Around the District

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

chris.collins — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:32:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:10:00 GMT

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

jwilkinson — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:06:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:21:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:34:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:10:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:54:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:36:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:09:00 GMT

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

chris.collins — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:03:00 GMT

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

admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:17:00 GMT

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

admin — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:18:00 GMT

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.

Worth Noting

admin — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:55:00 GMT

Our law-makers continue writing and enacting legislation that reads more like comedy than law, and antics that makes us wonder -- what were they thinking. Here are some picks for unusual news from our state capitols. Share your thoughts and opinions on these situations by adding a comment to this post.

WORTH NOTING: By Eric Kelderman, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Touchy subject. The Ohio Legislature passed a bill barring strip-club patrons from touching nude or semi-nude dancers. Under the bill, dubbed Ohio's "11th Commandment" by The Plain Dealer, violators could be slapped with a $1,000 fine and one year in jail for touching what the paper described as "the naughty bits." Gov. Ted Strickland (D) has not taken a position on the bill, according to the paper.

A horse is a horse, of course. After years of debate, Illinois lawmakers voted to outlaw the production of horse meat for human consumption. The bill spells the end of the country's only horse slaughterhouse in DeKalb, Ill., according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. An opponent of the ban chided colleagues for their "romantic vision" of horses -- right after impersonating television's famous talking horse, Mr. Ed.

Legislative language can be hard enough to understand. But Missouri state Sen. Kevin Engler (R) took it to a whole new level when he tried to speak German to introduce a bill making English the official language of state proceedings, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The bill "fell on deaf ears" and is likely dead for the session, the paper reports.

Residents of Potter, NY just wanted to let a local restaurant sell beer, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. But townsfolk accidentally banned all beer sales in their burg when they voted no to five ballot questions required under an arcane state law. A bill allowing residents to reverse the beer ban is working its way through the New York Legislature and must be signed by June 21.

In a class by herself. Froid, Mont., high school senior Roxie Britton was the only graduate listening as Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) spoke at her commencement ceremony. In fact, she was the lone graduate, according to the Associated Press, and gave the valedictorian speech. Superintendent Roger Britton, the graduate's father, told the AP that Schweitzer attracted an audience larger than the town's entire population.

SEIU Legislative Update for May 14, 2007

chris.collins — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:26:00 GMT

Please find attached the latest SEIU Legislative Update.

Stories in this issue include:

House Passes FY08-09 Budget by Vote of 97-0

Check Out www.spendsmartohio.com for SEIU Spend Smart Budget Info

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

Chris Collins, Legislative Director