Columbus, Ohio – As a change in state law to allow most trucks to go 65 miles-per-hour on many of Ohio's interstates takes effect July 1, crews with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be saving time and money in their efforts to update hundreds of speed limit signs across the state.
As part of House Bill 2 (the 2010-2011 State Transportation Budget) passed in April, Ohio lawmakers increased the speed limit on mostly rural and suburban interstates for large motor vehicles (trucks) and noncommercial buses from 55 mph to 65 mph, matching the speed of cars and other motor vehicles.
The change applies only to interstates - not U.S. Routes, State Routes or other multi-lane divided highways - where currently the speed limits are split between 65 mph and 55 mph.
Changing the speed limit required the changing of hundreds of speed limit signs, and ODOT has implemented a number of cost efficiencies that will have a majority of the signs changed in just one day.
Exact figures on the number of signs being changed won't be available until after the work is done.
In many cases, crews will simply use a reflective white material overlay to cover the bottom section of the 7-feet-by-6-feet signs where it reads 55 mph. This "white out" approach can be done much faster - and more cost effectively - than taking down the sign, removing the existing beam supports, and installing a new 65 mph sign.
At many other locations, the signs are already separated - one sign for 65 mph and another for 55 mph for vehicles weighing more than 4 tons empty. The outdated signs and posts will simply be removed.
In cases where new signs are required, ODOT crews have already installed several new speed limit signs behind the original signs. On July 1, the crews will return long enough to remove the old speed limit signs.
ODOT has coordinated this major effort with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Trucking Association. With this systematic method, ODOT crews should be able to complete the switch of most signs on July 1, without the need for costly overtime. All remaining signs will be completed on July 2.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of Michael Rench as the administrator of the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC). Rench will begin his service at RSC effective July 1.
"I am confident that Michael will be a great leader, allowing the agency to aggressively pursue its goals and mission," said Strickland. "Michael's readiness to serve Ohioans with disabilities, coupled with his experience, will serve the agency well as he assumes his new responsibilities. We appreciate those who served on the search committee as their work helped us to hone in on the qualities of the type of administrator RSC needs during these challenging times."
The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is a state agency serving Ohioans with disabilities, including helping people with disabilities get or keep a job and providing disability benefits. Since 1990, RSC has assisted nearly 100,000 Ohioans with disabilities get jobs. It also handles about 164,000 claims for Social Security benefits, providing some financial security and independence for people with disabilities.
"Throughout my career I have been committed to helping people with disabilities," said Rench. "I am thankful for the opportunity to take on this new role at the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission."
For the past twenty-nine years Rench has held positions in the field of disabilities. Prior to this appointment, Rench, 63, served as the Deputy Director of Community Services for the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation. He has been the chief executive officer for three private provider agencies that offered residential services to adults with disabilities and also held executive level positions at three county boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Rench earned his bachelor's degree in Education from Wright State University, a master's of Divinity from the United Theological Seminary and has done post graduate work in management and special education at the University of Cincinnati.
Governor Strickland was recently granted authority to appoint the administrator of RSC under a provision in House Bill 2 (the biennial transportation budget for fiscal years 2010-2011). As administrator of RSC, Rench will earn an annual salary of $120,000.
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Columbus, Ohio – In the wake of yesterday's 150-year sentence of Bernard Madoff for his role in an estimated $65 billion "Ponzi" scheme, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities is offering tips to investors on how to avoid becoming a victim of these investment scams.
Ponzi schemes are named for Charles Ponzi, a con artist who in the early 1900s promised high returns on short-term investments. He used money from later investors to pay returns to earlier investors.
"Ponzi schemes are the number one investment scam being perpetrated against Ohio investors. To protect their hard-earned money, Ohio investors need to be on guard against investment promoters who pitch their ability to guarantee high returns at little or no risk to the investor," said Director of Commerce Kimberly Zurz.
To avoid becoming a victim of a Ponzi scheme or any investment scam, the Division of Securities encourages Ohioans to:
In addition, before working with an investment professional, Ohio Securities Commissioner Andrea Seidt encourages investors to call the Division of Securities' Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-788-1194 to ask:
In recent years, the Division of Securities has investigated several Ponzi schemes and referred cases for prosecution. Any Ohioan who thinks that they have been a victim of a Ponzi scheme or another securities law violation can file a complaint with the Division of Securities at www.com.ohio.gov/secu or by calling the Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-788-1194.
The Division of Securities offers a publication titled "Understanding Your Brokerage Account Statements." The publication details the common features of most account statements and features a step-by-step checklist on how to review them. The brochure also includes a frequently asked questions section and an extensive glossary of investment terms that account holders may come across while reviewing their statements. This brochure answers many questions that an investor may have about how to read his or her account statement.
To ensure the accuracy of the mailed statements, vigilant investors should compare the mailed statement against their online account. If investors find any discrepancies or have any concerns about their statement, they should promptly call their investment representative. If the investor is dissatisfied with the representative's answer, they should contact the branch manager or the firm's compliance department.
"Understanding Your Brokerage Account Statements" PDF is available on the Ohio Division of Securities web site at or by calling the Investor Protection Hotline at 1-800-788-1194.
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Columbus, Ohio – The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that it has been selected to receive the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf. Connecting to Collections is a national initiative to raise public awareness of the importance of caring for our treasures, and to underscore the fact that these collections are essential to the American story. The Bookshelf is a collection of resources chosen by conservation and preservation experts to help libraries and museums care for their collections.
