Volume 25 / Issue 4 - April, 2020
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BWC & LCSC Updates - Program and Meeting Updates

Attention ALL LCSC members & friends...

BWC waives employer program requirements amid COVID-19 concerns

COLUMBUS – Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Ohio’s business community, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is waiving several requirements for employers participating in programs that lower their premiums as a reward for creating safer workplaces and doing BWC business online and on time.

 “This is one more way we can answer Governor Mike DeWine’s call for state agencies to help Ohioans and the business community through this difficult time,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud. “We’re looking at everything we do, and I’m sure more action will follow in the coming days and weeks.”

 BWC is waiving all safety education and training requirements for this policy year — July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, for private employers; calendar year 2019 for public employers — for participants in the following programs: 

  •  Drug Free Safety Program.
  •  EM Cap Program.
  •  Grow Ohio.
  •  Industry Specific Safety Program.
  •  One Claim Program.
  •  Policy Activity Rebate Program.

Discounts offered through these programs will be applied automatically. Additionally, the annual report deadline submission for Drug Free Safety Program participants has been extended to June 1, 2020. More on these programs can be found at bwc.ohio.gov.

The waivers follow Governor Mike DeWine’s signing Friday of Ohio House Bill 197 granting the state numerous provisions designed to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on Ohioans. It also follows BWC’s announcement last week that its private and public employer members could defer their monthly premium installment amounts due for March, April, and May this policy year until June 1, 2020, at which time the matter will be reconsidered.

For more on COVID-19 as it relates to BWC, visit this Frequently Asked Questions page. For the latest on COVID-19, visit the Ohio Department of Health website coronavirus.ohio.gov, or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

This announcement does not include information on the Ohio Safety Council Rebate Program but we’ve been assured further detail will be forthcoming on that subject in the near future.

 

The Friday,  April 17 LCSC meeting has been cancelled.

The Friday, May 15 LCSC Safety Expo has been POSTPONED.

And the Friday, May 29 LCSC meeting that was scheduled has been cancelled.

Regarding the May 15 LCSC Safety Expo

Due to COVID-19 measures enacted to decrease the spread of the virus, public and private schools are closed. Lakeland Community College notified the LCSC they needed to cancel the May 15, 2020 LCSC Safety Expo date.   Since Lakeland Community College is our best venue to offer this type of event with multiple classes throughout one day, we are looking at scheduling opportunities to host the safety expo in the fall of 2020. The most likely time frame being considered is August 2020, however, we will keep you posted as this evolves.

 

Council Director
Chris Brill-Packard
chris.brill-packard@lakehealth.org
(440) 354-1933


Council Director Elect
Jim Ruttinger
jim.Ruttinger@denora.com

(440) 710-5399


Council Secretary
Sue Fuerst
sfuerst@painesville.com
(440) 392-2975

Past Director
Gordon Levar
gflevar@att.net
(440) 479-1539


Council Advisor
Bob Siktberg
karen_gridley@lincolnelectric.com
(216) 383-4737

Council Liaison
Chris Weber-Bresky

cweber@mentorchamber.org

(440) 255-1616

Steering Committee

Donna McCaskey
dmccaskey@eagroupohio.com
(440) 951-3514

Lee Silvi
lsilvi@lakelandcc.edu
(440) 525-7252

Clifford Smith
clifford.smith@altana.com
(440) 954-7653

Joanne Clapp
cfo@perryvillage.info
(440) 259-2671

Tymra Gerhart
gerhartt@cintas.com
(440) 352-4079

Tobin Hawes
tobinj.hawes@henkel.com
(440) 205-3933

Bob Bradley
rbradley@usendoscopy.com
(440) 639-4494

Mike Orlando
orlando.michael.a@gmail.com
(440) 

 


Council Assistant
Mark Wainwright
mwainwright@mentorchamber.org
(440) 255-1616


Ohio Bureau of Workers'
Compensation Representative
Nikki Lorenzo Luna
Garfield Heights Office
216-379-2394

nicole.l.1@bwc.state.oh.us


Interested in joining our Steering Committee? Contact Mark Wainwright for more information.

