The Democratic frontrunner - Hillary Clinton - was back in Ohio for her second visit in two weeks. A group of business, health, community and environmental groups is calling on Ohio lawmakers to thaw the green energy standards that were frozen last year. The battle over Issue 3 continues in federal court, as Secretary of State Jon Husted and ResponsibleOhio fight over subpoenas issued in Husted's effort to investigate what he says was possible voter fraud in getting the issue to the ballot. Meanwhile, an issue to stop state lawmakers from serving more than 12 years in the Statehouse is just starting out.
Criminal justice reform has been a difficult and controversial issue over the years in Ohio and across the country. But now, an effort to change the system has brought together a unique coalition, including a nationally known conservative tax crusader, the American Civil Liberties Union, state lawmakers, and the author of a book about prison that became a hit TV show. Among those speaking out: Republican Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina), Alison Holcomb with the ACLU, Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform, former police officer and current Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), and Piper Kerman, author of “Orange is the New Black”.
A national study shows Ohio among the worst states when it comes to families on the brink of hunger with limited access to food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Ohio has the highest food insecurity rate in the Midwest and sixth highest nationally. And the study showed Ohio’s food insecurity rate is rising, and it’s higher than the national average. Lisa Hamler-Fugitt with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks talks about the study.
Labor Day was for years the traditional start of the push to the fall ballot. This is a so-called off year, and while we do have three ballot issues, there are no marquee statewide candidate contests. But in 29 counties, there are judicial races. However, there’s usually little information about the candidates in these races. A new website called JudicialVotesCount.org launched this week, which brings together a variety of non-partisan groups sharing information from judicial candidates. It's part of a three point reform plan from Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who talks about it.