The State Library of Ohio is one of 907 museums, libraries, and archives to be selected. This was the third and final installment of the Bookshelf program, which has distributed 2,751 sets of books, online resources, and a user's guide to institutions in every part of the country. "The Connecting to Collections Bookshelf will become part of the State Library's reference collection. As such, it will be available not only to those within the State Library for preservation of our collection, but also to anyone within the state who wishes to use the Bookshelf," said State Librarian Jo Budler. "The State Library has a network of library development consultants who will use the collection and refer librarians to it when working with individual libraries. Additionally, consultants work together to offer workshops to public libraries and libraries with special collection needs."
The Bookshelf comprises resources for collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries' special collections, with an added selection of texts for living collections. It is a component of Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action, the strategic initiative by IMLS to address the challenges described in A Public Trust at Risk: The Heritage Health Index Report on the State of America's Collections, an IMLS-funded study conducted by Heritage Preservation.
The 24 Ohio institutions receiving the Bookshelf in 2009 join the 58 Ohio institutions who received the award in either round one or two. For the State Library, receipt of the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf will assist conservation activities at the Library itself and will complement activities associated with the Connecting to Collections Planning grant awarded to the State Library, in partnership with the Ohio Historical Society, in February of this year.
"When IMLS and our partners began the journey to help save America's collections three years ago, we knew that money and appropriate resources would prove major barriers between many of our nation's collecting institutions and proper collections care," said Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of IMLS. "With the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf initiative, we were able to offer these institutions tools to help them preserve and conserve their treasures for future generations. We commend them for answering this call to action."
The IMLS Bookshelf was made possible by a cooperative agreement with the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) with support from the Getty Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft encourages boaters to enjoy fireworks shows and to stay sober and boat safely on the July 4th holiday weekend, which represents among the busiest boating weekends of the year.
Accidents happen quickly on the water and often come with no warning, which makes staying alert, staying sober and keeping a proper lookout for swimmers, objects in the water and other boaters a top priority. Properly wearing a life jacket also saves lives.
Here are some basic safety tips to follow anytime while boating and enjoying fireworks shows while on the water:
Boating safety tips and other boating program information is available online at www.ohiodnr.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – More of Ohio's elderly and people with disabilities will find it easier to travel to jobs, school, and healthcare this year with an investment of $3.2 million in new transit vehicles and equipment from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The Specialized Transportation Program grants are being distributed to 64 non-profit agencies in 37 counties where existing transportation services are unavailable or insufficient to meet the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities. ODOT has been awarding these grants since 1975.
View 2009 Specialized Transportation Program proposed grants by county. PDF
The goal of the Specialized Transportation Program is to increase mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities by providing access to medical appointments, employment, grocery shopping, banking, and other services. The program builds upon ODOT's mission to promote a multi-modal transportation system for all of the state's citizens.
Along with transit vehicles and equipment, the grants will also be used to create two new jobs — one each in Fayette and Athens counties. The purpose of the jobs is to maximum the use of limited resources by helping to reduce duplication of service between public transit systems and human service agencies.
Through more than a dozen transit-related efforts, ODOT's Office of Transit advocates continued personal mobility for all Ohioans by supporting, coordinating, and funding public transportation as a critical element of Ohio's multi-modal transportation system.
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Columbus, Ohio – During a groundbreaking ceremony attended by federal, state, regional and local dignitaries today, Ohio EPA announced $6,615,297 has been slated for the village of Buckeye Lake to help establish a drinking water distribution system at a much more affordable rate for residents. A zero-interest, 30-year loan worth more than $1.6 million from Ohio EPA's Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) will supplement $5 million made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"We're demonstrating here in Buckeye Lake today that EPA is part of the solution in this economic downturn," said U.S. EPA Region 5 Acting Administrator Bharat Mathur. "Protecting human health and the environment is a great way to put people to work and stimulate our economy."
Other agencies, including the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Public Works Commission, the Ohio Water Development Authority and the Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program, also supplied the village significant grants, loans and valuable technical assistance. "This project will create new jobs and improve the health and safety for Buckeye Lake residents and visitors," said Governor Ted Strickland. "Today, we recognize the village of Buckeye Lake for their efforts to move forward with this project even before federal stimulus funding was made available. Because of their efforts and the commitment of President Obama and Ohio's Congressional Delegation, this project will directly benefit the more than 3,000 Ohioans who call Buckeye Lake home."
"Soon residents will be able to enjoy a safe, reliable source of drinking water," added Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski. "What's more, this project will provide a muchneeded boost to the local economy and will create an estimated 50 jobs."
Federal and state funding will help make the Buckeye Lake drinking water distribution system much more affordable for village residents and businesses and bring quality drinking water and other health, safety, environmental and economic benefits to the community. Construction is underway on the system — the top ranked drinking water project in Ohio and one of the first in the state to be significantly funded by federal stimulus money. The system is expected to service nearly 1,200 households and be operational in July 2010.
The total cost of the project is approximately $7 million. Water system customers in Buckeye Lake are estimated to save approximately $3.8 million in interest by financing the project with the ARRA money and interest-free WSRLA loan.
Buckeye Lake remains one of the largest villages in the state without a public drinking water system, though it has been planning one for many years. There have been a number of public health concerns resulting from the current wells and small public water systems on which the village relies. Many of the small businesses in Buckeye Lake have struggled to comply with regulatory standards. The new system is expected to rectify these issues by tying in about two dozen small public water systems.
According to M·E Companies, the village's engineer, Buckeye Lake is installing nearly 67,000 feet of water lines, a pump station and a storage tank to be able to connect to the nearby village of Millersport's drinking water source. Millersport also plans to receive federal and state funding to construct larger lines to service Buckeye Lake.
Since 1998, the Ohio Water Supply Revolving Loan Account has invested more than $630 million in improvements in Ohio communities, assisting with low-interest financing and technical assistance for necessary infrastructure needs. Ohio EPA directs the loan program and evaluates proposed projects. The Ohio Water Development Authority manages the loan account and issues bonds to ensure financing is available.
