December 3, 2020 •
Ohio Governor Signs Extends Expiration Dates for Licenses by State Agencies
![Ohio Governor Signs Extends Expiration Dates for Licenses by State Agencies](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/MIke-Dewine-Crop-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, […]
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, 2021.
Any lobbyist who does not plan to continue lobbying activity in 2021 must log in and terminate engagement in OLAC.
The new renewal registration window will open in late spring 2021.
All registered lobbyists will receive follow-up information regarding specific dates from JLEC.
This extension is limited to lobbying engagements registered prior to November 22, 2020.
New lobbyists submit registrations in the usual manner, within 10 days of engagement.
This extension does not affect the deadline for activity and expenditure reports required to be filed electronically in OLAC by Monday, February 1, 2021.
December 2, 2020 •
Interim Council Member Named as Temporary Replacement for Suspended Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor
![Interim Council Member Named as Temporary Replacement for Suspended Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Pastor’s suspension comes after he was arrested on federal bribery charges. This is the first time the city of Cincinnati has used the […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Pastor’s suspension comes after he was arrested on federal bribery charges.
This is the first time the city of Cincinnati has used the process through the probate court.
Additionally, Pastor accepted the temporary suspension without objection.
As part of the process, Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler named Cincinnati attorney Steve Goodin as Pastor’s temporary replacement.
Interim Council Member Goodin’s term began immediately after the suspension.
Goodin will continue the term until Pastor’s court case is completed or he is removed from office.
Pastor’s four-year term began in 2018 and ends at the end of 2021.
November 30, 2020 •
North Dakota Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Appointment
![North Dakota Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Appointment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/North-Dakota-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
North Dakota Capitol Building
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election. David Andahl died on Oct. […]
The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Gov. Doug Burgum does not have the statutory or constitutional authority to appoint a replacement for a state House seat won by a candidate who died before the election.
David Andahl died on Oct. 5 from complications related to COVID-19, but his name remained on the ballot as early voting had commenced weeks before his death.
A day after the election, Burgum appointed Washburn coal executive Wade Boeshans to the seat.
In a unanimous ruling, the justices ruled authority to appoint the replacement belongs to the District 8 Republican Executive Committee, who appointed the last holder of the seat, fellow Republican Jeff Delzer.
November 23, 2020 •
Missouri Special Session Continued Until After Thanksgiving Break
![Missouri Special Session Continued Until After Thanksgiving Break](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Missouri-Capitol-Building-976x563.jpg)
Missouri Capitol Building
The second special session of the Missouri General Assembly has been delayed until after the Thanksgiving break. This comes in response to a number of positive COVID-19 cases among members and staff. The special session began on November 5 to […]
The second special session of the Missouri General Assembly has been delayed until after the Thanksgiving break.
This comes in response to a number of positive COVID-19 cases among members and staff.
The special session began on November 5 to focus on getting federal CARES Act funding distributed to the state.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
November 23, 2020 •
Third Cincinnati Council Member Arrested
![Third Cincinnati Council Member Arrested](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges. He is the third council member to be arrested this year. Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign. If he […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges.
He is the third council member to be arrested this year.
Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign.
If he does resign, four members of the council will choose his successor by a majority vote.
November 20, 2020 •
Illinois Cancels Veto Session due to the Surge in Coronavirus Cases
![Illinois Cancels Veto Session due to the Surge in Coronavirus Cases](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
The Illinois Legislature canceled the veto session originally scheduled for this week and December 1-3, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. State lawmakers hope to meet in January, though no date has been set. Generally, the veto session, a short session […]
The Illinois Legislature canceled the veto session originally scheduled for this week and December 1-3, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
State lawmakers hope to meet in January, though no date has been set.
Generally, the veto session, a short session in the fall, is used to override bills that have been vetoed and resolve conflicts with the governor.
There are no vetoes to address this year, but lawmakers could address other matters.
The next General Assembly will be inaugurated on January 13, 2021.
Therefore, the veto session would have to take place before then if it is held.
November 16, 2020 •
Cincinnati Councilmembers Introduce Proposed Ethics Reforms
![Cincinnati Councilmembers Introduce Proposed Ethics Reforms](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Two Cincinnati Councilmembers, Greg Landsman and Betsy Sundermann held separate news conferences in front of City Hall today. The two councilmembers announced a series of proposed reforms to restore the public’s trust in government after two members were charged with […]
Two Cincinnati Councilmembers, Greg Landsman and Betsy Sundermann held separate news conferences in front of City Hall today.
The two councilmembers announced a series of proposed reforms to restore the public’s trust in government after two members were charged with corruption just this year.
The proposed reforms include establishing an ethics commission, designating a chief ethics and good government officer, campaign finance reform, ongoing training, and a potential charter amendment that would allow for the recall of people in office.
At this time, there is no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.
Tamaya Dennard resigned from council in February. Councilman Jeff Pastor, who was arrested Tuesday has not resigned despite calls for him to do so.
November 12, 2020 •
Cincinnati Council Member Arrested on Federal Charges
![Cincinnati Council Member Arrested on Federal Charges](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was arrested Tuesday by FBI agents for leading a bribery scheme involving payoffs for city development projects. Pastor is accused of bribery, money laundering, extortion, wire fraud, theft of honest services, and conspiracy. If convicted, […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was arrested Tuesday by FBI agents for leading a bribery scheme involving payoffs for city development projects.