 

Ohio BWC & Gov. Mike DeWine Announcements

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine Week in Review

For the week of March 23 to March 29, 2020


Throughout the week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was joined by Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton M.D., MPH, to announce decisions made regarding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout Ohio. 

  • On Monday, Governor DeWine ordered an immediate hiring freeze for all agencies, boards, and commissions. The only exceptions are for positions that provide a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety and security, and direct care or institutional services.

Governor DeWine also announced that any child care facility that remains open to care for children under a Temporary Pandemic Child Care license must give priority to families on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday evening, Ohio’s “Stay at Home” order went into effect at 11:59 p.m.

  • On Wednesday, Governor DeWine issued the following statement after the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 197, which enacts numerous provisions to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic:

"I want to thank Senate President Obhof, House Speaker Householder, Minority Leaders Sykes and Yuko, and all members of the Ohio General Assembly who worked for the bipartisan and unanimous passage of House Bill 197. This bill will ensure continuity of government, extended mail-in voting for our primary, clarity for schools and students, relief to workers impacted by COVID-19, and measures to make sure we are prepared to help Ohioans get back to work when this pandemic subsides. I applaud the collaborative work on this bill and look forward to signing it soon."

  • On Thursday, Governor DeWine continued to remind Ohioans of the coming shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and face shields for healthcare workers and first responders. The state of Ohio is asking residents and businesses who can donate PPE, or any other essential service or resource, to email together@governor.ohio.gov

All PPE items are of critical need, including, but limited to:

  1. Surgical gowns (S, M, L, XL, XXL)
  2. Face/surgical masks (adult, pediatric)
  3. Gloves (nitrile, vinyl, or butyl)
  4. N-95 particulate respirators
  5. Isolation gowns
  6. Face shields 
  7. Tyvek coveralls
  8. Thermometers
  9. Foot coverings
  10. Ventilator tubing 

Note: the above items are not intended to be in order of importance. 

An expanded COVID-19 data dashboard has also been designed by the InnovateOhio Platform and can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov

Also on Thursday, Governor DeWine, Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof (R–Medina), and Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder (R–Glenford) jointly released a statement regarding their mutual agreement to postpone the delivery of the Governor’s annual State of the State Address to a later date.

  • On Friday, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 197, which provides emergency relief to Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ohio also has launched a website to encourage Ohioans to continue to support local retailers and restaurants by shopping online, choosing local, ordering carryout from restaurants, and taking virtual tours of well-known attractions around the state. There are currently more than 250 local restaurants, shops, and virtual activities being featured online. To find a local shop or restaurant to support, or to have your business featured, go to Ohio.org/SupportLocalOhio.

  • On Saturday, Governor DeWine made an urgent plea to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an emergency waiver for the use of new technology that could sterilize up to 160,000 used personal protective face masks per day in Ohio. 

New resources are now available on Ohio's COVID-19 website to help parents with education resources. The resources for at-home learning can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov/LearnAtHome

  • As of Sunday afternoon, there are 1,653 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 29 deaths. A total of 403 people are hospitalized, including 139 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.  

For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Check out another one of Governor DeWine’s #InThisTogether video encouraging all Ohioans to pull together and do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.  

 

 

 

Special Fall Protection Class

(details and a link to registration are on LCSC web site home page)

 

The Northern Ohio ASSP Chapter is sponsoring a 1-day Fall Protection Competent Person training class on Wednesday, August 26th in Cleveland.  See the attached flyer for registration details. 

ASSP will award .6 CEUs for those who complete the class.  The Ohio BWC has approved this event for one Safety Council Rebate Program external training credit.

The price is right for this excellent training.  Register early to assure your seat.  Please feel free to pass this notice along to others who may be interested.

