April 20, 2021 •
Ohio Rep. Stivers Resigning from U.S. House
![Ohio Rep. Stivers Resigning from U.S. House](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/us-capitol-1000x530.jpg)
US Capitol - by Martin Falbisoner via Wikimedia Commons
Rep. Steve Stivers announced he is resigning from Congress on May 16 to become the president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Stivers has been representing Ohio’s 15th Congressional District since 2011 and had been viewed as a […]
Rep. Steve Stivers announced he is resigning from Congress on May 16 to become the president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Stivers has been representing Ohio’s 15th Congressional District since 2011 and had been viewed as a potential candidate to run for the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman.
A decision on when to hold the special election for Congressional District 15 will be made by Gov. DeWine and has not been announced.
Voters in Ohio’s 11th Congressional District will choose the successor to former Rep. Marcia Fudge in a special primary on August 3 and the special election on November 2.
April 9, 2021 •
Ohio Bill Introduced to Disclose 501(c)(4) Political Spending
![Ohio Bill Introduced to Disclose 501(c)(4) Political Spending](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
A bill to shine light on dark money groups is the latest attempt to ensure better transparency in Ohio’s political spending. House Bill 13 would end an exception for nonprofit 501(c)(4) groups who are currently not required by Ohio law […]
A bill to shine light on dark money groups is the latest attempt to ensure better transparency in Ohio’s political spending.
House Bill 13 would end an exception for nonprofit 501(c)(4) groups who are currently not required by Ohio law to disclose who funds them.
While these nonprofits are to promote general social welfare and cannot spend a majority of resources on political activity, there is opportunity for flouting the rules, allowing dark money groups to influence elections without being publicly exposed.
House Bill 13 would require disclosure of donations to the nonprofit meant to influence elections, but would allow groups to separate their accounts to limit such disclosures.
March 18, 2021 •
Ohio Governor Announces Special Election on November 2
![Ohio Governor Announces Special Election on November 2](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a special election for November 2 to fill the vacancy in U.S. House District 11 created by the departure of Marcia Fudge, who is now the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The special […]
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a special election for November 2 to fill the vacancy in U.S. House District 11 created by the departure of Marcia Fudge, who is now the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
The special primary election will be held August 3, whereas the regularly scheduled primary election for ballot issues and municipalities remains on May 4.
February 24, 2021 •
Ohio Releases New Campaign Contribution Limits
![Ohio Releases New Campaign Contribution Limits](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ohio-Statehouse-1000x563.jpg)
Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office released the 2021 Campaign Contribution Limits. These limits will be effective from February 25, 2021 through February 24, 2023. Beginning Wednesday, PACs, PCEs and individuals may contribute $13,704.41 per election period to statewide candidates […]
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office released the 2021 Campaign Contribution Limits.
These limits will be effective from February 25, 2021 through February 24, 2023.
Beginning Wednesday, PACs, PCEs and individuals may contribute $13,704.41 per election period to statewide candidates and candidates for the General Assembly; $13, 704.41 per calendar year to other PACs and PCEs with which the contributing PAC or PCE is not affiliated; $41,113.24 per calendar year to state parties; and, $20,556.62 per calendar year to legislative campaign funds.
February 17, 2021 •
Cincinnati Voters Will Decide on Two Charter Amendments in May
![Cincinnati Voters Will Decide on Two Charter Amendments in May](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cincinnati_City_Hall-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati City Hall - EEJCC
Two proposed charter amendments establishing procedures to handle council members indicted for crimes will be on the ballot for voter approval on May 4. There is currently no process in the Cincinnati Charter and three of the nine council members […]
Two proposed charter amendments establishing procedures to handle council members indicted for crimes will be on the ballot for voter approval on May 4.
There is currently no process in the Cincinnati Charter and three of the nine council members were indicted on federal bribery charges last year.
Both proposals prohibit indicted council members from changing their successor designee.
Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman’s proposed amendment requires the city solicitor to hire a special prosecutor to consider removal of the council member to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.
A second amendment proposed by Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann permits removal of an indicted council member with a vote by seven of their fellow council members, and if convicted, five council members can vote to remove within 10 days of the conviction.
If no vote is taken, the convicted council member automatically forfeits his or her seat on the 11th day.
Sundermann’s proposal also makes ethics training mandatory for all council members.
February 15, 2021 •
2020 Healthy Worksite Award Winner
![2020 Healthy Worksite Award Winner](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2020-Healthy-Worksite-Award-Selfie-994x563.png)
President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz, Human Resources Generalist Anastasia Drescher, and Director of Human Resources Beth Mullen with the award
State and Federal Communications won the 2020 Healthy Worksite Bronze Award and attended the virtual awards ceremony along with several other organizations. The Healthy Worksite Award program annually recognizes Ohio employers that have demonstrated a commitment to their employees’ health […]
State and Federal Communications won the 2020 Healthy Worksite Bronze Award and attended the virtual awards ceremony along with several other organizations.
The Healthy Worksite Award program annually recognizes Ohio employers that have demonstrated a commitment to their employees’ health by providing comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs.
December 17, 2020 •
Cincinnati Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann Proposes Charter Amendment
![Cincinnati Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann Proposes Charter Amendment](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cincinnati-skyline-generic-img-1000x563.jpg)
Cincinnati Skyline - by Mr. RNGAndreson
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann proposed a charter amendment to the city charter. The amendment would allow the city to suspend a council member upon the filing of an indictment or certain criminal charges, and to remove them if convicted. […]
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann proposed a charter amendment to the city charter.
The amendment would allow the city to suspend a council member upon the filing of an indictment or certain criminal charges, and to remove them if convicted.
There is currently no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.
The proposed charter amendment also requires ethics training for new council members within 60 days of oath of office.
The amendment also prohibits council members from amending their successor designation certificate after being indicted.
If approved by council, the charter amendment would be submitted to the voters for approval in 2021.
December 7, 2020 •
Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Suspended
![Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Suspended](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 is the second councilman suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after being arrested on federal bribery charges. Sittenfeld voluntarily agreed to the temporary suspension without objection. Additionally, Hamilton County […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld is the second councilman suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after being arrested on federal bribery charges.
Sittenfeld voluntarily agreed to the temporary suspension without objection.
Additionally, Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler will appoint his temporary replacement next week.
Sittenfeld’s third term on council began in 2018 and ends at the end of 2021.
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 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 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 6, 2020 •
The Great Donut Drop
![The Great Donut Drop](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/21-scaled-1-1000x563.jpg)
The Great Donut Drop
This would have been our 11th Donut and Cider Sale where we have raised money for the United Way and have fun with the community. With the pandemic the sale was impossible, but we still love donuts! For all the […]
This would have been our 11th Donut and Cider Sale where we have raised money for the United Way and have fun with the community. With the pandemic the sale was impossible, but we still love donuts! For all the wonderful staff and National Guard at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, State and Federal Communications brought the great donut drop for a morning treat on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.