Pastor is accused of bribery, money laundering, extortion, wire fraud, theft of honest services, and conspiracy.
If convicted, he could face more than 20 years in prison.
Additionally, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and many council members have called for Pastor to resign.
Pastor is the second council member this year charged with taking bribes from developers.
Tamaya Dennard resigned from the council in February after her arrest on fraud and bribery charges in an unrelated case.
Finally, if Pastor resigns, Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman will select his replacement.
November 10, 2020 •
Minnesota Legislature’s Sixth Special Session Begins November 12
![Minnesota Legislature’s Sixth Special Session Begins November 12](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Minnesota-Capitol-Hi-Res.jpg)
Minnesota Capitol Building
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the sixth special session of the Legislature beginning November 12. Walz plans to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days to continue to respond to the pandemic. The governor is obligated by law to […]
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the sixth special session of the Legislature beginning November 12.
Walz plans to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days to continue to respond to the pandemic.
The governor is obligated by law to call a special session for the Legislature to approve the emergency declaration.
The length of the session will be determined by the Legislature.
November 5, 2020 •
Akron Passes Charter Amendment Raising City Purchase Thresholds Requiring Approval
![Akron Passes Charter Amendment Raising City Purchase Thresholds Requiring Approval](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/1024px-AkronPanorama-1000x522.jpg)
Akron Skyline - by sleepydre
Akron, Ohio voters approved Charter Amendment Issue 4, amending the city charter to increase the amount of a city project or purchase requiring the mayor to obtain City Council approval from $15,000 to $50,000. The amendment also increases the amount […]
Akron, Ohio voters approved Charter Amendment Issue 4, amending the city charter to increase the amount of a city project or purchase requiring the mayor to obtain City Council approval from $15,000 to $50,000.
The amendment also increases the amount requiring approval from the Board of Control from $5,000 to $15,000.
The amendment also provides for greater access to bidding opportunities and reduces administrative costs by allowing for publication online.
The intent is to provide the city with greater flexibility to obtain goods and services from local vendors at competitive prices.
November 4, 2020 •
Ohio Republicans Maintain Supermajority and Reelect Householder
![Ohio Republicans Maintain Supermajority and Reelect Householder](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
Ohio Republicans maintained a supermajority in the state Senate and House of Representatives in yesterday’s election. Most notably, Rep. Larry Householder was reelected after being removed from his leadership post as House speaker. This came following his arrest and indictment […]
Ohio Republicans maintained a supermajority in the state Senate and House of Representatives in yesterday’s election.
Most notably, Rep. Larry Householder was reelected after being removed from his leadership post as House speaker.
This came following his arrest and indictment earlier this year in connection with a $60 million federal racketeering case related to House Bill 6.
Householder was the only name on the ballot and was endorsed by the local Republican party.
Republican colleagues in the House considered removing him from the chamber earlier this fall.
However, if they had done so before his reelection they would not be able to remove him again, as a lawmaker cannot be expelled twice.
The only option now is to wait until the legislative session begins in January to consider expulsion or impeachment.
Householder would be automatically removed from office if he is convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Ohio law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony or bribery charges from holding public office.
November 4, 2020 •
Missouri Incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson Reelected
![Missouri Incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson Reelected](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mike-Parson-1000x563.jpg)
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson
Incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson won reelection as governor of Missouri over Democratic challenger Nicole Galloway by roughly 16 percentage points as of Wednesday morning with greater than 98% of votes counted. Third-party candidates, Libertarian Rik Combs and Green Party […]
Incumbent Republican Gov. Mike Parson won reelection as governor of Missouri over Democratic challenger Nicole Galloway by roughly 16 percentage points as of Wednesday morning with greater than 98% of votes counted.
Third-party candidates, Libertarian Rik Combs and Green Party candidate Jerome Bauer pulled in just over 2% of the votes combined.
November 4, 2020 •
North Dakota Voters Defeat a Constitutional Amendment
![North Dakota Voters Defeat a Constitutional Amendment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/North-Dakota-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
North Dakota Capitol Building
Voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have required approval of the legislature or voter approval twice for all initiated ballot measures. The amendment needed a simple majority of votes to pass. As of Wednesday morning, with 91% of votes […]
Voters defeated a constitutional amendment that would have required approval of the legislature or voter approval twice for all initiated ballot measures.
The amendment needed a simple majority of votes to pass.
As of Wednesday morning, with 91% of votes counted, the measure was defeated by 24%.
November 4, 2020 •
North Dakota Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment
![North Dakota Voters Defeat Constitutional Amendment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1024px-2009-0521-ND-StateCapitol-1000x563.jpg)
North Dakota State Capitol - By Bobak Ha'Eri
Voters defeated a constitutional amendment changing the membership and meeting requirements of the state board of higher education. The failure of the measure keeps the number of individuals who serve on the state board of higher education at eight and […]
Voters defeated a constitutional amendment changing the membership and meeting requirements of the state board of higher education.
The failure of the measure keeps the number of individuals who serve on the state board of higher education at eight and their terms of membership at four years.
The amendment would have increased board membership to 15 and increased membership terms to six years and prohibited state legislators, elected state officials, and full-time state employees from serving on the board.
As of Wednesday morning, with 91% of the votes counted, the measure was overwhelmingly defeated by 45%.
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