 

Thank You To Our Meeting Sponsors

Attendance - 03/20/20-Cancelled - Modernizing Your Safety Training: Trends, Facts and How To’s

A Heavenly Helper Home Care
A.J. Goulder Electric Co.
ACO Inc.
ACO Inc.
Action Door
Active Plumbing Supply
Advanced Controls, Inc.
Advocare, Inc.
Advocate for Independence
Aero Fluid Products
Aexcel Corporation
Air Equipment Rental Corp.
Air Power Dynamics
Air Technical Industries
ALBA Contractors, Inc.
Allied Door Systems
Alloy Precision Technologies
Altercare of Mayfield Village
Altercare of Mentor Center
Amerathon, LLC
American Controls LLC
American Red Cross
AMG Resources Corporation
AMPEX BRANDS OF COLUMBUS AND DAYTON, LLC
Anderson Heating & Cooling
API Pattern Works, Inc.
Apollo Welding & Fabricating
Apple Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Aqua Ohio, Inc.
Arcola Building Company Inc.
ARGUS Safety & Health Services, LLC
Around the Clock Home Care
Arrow Machine
Astro Manufacturing & Design
Astro Medical Devices
Auburn Career Center
Avery Dennison - CFF
Avery Dennison - EFD
Avery Dennison - PFF
Avery Dennison - PTD
Avery Dennison - Reflective
Avery Dennison Corp
BCH Electrical Consulting
Beachwood City School District
Big Oat Oil Field Supply Company
Bodycote Thermal Processing
Brecksville-Broadview Hts. City Schools
Brookdale of Mentor
Brotzman Nursery
Brunner Funeral Home
Bud Industries
Building Technicians Corporation
Career Centered Staffing
Career Tech
Carter Diamond Tool Corp.
Cast Nylons Ltd.
Champion Contract, Inc.
Champion Personnel System
Chardon Metal Products
Chemsultants International
Cintas Corporation
City of Eastlake
City of Kirtland
City of Mayfield Heights
City of Mentor
City of Mentor-on-the-Lake
City of Wickliffe
City of Willoughby
Classic Auto Group
Climax Metal Products
C-MOR Safety
Com-Corp Industries
Cometic Gasket, Inc.
Commercial Anodizing Co., Inc.
Commercial Siding & Maintenance Company
Compass Group
Component Repair Technologies, Inc.
Concord Township
Conn-Selmer, Inc.
Contemporary Electric Inc.
Core Systems LLC
CPP Eastlake
Crossroads Health
Crown Staffing Services, Inc.
CT Consultants
D & S Automotive
DAI Ceramics, Inc.
Damon Morgan Corporation
De Nora Tech Manufacturing
De Nora Tech R&D
Dependable Gear Corporoation
Dependable Stamping
Diskcopy, LLC
Diversified Maintenance Systems
Dyson Corporation
EA Group
ECKART America Corp.
Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve
EGC Enterprises, Inc.
Employ Ease
Empro Job Network (Thomas Emp.)
ENPAC, LLC
Enterprise Welding & Fabricating
Enviroserve
Equistar Chemicals, Inc.
Ericson Manufacturing Co.
Euclid Asphalt Paving
Euclid Fish Company
Express Employment Professionals
Extrudex
Fairport Harbor Board of Education
Federal Hose Manufacturing LLC
First Energy - PNPP
Flow Polymers, LLC
Fluid Line Products
Food For Thought
Fredon Corporation
Frontage Laboratories
Fusion, Inc.
GBGI, Inc.
GBSA, Inc.
Gotham Staple Co.
Grainger Inc.
Grand Rock
Grande Pointe Healthcare Community
Great Lakes Gastroneterology
Great Lakes Power Products
Greenbridge
Hadrian, Inc. - Zurn
Halex Company
Hanahan & Associates, Inc.
Hardy Industrial Technologies
Hartman Personnel Services
Haver Tyler Inc.
Haver Tyler, Inc.
Heartland of Mentor
Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc./OSI
Highland Products
Holden Forests and Gardens
Home Care of Lake County
Homestead 1 (Saber-Health)
Homestead II (SaberHealth)
Honda of Mentor
Hose Master LLC
Hynes Industries
HZW Environmental Consultants, LLC
Industrial Pump and Valve Repair
Infinity Resources, Inc.
Inova Staffing Services
Interlake Stamping
J.J.O. Construction, Inc.
JPS Design Group
JTO, Inc.
Junior Properties
Just In Time Staffing
K W Land Mechanical, Inc.
Kalcor Coatings Company
Kelly Services
Kelmar Tool
Kemper Company
Kemper House Highland Heights
Kemper House Olmsted Falls
Kerr Lakeside, Inc.
Kinetic Technologies, LLC
Kirtland Country Club
Kirtland Local Schools
Kline Rostocil Construction Corp.
Kongsberg Automotive
Kucera International, Inc.
KW Lang Mechanical
Lake Business Products
Lake County Board of DD/Deepwood
Lake County Commissioners
Lake County Council on Aging
Lake County Dept. of Utilities
Lake County Emergency Management
Lake County General Health District
Lake County Nursery