Ohio is receiving $58.46 million in ARRA funding to combine with $81 million in non- ARRA funding for drinking water projects. ARRA funding will support 65 drinking water projects in 52 communities. The drinking water assistance fund is estimated to save Ohio communities $154 million in financing costs over 20 years by utilizing the combination of stimulus grants and low-interest loans. These savings are compared to systems taking market rate loans. View the final drinking water project list and get more information on other proposed drinking water and water pollution control projects in Ohio.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Division of State Fire Marshal this year is encouraging Ohioans to attend public fireworks displays hosted by local municipalities and licensed exhibitors in order to reduce the risk of fire and injury this July 4th.
"The best way for Ohioans to prevent fireworks injuries is to attend a licensed, professional fireworks exhibition," said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald C. Cooper. "Keep in mind that even trick and novelty fireworks, like sparklers, are inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury."
The only types of fireworks that can be legally purchased and discharged in Ohio are trick and novelty devices. These include items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake. For those who choose to have their own display using these legal fireworks, Marshal Cooper encourages Ohioans to follow some important safety tips:
Other fireworks, like those sold at fireworks stores around Ohio, can be legally purchased in the state, but you must agree to take them out of Ohio to discharge. "You must be at least 18 years of age to buy items such as firecrackers and bottle rockets at the stores you see along the roadways of Ohio," said Cooper. "But firing them off within state boundaries is prohibited."
Under Ohio's fireworks law, stiff penalties can be applied for the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks. It is a first-degree misdemeanor for non-licensed individuals to discharge fireworks in Ohio, to falsify an application when purchasing fireworks, or to possess them for more than 48 hours without taking them out-of-state. First-time offenders are subject to up to a $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division of the Ohio Department of Development and the Small Business Development Centers are partnering with the Governor's Office of Women's Initiatives and Outreach and New Directions Career Center to host "The Best Way to Start a Home-Based Business for Women Entrepreneurs." The workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Columbus Metropolitan Library Auditorium, 96 S. Grant Avenue, 43215. Registration is $10.
"As the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country, women play a key role in Ohio's economic growth," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "We are excited to co-host this educational workshop that will help women gain the knowledge necessary to launch and develop their own home-based business."
The workshop will feature professional women who will discuss best practices in the areas of marketing, accounting, banking, legal, insurance, certification, procurement, and technology. A roundtable discussion hosted by the Governor's Office for Women's Initiatives and Outreach will be held at 12:30 p.m. and will focus on issues that impact the lives of women such as economics, health, personal safety, and education.
For more information about the workshop or to register, contact the New Directions Career Center at 614.849.0028 ext.100, or visit www.newdirectionscc.org.
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division's mission is to provide innovative programs and services to Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners, through effective communication, collaboration, creativity, and technology support to encourage sustainable growth.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing , innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.
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Columbus, Ohio – Each year, approximately 68,000 persons with injuries caused by power mowers are treated in emergency departments. With Trauma Season in full swing, the Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is partnering with Safe Kids Ohio in offering safety tips to keep children safe this summer.
"Children move very quickly, and you can't always hear them if the mower is running, or you are listening to the radio," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. "While summer is a great time for fun and relaxing activities, it also means paying more attention to your surroundings to ensure everyone is safe."
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers the power lawnmower one of the most dangerous tools around the home. Lawnmower blades can rotate at 3,000 revolutions per minute; generate a force three times greater than a .357 Magnum; and propel a 1-pound object at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour. The most common lawnmower accidents involve children being run over, or flying debris causing penetrating and life threatening injuries.
"Children can be taught lawnmower safety at a young age, and it's important to do so because lawnmower injuries are 100 percent preventable," said EMS Division Executive Director Richard Rucker.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued a proclamation lowering flags to half-staff in honor of State Senator Robert Schuler.
The complete proclamation is below:
In honor of the life of State Senator Robert Schuler, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon the buildings and grounds of the Ohio Statehouse and at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds in Warren and Hamilton Counties from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Stricklandtoday is sharing with the House and Senate a proposal to balance the state's fiscal years 2010-2011 operating budget without a tax increaseand lay the groundwork for jobs and economic growth.
The Ohio legislature is currently considering how to address a $3.2 billion gap by June 30 in a legislative conference committee.
View some of the impacts of this framework on state agencies. PDF
The governor's framework considerably resizes state government in line with the shrinking economy, while minimizing the impact on our most vulnerable, especially children, the elderly and disabled. The framework reduces state government spending and makes other reductions of $2.43 billion.
The governor's framework prioritizes education for economic growth. It calls for continued investments in a reformed system of education, does not cut the state share of elementary and secondary foundation funding, and continues a tuition freeze at all University System of Ohio campuses for a third year.
To achieve a balanced budget without raising taxes, this framework allows video lottery terminals at Ohio's seven racetracks. This, along with other non-tax revenue changes, will provide a net $765 million in new revenue to the state without raising taxes.
I read a story on the front page of yesterday's New Philadelphia Times-Reporter about the Belden Brick Company in Sugarcreek that I'd like to share with you. It reads:
"Fifty employees of Belden Brick Co. will be laid off at the end of June until business conditions improve.
Shipping volume is down 30 percent from the last four year average, and new orders are down 23 percent, according to the CEO, who said:
"We haven't witnessed a downturn this severe since the early 1980s. From last December, we have reduced total production to 50 percent of capacity, as well as many employees' hours by 20 percent, in an effort to weather this downturn."
I think this story sums up well the extraordinary challenges facing Ohioans these days. Ohio businesses — small, medium and large — are confronted with unprecedented limitations. Access to credit has diminished, as has demand for products and services. Even businesses that have avoided workforce or benefit reductions find the recession is stifling their ability to grow and expand. For families across the state, the national recession has caused unemployment and health care costs to rise as retirement accounts and home values fall.
