Republican leaders in the Ohio House say it is time to move on from a bill that would have allowed COVID-19 vaccine mandates but also broad exemptions for people to refuse the shot. For a second time, leaders pulled the bill, House Bill 435, before it came to a full House vote this week saying they did not have consensus in the House Republican caucus.
The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals this week announced in written statements that organ transplant recipients and living donors will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Both hospital systems say the policy is needed to protect patients. UH said in its statement that the policy is in line with others already being put into effect at other Ohio hospitals and nationally as well as those recommended by transplant associations.
Ohio released report cards for the state’s school districts Thursday. For a second year in a row, the state school report cards do not contain a grade or an overall rating. Lawmakers decided not to include the grades due to the impact the pandemic has had on education.
Instead the report cards offer data in some key areas to help administrators “guide decisions about where and how to focus time, efforts and resources,” the Ohio Department of Education said in a release. The report cards include data on graduation rates, absenteeism, demographics and enrollment.
A change in course for the State Board of Education on an anti-racism and equity resolution passed in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. The original resolution sought to “condemn racism and to advance equity and opportunity for black students, indigenous students and students of color.”
The state school board has rescinded that resolution.
Less than three weeks until the November General Election and Ohio needs thousands of poll workers. Secretary of State Frank LaRose says there is a need for 17,000 poll workers and he is putting out the “help wanted” sign. The counties with the greatest need are Cuyahoga, Franklin and Hamilton. But 30 counties need hundreds of workers.
Time is running out for Cleveland residents to sign up for the city’s new recycling program. You must opt-in to the program by October 22 to participate. So far just 6% of the eligible household have signed up.
Lisa Ryan, Health Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
Ken Schneck, Editor, The Buckeye Flame
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief/Ohio Public Radio/TV
