New state budget strong on higher education

July 4, 2021

Going into this year’s state budget process, concerns were high financial impact of the pandemic would bring tough limits on spending and restrict state leaders’ ability to make necessary investments in critical areas, especially higher education, to successfully position Ohio for the post-pandemic recovery. Fortunately, our next state budget contains the right resources in the right places, as well as some innovative new approaches to help move Ohio forward. Second Chance Voucher Pilot: Many college students start down the road to a college or university degree but, for whatever ...

Disaster planning doesn’t end with COVID-19

June 27, 2021

COVID-19 changed how we do business, but what didn’t change is our need for cohesive small- business disaster plans. As we dive into summer, traditional weather threats are obvious. Not so obvious are threats from civil unrest or cybersecurity. The U.S. Small Business Administration is here to help. To date, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA approved 3.78 million Economic Injury Disaster Loans and 11.18 million Paycheck Protection Program loans, giving American small businesses access to more than $993 billion to keep their dreams alive. Regardless of where a disaster comes ...

Many ways exist to help honor America

May 30, 2021

With so much drama going on in the country, I began to wonder what I could write that would help honor America. That is when I discovered there was already something established. 36 U.S. Code *112. HONOR AMERICA DAYS (a) Designation. The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America. (b) Congressional Declaration. Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way. (Pub. L. 105-225, Aug 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1257) Flag Day ...

American justice system imposes accountability

May 2, 2021

Published on this page June 21, 2020, titled “Without police, who will you call for help?” I addressed “the shocking killing of George Floyd … by a Minneapolis police officer while three other policemen stood by and watched.” While the op-ed addressed the ongoing violence in the streets and the call by Black Lives Matter to defund the police, a call which persists, the piece offered a prediction that has now been realized. Ten months ago, this is what I wrote: “The offending policemen have been charged. They will enter a plea or go to trial before a jury or a judge. Based ...

Fulfill EV promise, define low-carbon economy

April 25, 2021

Transportation is undergoing a major shift around the globe. The rapid pace of technology continues to make low-carbon alternatives — like electric vehicles — more efficient, more accessible and, truth be told, far more desirable. If expert opinion holds true, up to one-third of new cars sold will be electric-powered by 2030. The Mahoning Valley has a sustainable, competitive advantage to become a powerhouse feeding growing consumer demand for electric vehicles and technology. Lordstown Motors, Ultium Cells, organizations such as BRITE Energy Innovators and the Ohio Turnpike & ...

Shuba’s gesture so much more than a handshake

April 18, 2021

Today, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the handshake of Youngstown native George Shuba with Jackie Robinson, a defining moment in civil rights and a consequential addition to Mahoning Valley history. Rookie first basemen Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league affiliate Montreal Royals. He hit a three-run home run, and as he crossed home plate, Shuba instinctively raised his hand to congratulate him. The iconic scene will be captured in a statue of Shuba and Robinson in downtown Youngstown, to be dedicated in late summer. George Shuba’s handshake ...