And just as Ohio families and businesses are making gut-wrenching decisions about where to cut and how to make it through the economic turmoil, state government is similarly faced with hard choices. Quite frankly, Ohio has not confronted such difficult circumstances for 80 years.
As governor, I will have fewer dollars to operate state government than Ohio's governor had eight years ago.
But before I outline a framework for a balanced-budget, I'd like to recall the actions we have already taken to deal with a recession that, through Wall Street greed, has infected Main Streets throughout Ohio.
To deal with these economic realities, I have already reduced state government spending by nearly $2 billion dollars. In January 2008, we anticipated a recession well before most people thought it was likely. Some questioned the idea at the time, but I went ahead and reduced spending by $733 million dollars. In September, the fall of Wall Street's Lehman Brothers sparked the most sudden economic decline the nation has seen in more than 80 years. In response to worsening conditions, I reduced spending by another $540 million. Again in December, on the day economists declared that the nation had been in a recession for a full year, I proposed a plan to cut spending by even $640 million more.
To be clear, these cuts were painful. But never, not once, did my cabinet hesitate to join me in making hard choices. We met each challenge head on and we are prepared to do the same again. Ohioans are a proud people and to shrink in the face of challenges would betray our better nature — our spirit of innovation, creativity and determination.
So to achieve $2 billion dollars in savings, I scaled down the size of our state workforce to the level it was during the Reagan Administration. I have reluctantly closed mental health facilities and other state institutions. And though most state agency budgets absorbed cuts to reach that $2 billion dollar figure, I required that state agencies reduce administrative expenses even more.
Put simply, we have already resized state government while doing our best to protect the most vulnerable Ohioans.
Others have been willing to share in the sacrifice. State bargaining union employees have agreed to no pay increases for the next two years and all state employees will take 10 cost-savings days — days without pay — in each of the next two years. So, state employees across the board will take pay cuts in each of the next two years.
Both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate have put forward budget proposals that would reduce their operations by 10 percent. I want every state employee to know how much we honor the work they do every day and appreciate how difficult this will be for each of them.
As governor, I have tried to lead by example. I have refused to accept pay increases and will dock my own pay in line with the pay reductions that state employee unions have agreed to. I continue to pay for my health care out of pocket as I have been. I don't say this to sound sanctimonious. I simply believe that public leaders have a common-sense responsibility to the people they have been elected to represent.
But even after we have taken all of these fiscally-responsible steps, an additional budget gap of $3.2 billion or more in the next budget must be addressed during the next 11 days through the legislative conference committee that is currently underway.
I'd like to put that figure in perspective for Ohioans to better understand what a shortfall of that size means, especially after we have already reduced the current state budget by nearly $2 billion and plan to make use of the state's rainy day fund to fill an additional budget gap by the end of the month.
While $3.2 billion dollars is a portion of the $54 billion dollar state budget, it is a significant portion when compared to what I'll call the "uncommitted balance". This "uncommitted balance" is everything left after you account for nearly 81percent of the state budget, which provides for the state's share of education, Medicaid, prisons and youth services, as well as paying interest on the state's limited debt. In certain cases, Ohio is legally-bound to provide certain levels of funding for prisons, youth services, and Medicaid, either because of federal law or as a result of court-orders. Similarly, certain expenditures would lose federal money if the state share is not maintained at a certain spending level from year to year.
After accounting for this portion of spending, the Ohio legislature and I have a much smaller pool of resources to direct toward other worthy programs that will move our state forward. A cut of $3.2 billion dollars from that more limited pool of $10.4 billion is approximately 31 percent of our "uncommitted balance". And remember, this is after we have already reduced state spending by nearly $2 billion dollars.
These are the circumstances facing the state legislature, which is responsible for sending me a balanced state budget before June 30, just eleven days away.
We must recognize the unprecedented nature of this challenge and, together with the joint House-Senate conference committee, take unprecedented action in response. That's why I have chosen to break with tradition to put forward a balanced-budget framework during the conference committee process. Based on the new revenue projections, this framework is fiscally responsible and sustainable. It significantly resizes state government in line with the shrinking economy. It prioritizes extremely limited resources toward critical health and safety services to provide for the greatest number of vulnerable Ohioans during this difficult time.
And, perhaps most important, this framework positions Ohio for the job creation needed for near-term recovery and for long-term economic growth after the recovery. We have a shared responsibility to make the decisions necessary to maintain a balanced budget without crippling the state's growth and economic progress. So my balanced budget framework calls for continued investments in a reformed system of education, which is the key to Ohio's economic revival.
Our schools must provide a world-class education for every child and teach the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that businesses tell us they look for in the people they hire. Our system of education does not do this now, and delaying this is not an option.
First, my framework suggests state government spending cuts and other reductions of more than $2.43 billion dollars.
These will be painful cuts. They represent a majority of the $3.2 billion dollar budget gap. I will not sugarcoat what this will mean in real terms. We will see additional staff reductions, further shrinking the state government workforce. Worthwhile and critical programs and services will be reduced or suspended to reprioritize limited resources to help the maximum number of Ohioans.
I do not believe that we can, in good conscience, make cuts that would eliminate the essential safety net services that Ohioans need now more than ever. So, in order to balance the budget we must reduce services that Ohioans have needed and received in the past but the state can no longer continue to provide. But in reducing these services, we must minimize the impact on our most vulnerable, especially children, the elderly and disabled.
Second, we must continue to prioritize education for economic growth. The jobs of the future will go where world-class schools produce highly-trained, highly-skilled workers. Postponing education reform will only hold Ohio back.
