There was yet another first-ever moment this week in the history of the death penalty in Ohio. The day before 40-year-old Ronald Phillips was set to be the first person ever to receive a new two-drug lethal injection, Gov. John Kasich delayed his execution to study the feasibility of allowing Phillips to donate his organs. Officials say 1,150 Ohioans successfully picked health insurance plans last month through the new online marketplace run by the federal government. And a final honor this week for a former Congressman and Ohio Senate President.
In the arguments for Medicaid expansion before the Controlling Board, it was said that the state could save $400 million. And there are several ideas on how to spend those projected savings. Sen. Chris Widener (R-Springfield) was one of the Republican lawmakers on the Controlling Board who voted for expansion, and he says that money should be returned to the taxpayers in the form of an income tax cut. And there are two House legislators – a Democrat and a Republican – who support sending the money back to Ohio communities via the local government fund, which is half the size it was when Gov. John Kasich took office. Rep. Ron Gerberry is a Democrat of Youngstown and Rep. Terry Boose is a Republican of Norwalk.
We close with images from the annual Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony at Vets Memorial in Columbus. Fifteen members were inducted into the hall this past week, and we thank them, and all veterans, for their service.