeks until she could repeat the process again.

Click here to read the rest of thie article.

Nursing homes won't settle for half

2007-05-29T17:18:00Z

Nursing Homes Won't Settle for Half

by Mark Naymik, Cleveland Plain Dealer Politics Reporter

Two lobbyists and a nun walk into the State Capitol and walk out with $100 million.

No, this is not the opening line of a political joke. It's a scene from a sophisticated campaign to get more state and federal tax dollars into the hands of nursing home operators, for decades one of the most powerful special-interest groups in Columbus.

Click here to read the rest of this article.