Though $2 billion dollars has been reduced from the state budget over the past two years, we have worked to protect both elementary and secondary school funding and higher education support. And we have been successful. Ohio is one of a very few states that have not already reduced direct foundation support for our schools and we have maintained a 2-year tuition freeze in the midst of this recession.
While today's circumstances require that administrative lines in education absorb cuts in line with other state agencies and worthy programs, my framework does not cut the state share of elementary and secondary foundation funding. In addition, we will continue a tuition freeze at all University System of Ohio campuses for a third year and take the first critical steps toward the establishment of a modern K-12 education system that will better prepare Ohio students for the jobs of the future.
And finally, to achieve a balanced budget without raising taxes, this framework proposes to permit video lottery terminals at Ohio's seven racetracks. Video lottery terminals, including licensing and expected revenue, will provide approximately $933 million dollars over the biennium. After the effects of that increase in general revenue fund resources is netted out against other revenue changes, the total new revenue to the state will be approximately $765 million dollars.
This has been a difficult choice for me but I believe a necessary one. It is contrary to what I ever thought I would have to do. Still, after looking at an array of choices before me and the state legislature, I have concluded this is the best course of action to meet our balanced budget obligations.
Permitting video lottery terminals at racetracks could be accomplished in two ways. In order for this to be a workable strategy, I believe that legislative approval, rather than a ballot initiative, is necessary to receive the new revenue in a timely way to balance the budget without a tax increase.
While this balanced budget framework represents difficult choices, it provides for a balanced budget that does not raise taxes, undermine our commitment to education or eliminate the safety net for Ohio's most vulnerable citizens. It is realistic; it would shrink the size of government while positioning our state for near and long-term job growth. And, this proposal would ensure that we continue to strengthen Ohio's business environment by fully implementing the tax reforms that will make Ohio's business taxes the lowest in the Midwest and eliminate the tax on corporate profits.
Out of respect for my colleagues in the legislature and the conference committee, this framework is intended to serve as a starting point for consideration, not an ending point. Balancing the budget will require hard choices of all of us, but that is our shared responsibility. I know that the right decisions will enable us to preserve what we must and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more competitive Ohio.
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Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that Ohio's plan for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program has been approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. Approval of the plan authorizes the expenditure of 40 percent, or $106 million, of the state's approximately $266 million in Home Weatherization Assistance Program funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"I am grateful to Secretary Chu and President Obama for providing these stimulus funds, which will allow us to expand the state's program through the weatherization of more than 32,000 homes," said Strickland. "The program expansion will help low-income Ohioans save money on energy costs, promote energy efficiency across the state and create new jobs in Ohio's growing green energy sector."
Governor Strickland and Secretary Chu made the announcement following a tour of a Columbus home currently undergoing weatherization. The funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, will be used to increase the energy efficiency of homes owned or occupied by low-income Ohioans, reduce household energy expenditures, and improve occupants' health and safety.
"Recognizing the urgency, Ohio was among the first states to submit our Home Weatherization Assistance Program application to the U.S. Department of Energy," said Lisa Patt-McDaniel, interim director of the Ohio Department of Development. "This timely and efficient action demonstrates our commitment to helping low-income Ohioans save on their energy bills and improve their quality of life."
The first 10 percent of the state's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Home Weatherization Assistance Program funds were authorized on April 1. The remaining 50 percent of the state's $266 million will be released based on a review by the U.S. Department of Energy of the state's progress in obligating the funds.
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division and its Office of Community Services, is free for citizens whose annual household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The funds are being allocated based on an existing formula methodology to local community action agencies and other public and non-profit entities that carry out the Home Weatherization Assistance Program.
For a list of local weatherization providers, visit development.ohio.gov. Eligible Ohioans who would like to apply to have their home weatherized should contact their local weatherization provider.
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program is directed at the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's goals: to create and preserve jobs, promote economic recovery, assist those most impacted by the recession, and invest in environmental protection that provides long-term economic benefits. For more information about the American Recovery and Investment Act and Home Weatherization Assistance Program and guidelines, visit recovery.ohio.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – In a coordinated effort with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, and in participation with national efforts, Governor Ted Strickland proclaimed June 21-27 as "Lightning Safety Awareness Week," and encourages all Ohioans to practice lightning safety and preparedness this week and throughout the summer.
To date, according to the NWS, 14 people in the United States have died this year because of lightning strikes. Twenty-eight Americans died in 2008 because of lightning strikes. Ohio had two deaths resulting from lightning strikes last year, and was one of 18 states that reported lightning-related fatalities.
The purpose of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is to help safeguard people from the hazards of thunder and lightning storms. The NWS lightning safety slogan continues to be: "When thunder roars, go indoors!"
According to the NWS, there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. If you're outside and hear thunder, you should seek shelter immediately - either inside a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle. Other safety tips include:
Other lightning safety tips promoted by the NWS and OCSWA include:
For additional information on lightning safety and severe weather preparedness, visit the following sites: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov and www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland on Monday signed Senate Bill 73
State Sen. Tom Niehaus and State Sen. Jason Wilson sponsored SB 73, which addresses a variety of concerns with the state's coal regulatory program identified by the federal Office of Surface Mining.
These changes will help bring Ohio's permitting program in line with federal requirements so that Ohio can maintain its primacy agreement to continue issuing permits. In addition, the bill helps ensure a coal mining site will be reclaimed when either the mining activity ends or the mining company no longer has the financial capability to cover those reclamation costs. The bill will be effective immediately.
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Columbus, Ohio – With the awarding of more than $36.9 million in construction contracts today, the Ohio Department of Transportation is spurring the creation and retention of hundreds of construction-related jobs by investing federal stimulus funds into 29 roadway and bridges projects across the state.
