WHAT’S NEW FROM CLERMONT TO COLUMBUS
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BIG TESTING QUESTIONS REMAIN AS OHIO ALLOWS BUSINESSES TO REOPEN
Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday began “reopening” the economy, or relaxing coronavirus restrictions. But he said Ohioans would have to wait until, Monday, May 4 to hear how the state planned to expand testing to determine whether or how the disease might spread in response to the reopening measures.
May 1 marked the reopening of general offices, distribution centers and construction companies. Retail stores and service businesses can reopen on May 12. Committees are meeting to plan to reopen businesses such as restaurants and hair salons sometime after that.
Under political and economic pressure, Ohio and other states are restarting economic activities while also saying they don’t have adequate testing. DeWine plans to triple testing capacity by the end of May to 22,000 a day — but that’s a level that Ohio Health Director Amy Acton on Friday said will still be inadequate. READ MORE
CHANGES RECOMMENDED FOR OHIO’S ELECTION THIS NOVEMBER
Health experts say coronavirus will likely still be a concern in November. That means distance spacing and sanitizing will continue to be important. Secretary of State Frank LaRose says that’s why if the state moves to a mail in balloting system, he wants some changes.
“I want to see us start picking up the tab on those return ballot postage – make that a postage paid envelope for every Ohioan in every election and I want to be able to send out those absentee ballot requests to absolutely every Ohioan for November as well,” LaRose says. READ MORE
OHIO SENATORS PLEAD FOR FEDERAL HELP AS PANDEMIC THREATENS TO GUT CITIES’ BUDGETS
Ohio’s senators are joining forces around a hotly contested issue on Capitol Hill: federal aid for ailing state and local governments. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Ohio cities are facing massive revenue losses that threaten funding for police and fire departments, schools, trash collectors, food banks, libraries, museums, and civic spaces. READ MORE
UNION LEADERS DISCUSS HOW THE PUBLIC CAN HELP ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Every day essential workers are working to keep the world running through the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s a bus driver, mail carrier, grocery store worker or a first responder, their risk of exposure is high. READ MORE
EDUCATION FUNDING CUTS SEEN AS LIKELY AS DEWINE CONSIDERS HOW TO BALANCE STATE BUDGET
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has less than two months to fill a multi billion-dollar budget hole.And then a second one will await him.
That’s because the state fiscal year runs through June 30, by which point the Ohio Constitution requires a balanced budget. State tax revenues, tied closely to commercial activity and employment levels, have fallen off a cliff since last month, when DeWine began ordering rolling closures of businesses. READ MORE
Below is a list of Clermont County Democrat related meetings and events that we are aware of that have been cancelled or postponed. Please remember that this is temporary. We can look forward to things getting back to normal. We will get through this!
| Event | Scheduled Date | Status |
| Quint-T Democrat Club Meeting | May 7, 2020 | Canceled |
| West Clermont Democratic Club Meeting | May 11, 2020 | Canceled |
| Clermont County Democratic Party Meeting | May 28, 2020 | Canceled |
WORD FROM THE CHAIR – RAYMOND LEMBKE
Voting in Ohio’s strangest primary election is finally over. Votes are still being counted but we know who won the Democratic primary. Congratulations to Jaimie Castle for Ohio Congressional District 2, Ryan Ottney for State Senate District 14, Alan Darnowsky for State Rep District 65, Jeff Richards for Clermont County Commissioner, and Acacia Uible for Clermont County Clerk of Courts.
Unfortunately the Clermont Sun reported in its April 30 edition Republicans Bonnie Batchler and Jean Schmidt had already won the offices of county commissioner and state rep for District 65. I sent a letter to the editor to bring the erroneous reporting to his attention. He apologized and promised a correction would be published. We must do all we can to get these outstanding local candidates, as well as Joe Biden for President and Jennifer Brunner, and John P. O’Donnell for Ohio Supreme Court, elected in November. READ MORE.
THE CENSUS BUREAU IS LOOKING FOR HELP
Based on continuing assessments, guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the U.S. Census Bureau is planning to reactivate 2020 Census field operations, pending statutory relief from Congress, after June 1. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone who will go through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions. READ MOREIf you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census you may do so online here.
SAVE THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE
The United States Postal Service employs over 500,000 people and is the #1 employer of veterans. Donald Trump has rejected a bill that would save it from running out of money in September. Show those that wish to dismantle and privatize the USPS that we are against letting one of our prize institutions fail. Sign the petition HERE.