Lake County Plating Corp.
Lake County Sewer
Lake County YMCA
Lake Erie College
Lake Humane Society
Lake Metroparks
Lake Metropolitan Housing Authority
Lakeland Community College Retired
Lakeside Safety Management
Laketran
Lantern of Madison
Lassiter and Son, LLC
Leroy Township
Levin Furniture
Libra Industries
Life Safety Enterprises
Life Services
Lincoln Electric
Lintern Corporation
Loomis Companies
Lubrizol Corporation
Lubrizol Corporation
Madison Fire District
Madison Health Care
Madison Local Schools
Madison Township
Madison Village
Maersch Environmental & Safety Consulting
Mapleview Country Villa
Mar-Bal, Inc.
Martin, Inc.
MatPlus
Mayfield City School District
MC Mobility
MC Sign Company
McNeil Industries
McNulty Roofing Company
McPhillips Plumbing & HVAC Co.
MedLab
MedLab Green
Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce
Mentor Lumber & Supply
Mentor Public Library
Mentor Public Schools
Mentor Television, Inc.
Mentor Way Nursing & Rehabilitation
Merritt Woodwork
Metal Seal Precision
Metz Culinary Management
Midwest Materials
Midwest Precision
Millennium Control Systems
Millonzi International Products Group
Minutemen HR Services
MJM Industries
Modern Employment
Mold Masters Intl. LLC
Momentive Performance Matls.
Morgallen, LLC
Moscarino & Treu, LLP
Moving Ahead Services
MT Heat Treating
MUM Industries
Neway Stamping and Manufacturing
Nicola, Gudbransoon & Cooper LLC
North American Coating Laboratories
North Perry Village
Northcoast Inc. Recycling Specialists
Northcoast Valve & Gate
Northeast Masonry
Nova Chemical
NOVA Chemicals
Ohio Ambulance Solutions
Ohio Associated Enterprises
Ohio Moulding Corporation
Ohio Paving & Construction Co., Inc.
Olon Ricerca Bioscience, LLC
Omni Cart Services
ORBIS Corporation
Pace Engineering, Inc.
Painesville City Board of Education
Painesville Township
Paisley Farm
Parker Hannifin Corp.
PCC Airfoils Inc.
PCC Airfoils Inc. / SMP
Pepco (Professional Electric Products Co.)
Perfection Corporation
Permanent Solution Staffing
Perry Local School District
Perry Local School District
Perry Public Library
Perry Township
PET Processors, L.L.C.
Pinnacle Construction & Development Group, Inc
Precision AlarmTech, Inc
Preformed Line Products Company
Princeton Tool
Process Technology
Progressive Foods (Dunkin Donuts)
PS Auto Enterprises
Pure Water Technology
Quality Assurance Supported Living Services, Inc.
R.T. & T Machining Inc.
Rabbinical College of Telshe
Race Winning Brands
Radix Wire
Range USA Mentor
Ranpak Corp.
Red Wing Shoe Store
Regal Diamond Products Corp.
Reserves Network, The
Restorx MD
RJ Kirkland Construction Co., Inc.
Roberts Roofing Company
Roll-Kraft
Royal Plastics Inc.
SafeAir Contractors, Inc.
Safety Controls Technology
Salida Woods/Life Service Management
Sawyer Technical Materials
Secure IT-ADS, LLC
Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio
ServiceMaster by Disaster Recon
Sheet Metal Products Co., Inc.
Sievers Security
Sky Zone Highland Heights - Jumps East, LLC
SMP Welding
Soundwich, Inc.
Spee-D-Metals
Stamco Industries
Stanley Steemer - Lazar Brothers
Steel Warehouse Cleveland LLC (dba Chesterfield Steel)
STERIS Corporation
Steris Endoscopy
STP Products Inc.
Surgical Care Center
Symphony at Mentor
Team Wendy, LLC
The Kennedy Group
The Malish Corporation
The News-Herald
Tom Schaefer Plumbing, Inc.
Tracom - Trailer Component Manufacturing
Trane Cleveland
Transfer Express, Inc.
Tri County Ambulance Service
Triad McNally Joint Venture
TT Electronics Integrated Mfg. Services
Two M Precision, Inc.
Umicore Specialty Materials Recycling
United Way of Lake County
Universal Metal Products
University Hospitals
USM Precision Products
Utilities Construction Co.
V.A. Conkey Company
V.L. Chapman Electric
Vector Security
Vector Technical Inc
Velotta Paving
Vicon Fabricating Company
Village of Fairport Harbor
Village of Perry
Vine Beverage & Catering, Inc.
Visiting Angels of Northeast Ohio
Vistra - Perry Nuclear Power Plant
Volk Optical
Waste Management
West Geauga Local Schools
Western Reserve Water Systems
Wickliffe Country Place
Willoughby Eastlake City Schools
Willoughby Eastlake Library
Willoughby Hills City
Willow Hill Industries
Windsor Laurelwood Center
Yokohama Industries Americas Ohio Inc.


