Jessie Balmert

1 week ago | cincinnati.com | Jessie Balmert

Vivek Ramaswamy, endorsed by Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party, is holding a $1 million fundraiser in Cincinnati. Ramaswamy is expected to report raising about $5 million by the end of June, a potentially unprecedented amount for a first-time candidate. The fundraiser demonstrates strong support from the Cincinnati business community for Ramaswamy's gubernatorial bid. Ramaswamy is facing limited competition in the Republican field, with Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel as a potential challenger.

1 week ago | dispatch.com | Jessie Balmert

Supporters argue the bill prevents dangerous criminals from remaining in Ohio, while opponents say it targets individuals like a recently deported high school graduate. The bill has passed the Senate and moves to the House, with potential implications for local law enforcement and immigration policy in Ohio. The bill has sparked debate, with opponents labeling it "state-sponsored racial profiling" and expressing concerns about its broad reach.

1 week ago | cincinnati.com | Jessie Balmert

Opponents of Senate Bill 1, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on college campuses, are gathering signatures to put the law to a referendum. They need roughly 250,000 valid signatures to get the referendum on the November ballot. The effort is entirely volunteer-based and has garnered support from unions, Democratic groups, and pro-LGBTQ organizations. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jerry Cirino, doubts referendum backers will succeed, while organizers express optimism.

1 week ago | dispatch.com | Jessie Balmert

Ohio's proposed two-year budget cuts programs vital to children and families, including child care and food bank funding. Advocates are urging lawmakers to restore funding for programs like a refundable tax credit for families with young children and increased eligibility for publicly funded child care. Gov. DeWine, serving his final term, may use his veto power to push back against the cuts. It's already challenging to cover the costs of raising a child.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Jessie Balmert

At least two Republican lawmakers want to ban all abortions in Ohio and make it a crime to have one − a direct challenge to reproductive rights protections that voters approved in 2023. Reps. Levi Dean, R-Xenia, and Johnathan Newman, R-Troy, will introduce the "Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act" on June 18. The bill would treat abortion like homicide by granting criminal and civil protections from the point of fertilization.