Addiction in Ohio – One Family’s Story
Virtual Community Event
Time Wed 5/6, 7–8:30pm
Join from anywhere Hosted in Loveland, OH 45140
Clermont County is in the midst of an opiate epidemic. The number of residents who are addicted to prescription pain pills and heroin in our county has risen over 400% since 2007. People are dying at an alarming rate. In the last decade, the county’s rate of overdose has jumped more than 2000%. Clermont County is fourth in the state for overdose deaths.
On October 30, 2019 Clay Loadman of New Richmond, Ohio passed away from a heroin overdose. Since then his family have turned their grief and anger into advocacy. You are invited to listen to their story. You may sign up for this virtual event HERE
OHIO CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
Get the latest information on COVID-19 in Ohio at coronavirus.ohio.gov. If you have any questions, please call the Ohio Department of Health hotline between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm at 1-833-427-5634.
If you are out of work because of the coronavirus, please visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm for information on how to access unemployment insurance benefits.
If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic, help is available. Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (1-800-846-8517 TTY); connect with a trained counselor through the Ohio Crisis Text Line by texting the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741; or call the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services help line at 1-877-275-6364 to find resources in your community.
Cloth masks/face coverings in the workplace
Q: Who is required to wear a cloth mask or face covering?
A: The requirement to wear cloth face coverings applies to employers and employees at Ohio workplaces. Businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, and construction industries are authorized to open May 4; general office environments are authorized to open May 4; and consumer, retail, and service locations are authorized to open May 12. For additional information, visit the Responsible RestartOhio page at coronavirus.ohio.gov. READ MORE.
LOCAL ACTIVIST OFFERING CLOTH FACE MASKS
Kay Newby, our most dedicated Democrat warrior, has been sewing face masks to wear in public during the pandemic. She has generously offered to make masks for those who need them. If you need a mask you may text her at 513-908-2649 (be sure to identify yourself in your text) or email her at kbnewby@gmail.com
If you have the materials and sewing machine there are lots of patterns out there you can use to make your own masks. Here’s a link to mask pattern with instructions: https://www.unitypoint.org/filesimages/COVID-19/UnityPointHealth-OlsonMask-Instructions.pdf
Join or renew your Clermont County Donkey Club membership.
There are many different levels of membership to fit your budget.
Diamond: $1,000
Gold: $500
Silver: $250
Family: $100
Couple: $60
Dime A Day: $36.50
Your membership will help us continue to build the Democratic Party in Clermont County, support our Democratic candidates and fund our outreach to voters. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a recurring monthly contribution we appreciate your support. #VoteBlueYou may join by mailing a check made out to CCDP PO Box 475, Batavia, Ohio 45103
Click the button below to join the Donkey Club today!
Below is a listing of our Democratic groups in Clermont County and their meeting dates. Right now a lot of upcoming meetings are cancelled due to the Ohio Stay At Home Order. The cancellations we are aware of are listed at the top of this newsletter. Remember this is temporary. We will get through this! We will keep you posted as events evolve.
| Quin-T Democrat Club First Thursday of every month, 7:30 PM Green Kayak Grille and Pub 200 Front Street New Richmond, Ohio 45157 |
Loveland Action Team (LAT) First Wednesday of every month, 6:30 PM Loveland Historical Society Museum 201 Riverside Avenue Loveland, Ohio 45140 |
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| West Clermont Democrats Second Monday of every month, 7:00 PM By Gollys 714 Lila Ave Milford, OH 45150 |
Clermont County Young Democrats Third Wednesday of every month, 7:00 PM Eastgate Jungle Jim’s bar area 4450 Eastgate S Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45245 |
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| The Goshen Democratic Club Third Thursday every other month, 6:00 PM A Music Cafe 1513 Ohio 28 Loveland, Ohio 45140 |
Drinking Liberally Third Monday of every month, 6:30 PM El Rancho Grande Eastgate 4476 Glen Este Withamsville Rd. Cincinnati OH 45245 |
ATTEND CLERMONT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETINGS
Meetings are open to the public.
Everyone is welcome.
Executive Committee
6 PM, Fourth Thursday of every month at CCDP Headquarters
174 E Main Street
Batavia, OH 45103
Central Committee
7 PM, Immediately following the Executive Committee meeting.
STAY CONNECTED
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Next issue will be published Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Deadline for submissions for the next issue is Friday, May 15, 2020. Send your submission to: clermontdems@clermontdems.org
Share the newsletter with your friends and encourage them to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter at clermontdems.org
Clermont County Democratic Party
174 E. Main Street P.O. Box 475
Batavia, OH, 45103
513-732-2378