Combined with the contracts awarded so far using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, ODOT has awarded more than $83.9 million in contracts for work on 52 projects - a combination of interstate, local roadway and bridge modernization projects.
As contracts are awarded, construction companies begin to mobilize workers for these jobs. Jobs are also being created and retained by firms that provide materials and equipment used in highway construction, and those jobs supported by consumer expenditures resulting from wages to 'construction oriented' and 'supporting industries' employment.
On Thursday, crews will begin work on the state's latest stimulus-funded project to get underway: replacement of the State Route 83 bridge near North Ridgeville in Lorain County, where 7,690 motorists travel daily to and from the State Route 10 interchange, accessing the Ohio Turnpike and Interstate 480 for work, school, and shipping operations.
As part of ODOT's original announcement of the projects to be advanced with ARRA funds, the department targeted $57 million for necessary planning and design work to advance some of the state's most transformational regional long-term projects. This included the Cleveland Opportunity Corridor, Cincinnati Eastern Corridor, and the Ohio Hub High Speed Rail Plan.
While agreeing that these projects are eligible for funding under the Recovery Act, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the US Department of Transportation expressed a preference that stimulus funds be directed toward construction-ready projects. After close consultation with the FHWA and USDOT, the Ohio Department of Transportation will instead direct these dollars to shorter-term projects, aimed at creating and retaining construction-related jobs quickly.
ODOT remains committed to working with local leaders on these three important large-scale projects and will use non-stimulus funds (both state and federal) to invest in the continued planning and design, dollar-for-dollar, as committed to by the department in its March announcement.
A majority of the $57 million in ARRA stimulus funding (approximately $30 million) will be invested in nine additional state roadway and bridge projects; the remaining ARRA resources will be dedicated to existing ODOT transportation projects.
A complete up-to-date list of the transportation infrastructure projects prioritized for stimulus funding - with updates on projects which have been authorized by FHWA, contracts which have been awarded, and new employment opportunities - can be found online at: www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Communications/Pages/FederalStimulusProjectListing.aspx.
To track the number of jobs being created and retained by these investments, ODOT continues to work closely with companies awarded contracts funded by Recovery Act resources.
ODOT is requiring all contractors to complete monthly reports on the direct, on-the-project jobs associated with stimulus-funded projects. This job data will include employees actively engaged in projects on the jobsite, in the project office, in the home office or other alternative office location. This also includes any engineering personnel, inspectors, sampling and testing technicians, and lab technicians performing work directly in support of the stimulus-funded project.
Along with addition reporting requirements, these contractors must post any new job opportunities at www.OhioMeansJobs.com, Ohio's online source to match job seekers with employment openings across the state.
Under ARRA requirements, ODOT must have authorized approximately $327.5 million of its $774 million stimulus allocation by June 29, 2009. The remaining amount must be authorized by March 1, 2010. States that meet these timeline requirements can compete for additional money lost by other states that fail to meet these deadlines.
To meet this deadline, ODOT has so far requested authorization of $325.6 million in stimulus investments, including strategic projects at Ohio's water port and along its railroads. Of that amount, FHWA to date has authorized $285 million in projects.
ODOT also continues to partner with Ohio's eight major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) which were directly sub-allocated $161.5 million in transportation infrastructure stimulus funds. To date, FHWA has authorized $20.2 million in projects sponsored by the MPOs in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown.
Ohio is also receiving approximately $180 million in transit-specific stimulus funds through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The first project to be authorized by the FTA is in Toledo, where the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority will invest $8.5 million for 21 small buses and 15 35-foot buses. Additional stimulus-funded transit projects are expected to be authorized in the coming weeks.
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Columbus, Ohio – Various cars, cargo and passenger vans and pickup trucks will be among nearly 80 vehicles available for purchase at the State of Ohio surplus vehicle auction Saturday, June 20.
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.
Auction items include a Jaguar Vanden Plas, a Chevrolet diesel engine box truck, a Ford diesel engine box truck, a Nuway utility trailer, a Rol-Lift electric platform scissor lift and about 40 Ford Crown Victoria cars. To view the items, please visit das.ohio.gov/gsd/propfac/surplus/nextauction.asp.
Vehicles may be inspected from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15 through 19. Vehicles may be started only from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. June 19. All vehicles are sold as is with no warranties. Thirty-day temporary tags will be available for purchase on site the day of the auction 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 22. Beginning July 1 no more partial payments will be accepted; all vehicles must be paid for in full the day of the auction.
All purchased vehicles must be removed from the auction site by Friday, June 26.
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 more than $2.2 million to date during fiscal year 2009.
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.
The next auction after this June 20 auction is a miscellaneous property auction, which will be held July 18.
For more information, please contact Jeff Scanlan at (614) 466-2670 or visit the DAS State and Federal Surplus Services Web site at www.ohio.gov/surplus.
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Columbus, Ohio – A team of Granville High School students placed first in the 2009 Ohio Envirothon, held at Kenyon College in Knox County on June 7-9, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This year marked Ohio's 21st annual Envirothon competition.
Twenty teams from 18 Ohio high schools participated in this year's outdoor 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 August 2-8 at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. There, students will compete for more than $107,000 in academic scholarships and prizes. Students from 53 states and provinces are expected to participate.
The Beavercreek High School team from Greene County finished second in the competition, taking home a check for $200. A team from Chardon High School in Geauga County placed third and received a check for $100. Each of the teams also received a plaque to display at their 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, over 300 teams competed for a chance to attend the state event.
Competition questions were prepared by professionals from ODNR, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kenyon College, Muskingum Valley Park District, Helser Woodland Management and the Columbus Zoo.
High scores in the individual contest components were:
United High School from Columbiana County was honored for scoring highest of all the participating "rookie" teams.
