COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) – Ohio headline highlights is a weekly roundup of stories on people, politics and government that did not warrant full coverage by CGE but nonetheless were newsworthy.
Kasich to push DOE for Piketon loan guarantee
The Portsmouth Daily Times reported that Ohio Gov.-elect John Kasich, wants USEC to get a $2 billon loan guarantee from DOE for its Piketon-based centrifuge plant that produces nuclear fuels, would “rather have a fast ‘no’ than have it dragged along for a year with false hopes.”
Ohio high court upholds sales tax on satellite TV service
In a 5-2 decision involving DIRECTV, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld a sales tax law that because it made no distinction between local and interstate commerce, but rather distinguishes based on the mode of distributing television programming, places a sales tax on satellite television services but not on competing cable television providers. The decision means that the distinct tax treatment is constitutional because of the differences in the nature of the businesses.
Ohio nets HHS bonus for CHIP
Ohio was awarded $12.4 million for meeting performance goals in the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization legislation, signed in February 2009 by President Obama. Ohio was among 15 states to share about $206 million, as provided by law that required states to adopt at least five program features to enroll and keep eligible children in Medicaid and document significant annual increases in juvenile enrollment.
Ohio AG says more consumers took action in 2010
In his 2010 Consumer Protection Annual Report, Ohio AG Richard Cordray reported consumer complaints topped 31,000, an all-time high. “We filed 42 lawsuits against businesses that violated consumer laws and were awarded more than $7.6 million in consumer restitution, civil penalties and other relief,” Cordray said. Top 10 complaint areas: 1. Motorized vehicles; 2. Collections, credit reporting or financial services; 3. Internet or phone; 4. Household goods or property improvement; 5. Mortgage; 6. Shopping, food or beverages; 7. Professional services; 8. Sweepstakes or prizes; 9. Computers or electronics; 10. Utilities
Salute to Ohio’s next first lady to benefit local charities
All funds raised to honor Karen Waldbillig Kasich, wife of Gov.-elect John Kasich, at an event to be held at the Columbus Museum of Art on Jan. 8th will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks and Local Matters.
ODOT says spending on 3C rail $2M or less
An ODOT spokesperson said less than $2 million has been spent on 3C rail engineering studies and planning. Even though $15 million had been contracted, not enough time is left to spend it before John Kasich, who opposed the plan, takes office.
House GOP Policy Committee chair announced
Ohio House Speaker-elect William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) announced Rep. Todd Snitchler (R-Uniontown) will serve as chair of the Ohio House Majority Policy Committee for the 129th General Assembly. It was established in the 128th General Assembly to create a forum for caucus members to share ideas and solutions to issues facing the state prior to bill introduction. It will hold statewide meetings throughout the term to solicit feedback from the general public as well as share proposals moving through the legislative process.
High court enters ballot debate
Ohio’s high court ruled unanimously this week that none of the 849 provisional ballots from a November Hamilton Juvenile Court judge race be counted until it has a chance to review the issues.
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