BWC and State Information Updates -- Sat. 3/38 & Fri. 3/27

Saturday, March 28 --- Governor DeWine Makes Plea to FDA; Releases List of Needed PPE

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today made an urgent plea to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an emergency waiver for the use of new technology that could sterilize up to 160,000 used personal protective face masks per day in Ohio. 

The technology, which was developed by Columbus-based Battelle, could significantly impact the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage in Ohio and across the country. The technology would also be available in Seattle, New York, and Washington D.C. 

"Battelle has had a real breakthrough which would allow surgical masks to be reused, and as soon as the FDA approves the use of this technology, the sterilization can start," said Governor DeWine. "I'm appealing to the FDA to please give us approval. Ohio innovators have a solution to our problem, and all that stands in the way is FDA approval. This is a matter of life and death." 

Governor DeWine also issued a plea to LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, which are doing COVID-19 testing in Ohio, to urgently provide testing results to the Ohio Department of Health as soon as possible.

"By getting that information, we can act upon it for the patient and for those interacting with the patient," said Governor DeWine. "We need this information very quickly. Please get us those results in real-time."

ESSENTIAL PPE

Due to the urgent need for PPE in Ohio, Governor DeWine once again asked that anyone who has unneeded PPE or can manufacture new PPE to email the state at together@governor.ohio.gov. Staff will receive these emails and coordinate how these resources can best be used to benefit all Ohioans.

All PPE items are of critical need, including, but limited to:

  1. Surgical gowns (S, M, L, XL, XXL)
  2. Face/surgical masks (adult, pediatric)
  3. Gloves (nitrile, vinyl, or butyl)
  4. N-95 particulate respirators
  5. Isolation gowns
  6. Face shields 
  7. Tyvek coveralls
  8. Thermometers
  9. Foot coverings
  10. Ventilator tubing Note: The above items are not intended to be in order of importance.

STATE CONTRACTORS

Governor DeWine issued an order directing state employees to begin inspecting every contractor working on an essential state contract to ensure that they are abiding by best practices outlined in Ohio's Stay at Home order. 