The Ohio Envirothon is funded by donations from individuals, soil and water conservation districts, local businesses, agencies and organizations. Donors for the 2009 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 Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts and Canon Envirothon.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites Ohioans and visitors to celebrate the second annual National Get Outdoors Day this weekend by ramping up participation in outdoor activities. Get outside and get active at one of Ohio's scenic state recreation areas.
There are many ODNR activities and events scheduled across the state that will help individuals and families reconnect with the outdoors and jumpstart a healthy lifestyle.
For example, ODNR Division of Watercraft, in cooperation with Gander Mountain, will host a PaddleQuest event at Mohican State Park/Pleasant Hill Lake on June 13. The event is part of a series to promote canoeing and kayaking, which are among the fastest growing segments in outdoor recreation.
Those who are seeking beautiful trails can visit ODNR's newly launched Ohio trails web site, ohiotrails.gov. It provides a comprehensive list of ODNR hiking, biking, mountain biking, ATV and equine trails statewide. Once the final phase of the web site is complete, it will provide outdoor enthusiasts with interactive features that will allow them to find trails that best suit their needs and abilities.
For parents who are looking for an exciting, hands-on outing that will get the youngsters involved in the outdoors, this weekend is a great time to get involved in the ODNR's free Explore the Outdoors program. It provides Ohio parents and youth leaders with an easy guide to lead Ohio's young people, particularly those in grades 1-5, into the outdoors. The program also provides an interactive online resource that families can use to find exciting outdoor activities and events.
The program's engaging activity guide recommends a variety of fun outdoor activities, including Spot a Bird, Hike a Trail or Camp Under the Stars. All of the activities in the book can be accomplished at state parks, forests, preserves and wildlife areas throughout Ohio. Families can also complete some of the activities at local parks, green spaces or even at home.
Special Explore the Outdoors events are posted on the Explore the Outdoors web site, www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com.
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Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Executive Director Mark Shanahan today announced that a Perrysburg solar panel manufacturer and a clean coal power plant to be built along the Ohio River in Meigs County have been selected to receive the first two funding awards from the $150 million advanced energy portion of the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan.
"The first two recipients of these funds are great examples of how investing in advanced energy technologies is stimulating Ohio's economy," said Strickland. "The impacts of President Obama's recovery act and our bipartisan state stimulus package are becoming evident — we are creating the jobs of the future in Ohio today."
The funding, which will be awarded to Willard & Kelsey Solar Group LLC and AMP-Ohio, was approved by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA), the state agency responsible for administering the program's funds.
"These two outstanding projects demonstrate that the Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program is fulfilling its mission to support cutting-edge projects that are on a fast track toward commercialization," said Mark Shanahan, executive director of OAQDA and the governor's energy adviser. "These investments can attract additional investment and will put Ohioans to work in the jobs of the future."
Willard & Kelsey will receive a $10 million loan over two years to assist in the planned expansion of its Perrysburg manufacturing facility, which currently employs about 400 workers. Willard & Kelsey manufactures thin-cell photovoltaic solar panels that are distributed around the nation and world. The panels are used in residential and commercial settings to generate electricity. The company currently operates one manufacturing line, but plans to expand to as many as 16 lines, employing more than 3,500 workers. The average annual wage and benefit package for company employees will be approximately $61,000. Total project cost is $1.2 billion.
Willard & Kelsey was formed in 2007 as an outgrowth of Glasstech Solar, which pioneered the development of large area, thin-film cadmium telluride solar modules. Its first manufacturing line began operations in February, and the planned expansion will commence in June 2010 to take advantage of the growing global market for solar panels for use in electricity generation.
"Our company is honored to be one of the first recipients of funds from Ohio's Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program. We are extremely pleased that we have the opportunity to help strengthen the economy of northwest Ohio as the area's traditional strength as a global leader in the glass industry evolves naturally into a leadership role in the solar industry," said William Mitchell, president and CEO of Willard & Kelsey.
AMP-Ohio will receive a $30 million bridge loan to assist in the construction of the 1,000-megawatt American Municipal Power Generating Station in Letart Falls in southern Meigs County. Construction is expected to begin later this year and will employ more than 1,500 workers. An estimated 150 full-time workers will be hired beginning in June 2011, earning an average wage of $31.25 per hour. Another 15 workers will be hired at an associated fertilizer facility. Total project cost is $3.2 billion.
The new plant will use a variety of pollution-control technologies, including the Powerspan ammonia-based scrubber system, which successfully removes the great majority of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and mercury produced during combustion. Powerspan also has demonstrated a promising technology for removal of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the technology also yields a highly marketable ammonium sulfate fertilizer byproduct. AMP-Ohio is working with Ohio-based The Andersons on the fertilizer portion of the planned power plant facilities. The Powerspan technology previously received $4.5 million in funding from the Ohio Coal Development Office, a program of OAQDA.
When built, the new plant will help stabilize power costs for nearly 300,000 electricity customers of AMP-Ohio in 69 Ohio communities.
"The bridge loan that Ohio's Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program is providing AMP-Ohio assures that we can launch the construction phase of this important project on schedule later this year. We believe the project underscores our commitment to the environmentally sound use of clean coal and advanced energy technologies, as is also affirmed by our hydroelectric projects at existing dams on the Ohio River," said Jolene Thompson, senior vice president of member services and external affairs for AMP-Ohio.
Ohio's Advanced Energy Stimulus Program, includes $84 million for non-coal related technology projects and $66 million for clean coal projects. The program is part of the $1.57 billion Ohio Bipartisan Jobs Stimulus Plan signed into law by Governor Strickland in June 2008. More than 215 applications for program funding have been received to date.
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Columbus, Ohio – Recreational boaters looking for a marina facility or convenient boat launch ramp can request the newly updated Ohio Boating Areas map and guide from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. The free publication is available online at ODNR's website or by calling toll-free 1-877-4BOATER.
