Distracted driving law will make Ohio roads safer

February 5, 2023

Last month, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, which prohibits the use of electronic wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle. I applaud Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Legislature for taking a necessary stand against a deadly issue for our state: distracted driving. The new law takes effect in April. Currently, Ohio is one of only four U.S. states that does not consider use of an electronic wireless communications device while driving to be a primary offense for adults. That means adults cannot be pulled over for using device but could be cited if pulled over ...

Future of school voucher system is questionable

January 29, 2023

Over the last 20-plus years, Ohio’s school voucher program has gradually expanded with each passing state budget. What started out in the 1990s as a pilot program designed to help impoverished families trapped in “failing schools” has gradually morphed over time into an expansive program that has ballooned to a taxpayer-funded expense exceeding $361 million in the 2021-2022 school year. It increased 31 percent over the previous year. The Ohio General Assembly’s majority has been eating the elephant one bite at a time. Over the last three budget cycles, the General Assembly has ...

Biden imposing Green New Deal one stove at a time

January 17, 2023

President Biden's disastrous economic policies have already made it harder for Ohioans to put food on the table, but that doesn't seem to be enough for this administration. Now, Biden's bureaucrats want to keep you from cooking in the first place. Last week, a Biden official at the Consumer Products Safety Commission revealed that he was considering every option available to regulate gas-powered stoves ä even banning them outright. That would be catastrophic for the two-in-five Ohio households and thousands of Ohio restaurants that use gas-powered stovetops. Home cooks and local ...

New agricultural innovations would impact Valley

January 15, 2023

Over the holidays, I popped in my favorite movies in my home office. One favorite is “The Natural,” a great movie for capturing mysticism of our national pastime. One of the best lines is when Wilfred Brimley’s character Pop Fisher tells his assistant manager, “I should have been a farmer.” That reverence to one of the most noble professions is based on our need to feel connected to nature, and the food we consume. What is also amazing is I see the future of agriculture in America with a positive outlook. And for northeast Ohio, another opportunity exists to be a catalyst in ...

Subsidies won’t dictate Ohio EV infrastructure

January 8, 2023

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are set to play a much larger role in our transportation future and Ohio is well positioned to lead this transition. Ohio already manufactures more auto parts than any other state, and it assembles more vehicles than any state except Michigan. Virtually every major auto manufacturer has a presence in our state or sources parts from here. State policymakers have spent 2022 considering proposals aimed at ensuring the Buckeye State has all the advantages necessary to be a global leader in EVs, as well. One area of focus is EV recharging infrastructure. Not ...

Leaders work proactively to ensure YSU’s future

November 13, 2022

It was not too long ago in higher education that the development of new courses, academic programs and majors was considered a good indicator of a growing, progressive university. We bragged about the number of disciplines we taught, the wide-ranging majors we offered and the academic specialties and centers we had on campus. If there was a need, real or perceived, it was filled — a new academic program, office space, staffing, etc. Money flowed from the state, with few restrictions on tuition. We opened the doors, and students — for the most part — stepped through. Times have ...