EDUCATION RESOURCES: 

New resources are now available on Ohio's COVID-19 website to help parents with education resources. The resources for at-home learning can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov/LearnAtHome

CURRENT DATA: 

There are 1,406 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 25 deaths. A total of 344 people have been hospitalized, including 123 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov

Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

 

Friday, March 27 --- Governor DeWine Signs House Bill 197

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed House Bill 197 which provides emergency relief to Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The bill:

  • Waives state testing requirements for school children this year.
  • Extends professional licenses for those who cannot get them renewed.
  • Allows local governments to hold public meetings remotely and with transparency.
  • Extends the income tax deadline to July 15, 2020. 
  • Extends absentee voting by mail until April 28, 2020. 
  • Provides funding for small businesses, such as day cares and services for the disabled.   

A line item veto was issued to correct a drafting error. 

*NOTE: See reaction to today's bill signing below. 

SUPPORT LOCAL: 

Governor DeWine announced that Ohio is launching a website to encourage Ohioans to continue to support local retailers and restaurants by shopping online, choosing local, ordering carryout from restaurants, and taking virtual tours of well-known attractions around the state.

There are currently more than 250 local restaurants, shops, and virtual activities being featured online. To find a local shop or restaurant to support, or to have your business featured, go to Ohio.org/SupportLocalOhio.

CURRENT DATA: 

There are 1,137 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 19 deaths. A total of 276 people have been hospitalized, including 107 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov

Video of today's full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel's YouTube page

For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

SUPPORT FOR HOUSE BILL 197: 

“CCAO’s members appreciate the added flexibility provided to counties to conduct virtual meetings in the recently passed Am. Sub. H.B. 197. We thank Governor DeWine and the members of the Ohio General Assembly for providing counties the authority needed to conduct meetings via teleconference, video conference or other electronic means. We believe that citizens should be able to participate in county government without risking their health and the health of others.” Carl Davis, Monroe County Commissioner and CCAO President

“On behalf of Ohio’s 165 community banks we want to express our sincere appreciation for Governor DeWine’s strong and proactive reaction to reduce the overall impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) on the state of Ohio and its citizens. We also express our appreciation to the members of the Ohio General Assembly for their quick passage of the bipartisan legislation contained in (HB 197) that unanimously supports those decisions made by the DeWine-Husted administration.” Bob Palmer, President and CEO, Community Bankers Association of Ohio

“CTAO’s members applaud the prompt and critical action taken by Governor DeWine’s Administration and the Ohio General Assembly in passing Am. Sub. HB 197. The bill provides much-needed certainty to county offices across the state during these unprecedented times.” Kevin Futryk, Executive Director, County Treasurers Association of Ohio & Julia Wynn, State Lobbyist, County Treasurers Association of Ohio

“[Governor DeWine’s] guidance on key reforms contained in HB 197, in tandem with The Ohio General Assembly’s quick and decisive action, will allow the State to push out tax filing and payment deadlines to July 15 without penalty or interest. These changes will allow Ohioans to use those funds now to purchase essential needs, and to focus their time and energy on keeping their businesses going and families fed.” Scott D. Wiley, CAE, President & CEO, Ohio Society of CPAs

“We appreciate [Governor DeWine’s] work with the Ohio General Assembly to pass House Bill (HB) 197. We strongly support the bill’s changes aimed at easing the challenges for public school districts and their students during the coronavirus outbreak.” R. Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director, Buckeye Association of School Administrators; Jim Rowan, Executive Director, Ohio Association of School Business Officials; Rick Lewis, Executive Director, Ohio School Boards Association

“Small business owners across Ohio are impressed with the decisive actions taken by Governor DeWine, Lt Governor Husted, Senate President Oboff, House Speaker Householder, and the entire Ohio General Assembly in responding to the coronavirus that is devastating Ohio and its business community. In the unprecedented times we are facing as a state, Ohioans look to the leadership of their elected officials, and these leaders continue to do their best to protect the health and safety of our citizens while balancing not doing such damage to the economy that we can not recover.” Roger Geiger, Vice President and Executive Director for NFIB in Ohio.