Recreational boating generates a statewide economic impact estimated at $3.5 billion annually, according to a 2007 Great Lakes Commission study. Ohio's recreational boating industry supports the fulltime equivalent of more than 26,000 jobs. Ohio also ranked ninth nationally in 2008 with a total of 411,366 registered watercraft.
Local communities with marinas, boat launch ramps and other related facilities especially benefit economically by attracting boaters to spend money locally on lodging, meals, fuel, entertainment, shopping and more, according to the Division of Watercraft.
The new Ohio Boating Areas map includes facility locations, amenities and phone numbers grouped by waterways based upon their horsepower rating and regional location such as Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Additional information on navigation rules, life jacket safety, boating safety tips and launch and loading tips for boaters is included as part of the map.
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Cleveland, Ohio – Work is underway on Ohio's first transportation project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) marked the start of the project near downtown Cleveland — a $1.8 million investment of stimulus funds to widen the ramp from Interstate 490 eastbound to Interstate 77 northbound.
"Today we are making history," said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris, who was joined by local leaders and Congressional officials to launch work on the project. "This is an important job for Clevelanders who have come to rely on this link into downtown Cleveland, especially during recent restrictions on I-90 Innerbelt Bridge. This is also important for the laborers who have a reliable job because of this investment of stimulus funds."
Starting today, motorists will also notice new signs at this construction site, announcing "Putting America to Work: Project Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." Similar orange-and-green signs will be erected when work begins at stimulus-funded projects across Ohio.
Over the next several months, crews will widen the I-490 ramp, improving the substandard shoulder widths and allowing for an additional lane of traffic to travel into downtown Cleveland. The I-77/I- 490 interchange continues to see an increase in daily traffic, as an alternative route during restrictions on the aging Innerbelt Bridge.
In October 2008, ODOT engineers restricted traffic on the 50-year-old Innerbelt Bridge and rerouted heavy truck traffic after inspections revealed that a number of steel members were aging faster than expected. In March 2009, ODOT announced it would build a new $400-million five-lane westbound I-90 Innerbelt Bridge with an investment of stimulus dollars.
ODOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) continue to advance additional infrastructure projects closer to the construction phase. To date, FHWA has authorized more than $166.9 million in stimulus investments, including strategic projects at Ohio's water port and along its railroads. An additional $182.9 million in projects have been submitted for authorization by FHWA in the next three weeks.
Under ARRA requirements, ODOT must have authorized approximately $327.5 million of its $774 million stimulus allocation by June 29, 2009. The remaining amount must be authorized by March 1, 2010. States that meet these timeline requirements can compete for additional money lost by other states that fail to meet these deadlines.
All companies awarded ODOT contracts funded by Recovery Act resources are required to post any new job opportunities at www.OhioMeansJobs.com, an online source to match job seekers with employment openings across the state.
A complete list of the transportation projects prioritized for stimulus funding — with updates on projects which have been authorized, contracts which have been awarded, and new employment opportunities — can be found online at www.dot.state.oh.us.
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Sandusky, Ohio – As summer kicks off, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds beach-goers to be aware of the waves, currents and lakebed variations that occur on Lake Erie. In an effort to heighten public awareness of rip currents at beaches, each year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designates the first full week of June as National Rip Current Awareness Week.
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore and can occur at any beach with breaking waves.
When waves break, water is pushed up the slope of the shore. Gravity pulls this water back toward the lake. Due to lakebed variations, waves may break strongly in some locations and weakly in others causing the water to converge in narrow, river-like currents moving away from shore. These are called rip currents.
Rip currents do not pull people under the water; they pull people away from shore. Drowning usually occurs when people panic and are unable to keep themselves afloat to swim back to shore. If caught in a rip current, you will feel yourself being pulled away from the shore. If this happens, NOAA recommends that you take the following actions:
Rip currents are more likely to form on beaches with a sand bar and channel system in the near-shore. They can also occur when a water current traveling along the shore encounters a structure such as a groin, a rigid structure built from the shore that interrupts water flow and limits the movement of sediment, or a jetty, which extends into a body of water to protect a harbor or coastline from the effects of currents and tides, and is forced offshore.
The size and lakeward pull of rip currents varies. The width can be 10 feet to 50 yards or more. Sometimes the rip current ends just beyond the line of breaking waves, while other times rip currents extend hundreds of yards offshore.
If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
Explore the shore safely at a Lake Erie beach with these SwimSafe! and Wear It Ohio! tips:
Information about Lake Erie, including outdoor recreation sites and water temperatures, is found on the ODNR Office of Coastal Management Web site, www.ohiodnr.gov/coastal.
Ohio State Parks SwimSafe! tips can be found by selecting "Swimming" on the "Outdoor Fun" link at: www.ohiodnr.gov/parks.
Learn how to select the proper fit and type of life jackets through the ODNR Division of Watercraft's Wear It Ohio! campaign at: www.ohiodnr.gov/watercraft.
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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services is encouraging parents and caregivers to take extra precaution this summer while children are participating in summer activities. Last year 17,115 Ohio children visited emergency rooms during Trauma Season with 6,221 children reported with actual injuries.
"We want everyone to have a safe and fun summer, and that starts by always putting safety first, whether it's by buckling your seat belt or making sure children are out of harm's way at the playground or at home in the backyard," said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán.
Injuries tend to peak during the summer months (May-August) for children ages 14 and younger. Nationally this summer nearly three million children will be rushed to emergency rooms for serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, drowning, bike crashes, pedestrian incidents, falls and other hazards.
"EMS personnel are prepared for Trauma Season. However, parents and caregivers can prevent many summer-related injuries with safety ge