The prediction of the busiest "lame duck" session in some time is fast becoming a reality. In fact, new bills are being introduced which will hopefully be passed into law before years end. While most bills take months, if not years to become law, there is an increased urgency with the end of the 126th General Assembly fast approaching.
I'm pleased to report that the Senate passed the Conceal Carry Bill known as House Bill 347. The bill has been approved by a strong majority vote in both the House and Senate and the bill awaits the Governor's signature to become law. Although Governor Bob Taft has promised to veto the Conceal Carry Bill, I am extremely hopeful that we will be able to persuade him to sign this most important legislation. I would encourage all supporters of our 2nd Amendment rights to contact Governor Taft's Office and ask that he sign this legislation into law!
I want to thank all of those school superintendents and others who have contacted me with input on Governor Taft's CORE proposal. All of the school superintendents who have contacted me have encouraged me to oppose passage of the CORE proposal. They indicate that while changes to the high school curriculum are needed, any passage of this proposal would be shortsighted without increased funding to support these changes.
There are several other important issues on our legislative agenda in Columbus. We are finalizing the Two-Year Capital Appropriations Bill and I should have more information on that next week. New legislation was recently introduced which will be addressing campaign finance reform as well as implementation of the new minimum wage hike law. Add to this a Mental Health Parity Bill and Great Lakes Compact Ratification Bill and we will indeed be busy through the end of the year. Stay tuned to new developments in these areas as I'm sure there will be plenty of commentary from stakeholders on all of these issues.
My best wishes are extended to Bruce Johnson who steps down this week as Lieutenant Governor and Ohio Development Director as he leaves government for a new job in the private sector. I believe that he did an outstanding job on behalf of Ohio's economy and I wish him well in his new endeavors. Governor Elect Ted Strickland has indicated that his campaign partner Lee Fisher will take Bruce's position and serve as both Lieutenant Governor and Ohio Development Director.
I had the opportunity last week to attend a dinner with Governor Elect Strickland and other future members of the 127th General Assembly. It was the first time I had met Governor Elect Strickland and was extremely impressed with him. In his brief presentation to the audience, he showed great humility and spoke with tremendous eloquence. He specifically mentioned a strong desire to work in a bipartisan manner for the "common purpose and common good of all Ohioans". I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow the economy, solve the school funding crisis and address all of the other challenges facing Ohio!
Please don't forget the Williamsburg Christmas Walk this Friday night with a spaghetti dinner at 6:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, a band concert to follow at 7:00 p.m. and a huge bonfire in the middle of town with hot cider provided by the Grassy Run Historical Group.
Also, for those of you in the Bethel area, please consider attending the Bethel Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. to support Ron Shouse and the Burke Park Log Cabin Committee as they encourage Council to stay their order to permanently remove the log cabins in Burke Park. The Committee's goal is to renovate the log cabins thereby preserving a part of our rich history so that programs can be held at the Cabins as an educational tool for future generations.
If you would like to contact me about this issue or any other state matter, I can be reached by calling (614) 644-6034, e-mail at district88@ohr.state.oh.us or write to me, State Representative Danny Bubp at 77 S. High St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