 “We applaud Governor Mike DeWine’s and Department of Health Director Amy Acton’s leadership, and the guidance received on a daily basis from the Ohio Departments of Aging and Medicaid and local authorities as we ensure that older Ohioans and people with disabilities who are most vulnerable and at highest risk continue to be served.” Larke Recchie, CEO, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging

 [Governor DeWine’s] close work with the General Assembly to unanimously pass House Bill 197 speaks volumes about [his] commitment as Governor of Ohio. The bill not only protects Ohioan’s voting rights but ensures upcoming graduates will receive the diplomas they have worked so hard to obtain and provides relief to those impacted by unemployment and economic uncertainty through no fault of their own. Phillip E Cole, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies

“The Ohio Bankers League applauds the leadership of Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Husted, as well as the Ohio legislature, for their early and decisive action in the fight against the Coronavirus.” Michael Adelman, President & CEO, Ohio Bankers League

 “The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants applauds Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and the Ohio legislature led by Speaker Householder, Minority Leader Sykes, Senate President Obhof, and Minority Leader Yuko for their bipartisan leadership during this difficult time.” Gordon Gough, President and CEO, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants

 “Ohio’s grocers and retail food industry workers are on the front lines of this pandemic and realize this healthcare crisis is unlike anything we have faced in modern times. Our members are committed to providing the necessary resources for our state and the proactive leadership from the administration and legislature continues to provide the necessary tools to do this. OGA applauds the Governor and the General Assembly for tackling many of state’s most pressing issues and providing immediate relief for all Ohioans with the passage of House Bill 197.” Kristin Mullins, President, Ohio Grocers Association

“In the wake of very real economic injury during this public health crisis, [Governor DeWine’s] Administration has partnered with the General Assembly, in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion, to move legislation ensuring continuity of operations as well as free and fair elections, getting immediate help to those now unemployed, and regulatory relief to assist the direct care workers on the front line of this crisis.” Howie Biegelman, Executive Director, Ohio Jewish Communities

 “As the largest Chamber of Commerce in the Ohio, and on behalf of our thousands of members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership is writing to say thank you to Governor DeWine for his leadership and support of emergency legislation in response to the coronavirus outbreak. GCP is appreciative of Governor DeWine’s hard work, and the work of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Senate President Larry Obhof, Speaker of the House Larry Householder, Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, and House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes.” Joe Roman, President & CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership

 “The Ohio Library Council would like to thank [Governor DeWine and leaders of the Ohio General Assembly], as well as [their] colleagues, for taking decisive actions during these unprecedented times in Ohio while we are all at war with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The measures passed unanimously by the legislature in Am. Sub. House Bill 197 are just another example of our state leaders coming together and taking steps to offer emergency relief for Ohioans and providing state and local governments with the tools necessary to continue essential operations.” Michelle Francis, OLC Executive Director & Jay Smith, OLC Director of Government & Legal Services

“My members strongly support Amended Substitute House Bill 197, that was approved unanimously on March 25 by both legislative chambers. As you know, this bill includes several emergency provisions that help Ohioans continue to move forward during the Coronavirus epidemic. Many of those directly impact the real estate industry and our ability to operate in these challenging times.” Scott Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio REALTORS

“On behalf of the Ohio Township Association (OTA), I am writing to express our support of House Bill 197 and the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ohio is facing an unprecedented challenge with the spread of COVID-19 and its many implications. The OTA appreciates the decisions made by [Governor DeWine’s] administration and the effort to collaborate with local governments on these issues.” Heidi M. Fought, Executive Director, Ohio Township Association

 “On behalf of the hard-working professional men and women making the supply chain in this country possible, we thank Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Husted for their work. Together with the Ohio Legislature, their swift action in passing House Bill 197, keeps America’s professional truck drivers delivering the freight this country needs right now instead of physically waiting in line for a license renewal.” Tom Balzer, CAE, President & CEO, Ohio Trucking Association & Ohio Association of Movers

“The past several weeks have been hard for Ohio and its manufacturers. We appreciate the swift actions taken by the administration and the General Assembly. The cooperation between the administration and both chambers has been a model for decisive action in a time of uncertainty. The emergency measures in House Bill 197 begin to blunt the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on manufacturers and Ohioans. The measures are truly appreciated.” Eric L. Burkland, President, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association

