G2G has been engaging with local and state legislators to continue our advocacy for clients across the state. We continue to be proactive ahead of the state legislature’s return from summer break in September. On the Federal side, G2G has been actively engaging with both Senator Husted, Senator Moreno, and the Ohio Congressional Delegation, to advance client priorities. Our team has coordinated meetings, shared policy updates, and facilitated conversations to ensure federal leaders understand the impact of our clients work throughout their communities. By maintaining consistent outreach and communication, we have been able to elevate client voices and in key discussions around policy priorities and funding opportunities. Lastly, G2G has attended several events this summer to stay in-the-know on all things related to Congress and the state legislature. Summaries of these events are provided below.

 

Senator Bernie Moreno at the City Club of Cleveland – August 20^th

Our team members Becky and Griffin attended a City Club of Cleveland event with Senator Bernie Moreno. G2G sponsored a table for our clients, and our team members were able to get them face time with the Senator and his staff. Our clients were able to discuss policy priorities, funding opportunities, and the great work that they are doing for the State.

• The discussion was moderated by NBC News reporter Henry Gomez.
• The Senator praised the Trump administration, particularly highlighting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which makes previous tax cuts permanent and included temporary deductions for overtime pay and tips through 2028.
• He asserted that Medicaid spending would increase by 20% over the next decade, positioning it as a factual outcome of the legislation.
• He also indicated that President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for recognition on his ongoing efforts in Ukraine.
• Regarding federal programs, the Senator emphasized that there is no appetite in Washington not to help people with needs and addressed concerns about federal cuts and misconceptions.
• On the topic of National Guard deployment, the Senator described the situation as challenging and noted that the National Guards presence is helping to improve the situation. He clarified that there are no current plans for deployments into Cleveland.

 

Ohio Women In Government Luncheon with Office of Budget and Management Director

Two of our team members serve on the leadership team for Ohio Women in Government — Andrea Harless as Vice President and Becky Watts as Northeast Ohio Regional Liaison. OWIG recently held a panel recapping the budget that feature Ohio Office of Budget and Management Director Kim Murnieks and budget leads from the Ohio House and Senate.

As the state returns to a normal budget cycle after years of COVID funding, the Director shared enthusiasm for the budget and our revenues going forward. Some items of note:

• For this budget, the majority party put a lot of focus on how we sustain with record-high Medicaid provider rate increases, addressing how best to allocate marijuana tax revenue, school funding, and how to best fund the Browns stadium Democrats prioritized advocating for full implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, property tax reform, and food security amongst other issues.
• 87% of the budget is allocated to subsidies for local funding and 80% of our state’s funding is concentrated in just ten-line items.
• The intersection of state and federal funding is important. Federal grants make up nearly half of the budget and must be appropriated by the state in Ohio, unlike in some other states. Timing challenges exist between the biennial state budget and the annual federal funding cycles, sometimes requiring extra legislation.
• New leadership and staff brought a learning curve but also renewed energy to the process.
• Now, the legislature is focused on understanding and communicating what did and didn’t happen in the budget process through town halls, analysis of veto messages, and review of new appropriations.
• Looking ahead, the capital budget is expected to start this fall. As a reminder, we are constitutionally limited on what can be funded through the capital budget and the Director strongly advised making sure all projects are bondable and fundable before going through the process with the legislature. G2G will absolutely make sure any project we submit fits before going through the process.
• The Director encouraged organizations to be on the lookout for grant opportunities for additional funding. G2G is starting to talk to agencies about how we can shape grant opportunities to fit our priorities.

 

Southeast Ohio Impact Event - Athens (Aug 21)

Our team member Nicholas Boggess attended this event to hear about new opportunities in Appalachia as well as to hear what is driving new investment into the region. This event featured lawmakers from the state and federal level, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, and business leaders from around the state.

Some insights that were shared during the event included:

• State Representatives Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta), Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), and State Senator Brian Chavez, (R-Marietta), encouraged using the Appalachian Delegation as a resource. They spoke about the need for companies and organizations in the region to use their offices and delegation as a resource to drive more investment into the region. They encourage everyone to reach out to set up meetings and talk about ways they can be successful as their advocates.
• The Keynote was delivered by Mark Kvamme. He emphasized O.H.I.O. Fund investments across the state which included Eagle Electronics, Connect Housing Blocks, Remote Vans, BTR Haus, and Sunbury Tech Park. He emphasized the need and want to have more Appalachian businesses to invest in the O.H.I.O fund so that they can then reinvest it throughout the Appalachian region. He is looking for more opportunities to partner with companies and organizations in the region and encourages everyone to reach out.
• John Carey from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia promoted leveraging ARC POWER grants. He spoke about the need to continue to pull down funds to drive more economic growth in the region.
• Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH 12) and Congressman Dave Taylor (R-OH 2) spoke about the optimism they have for the Appalachian region, specifically on energy production. The Appalachian region has an abundance of natural gas and other natural resources that both Congressman would like to see utilized more. This will drive more investment into the region and drive down energy costs lifting all boats in the process.

 

Dayton Regional Impact Event - Wright State University (Aug 26)

Our team member Griffin Tullis attended this event to hear about new economic growth and opportunities in the Dayton and larger Western Ohio region. The event included state and federal legislators, republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (R), as well as business leaders from around the region.

Some event highlights include:

• Hearing upcoming priorities from State Senators Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), State Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), Andrea White (R-Kettering), Desiree Tims (D-Dayton), and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp). A major focus on workforce development and retention and education.
• Federal Reps. Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Dave Taylor (R-OH-02) both spoke on the likelihood of passing the federal budget, with Rep. Taylor believing government shut-down will occur before budget is passed. Both the congressmen had a positive outlook for Ohio’s future and believe more industry and technology companies will look to invest in the state.

Gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (R) stated the three things he will focus and improve upon on as governor are education reform, boosting economy, and ensuring there is enough energy for business. Ramaswamy’s other goal is to have the state population grow from 11 million to 15 million during his tenure. He vows to make these goals a reality by investing in Ohioans and Ohio business.