“PCSAO supports HB 197 and appreciates the bipartisan work of the General Assembly to develop a plan to address the multitude of challenges presented by this pandemic. In particular, we are grateful that county commissions and children services boards that are essential to the oversight and administration of child protection will be able to meet remotely, but still with citizen input, under this legislation. Recognizing that many families involved in the children services system already struggle with basic needs, we also appreciate efforts to prevent disconnection of utilities and expand eligibility for unemployment compensation, so as to reduce additional stress on families. In consideration of current and former foster youth, we are pleased by efforts to not penalize young people whose schooling has been interrupted. Finally, we appreciate the flexibility of pandemic day care centers and that child protection caseworkers are deemed an essential service and be prioritized to have access to such centers.” Angela Sausser, Executive Director, Public Children Services Association of Ohio 

“[Governor DeWine’s] Executive Order laid the necessary groundwork for the Ohio General Assembly to craft legislation that meets the needs of our State. H.B. 197 is necessary to keep our people working, provide essential care where needed and keep our economy stable and ready to rebound.” Tom Feeney, President & CEO, Safelite 

“We appreciate the efforts of Senate President Obhof, House Speaker Householder, Minority Leaders Sykes and Yuko, and all members of the Ohio General Assembly who worked on the development and passage House Bill 197. Thank you to Governor DeWine for his quick action to sign this legislation into law that will provide immediate assistance to Ohio businesses. Specifically, moving the tax filing deadline to July 15 to match the federal filing and the extension of licenses until December will give businesses greater flexibility during this time and ability to focus on their operations and employees.” Wendy R. Gramza, CCE, President & CEO of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

“Today we thank [Governor DeWine] specifically for requesting that student testing requirements be suspended for the 2019-2020 school year. This issue has been weighing heavily on the minds of our members, and we were pleased to hear [Governor DeWine] propose to eliminate this as a worry for this school year.” Julie Davis, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators & Kenneth Baker, Executive Director, Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators

 “Based on the unprecedented physical and economic climate created by the Coronavirus epidemic, Ohio Utilities Protection Service, d.b.a. OHIO811 wishes to express our full support for the decisive actions [Governor DeWine] and Dr. Acton have taken and continue to take to protect the 11.7 million citizens of Ohio. We further support the passage of House Bill 197 by [the DeWine] Administration and the Ohio General Assembly. We recognize that urgent actions are necessary to maintain continuity of government, provide clarity for our medical professionals, businesses, schools and students, families and to provide relief for employers and workers affected by COVID-19. Roger Lipscomb, President/Executive Director, Ohio Utilities Protection Service dba OHIO811

“The response, as outlined in House Bill 197, shows that at this challenging time, everyone can come together and do what is right for our residents and our communities. We see in particular the action of ensuring that no one in Ohio will have to suffer from a lack of resources such as having their utilities shut-off as being of paramount importance at this time. We appreciate [Governor DeWine] taking this action, and for the General Assembly ensuring that it is codified in temporary law.” Allison Goebel, Executive Director & Jason Warner, Manager of Government Affairs, Greater Ohio Policy Center

 “On behalf of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and over 70 Central Ohio local government members we thank [Governor DeWine for his] leadership and swift action over the last several weeks to confront both the public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus and COVID-19, as well as the economic challenges associated with this unprecedented situation. Local governments are on the frontlines of our nation’s local public health emergency response and overall public safety efforts. Now, more than ever, local, state, and federal governments must work together to address this crisis. It is in this vein that we thank [Governor DeWine] and offer our strong support of Substitute House Bill 197. We specifically thank you for the following provisions of the bill.” William Murdock, Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission 

“While life is confusing right now, this week’s actions by state leaders moved us in the right direction.  Training in new skills for new opportunities is one thing that can get people quickly back on their feet once this ends, and Ohio’s community colleges are especially well-suited for that mission.  We are grateful for the extraordinary leadership that Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted and the General Assembly have shown with these important supports for Ohioans and their ongoing leadership during this challenging time.  We’re all in this together and we’ll all get through it together.” Ohio Association of Community Colleges