Jena Powell

COVID-19 UPDATE: Assistance for Small Businesses

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As a business owner myself, I understand the complications and devastating effects COVID-19 is having on our economy.

Congress passed the CARES ACT which is a $2 trillion stimulus package. Of the $2 trillion, $349 billion is allotted to the ‘Paycheck Protection Program.’

The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

 

Below you will see three articles for in-depth analysis and FAQ:

–https://home.treasury.gov/…/assistance-for-small-businesses…

–https://gop-waysandmeans.house.gov/cares-act-unemployment…/…

–https://www.rubio.senate.gov/…/71AB6CB05A08E369E0D488A80B38…

 

Read more

Team Jena Powell

Rep. Powell Announces Tele-Town Hall Monday at 6pm

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State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announces she will be hosting a Tele-Town Hall event for constituents focused on the topic of the coronavirus pandemic. Most recently, Powell voted in support of House Bill 197, which addressed a variety of issues affected by the current health crisis.

“As we are practicing social distancing and following the stay-at-home order in Ohio, I still want to give my constituents a voice,” said Powell. “Not only do I want to share with them information regarding this important coronavirus-response legislation, but I also want input from my community as we all face this pandemic together.”

To participate in the Tele-Town Hall, please call 1-877-820-7831 and use the passcode 754831# on Monday, March 30. The event will run from 6 – 6:30 p.m.

The event is open and free to the public, if you have any questions about the event or how to access the Facebook page, please email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Team Jena Powell

COVID-19 Package Unanimously Passes House & Senate

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COLUMBUS – State Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announced the unanimous passage of Am. Sub. H.B. 197 on Wednesday by both House and Senate, providing emergency relief for Ohio families, businesses, and communities in the midst of the effects of COVID-19.

“As a state we are living in unprecedented times due to COVID-19,” said Rep. Powell. “As a legislature, we want to do everything we can to protect the rights and freedoms of Ohioans. That is our responsibility, and the current crisis does not negate that, but rather makes even strong our commitment to securing liberty for Ohioans.”

Some of the highlights of the COVID-19 package include the following:

  • Ohio’s state tax filing deadline will be July 15, mirroring the newly adjusted federal tax deadline for this year.
  • Absentee voting for the March 17th primary will be extended to April 28th, giving Ohioans the ability to submit their ballots via mail if they have not already voted.
  • Public water disconnections are prohibited during the pandemic, ensuring that Ohioans will not have their water cut off.
  • Waiving unemployment barriers including the first week waiting period, the work search requirement, and unemployment eligibility will now include COVID-19 related lay-offs.
  • State testing, district and building report cards have been waived for the 2019-2020 school year. The bill eases restrictions on distance learning, creates a safe harbor from sanctions for schools, and permits seniors to graduate if their school determines they are on track to do so. The 2020-21 list of EdChoice eligible schools will be the exact same as the 2019-2020 list.
  • Provisions for the continuity of school lunch programs and student meal delivery.
  • The bill suspends staff to child ratio requirements and maximum group sizes at operating child-care centers during the duration of this pandemic.
  • Public meeting requirements for local governments, commissions, boards, etc. will be adjusted to allow for publicly accessible online meetings during this time.
  • Any state issued occupational license that is set to expire between the bill’s effective date and December 1, 2020, will be automatically extended to December 1, 2020.
  • Removal of barriers for essential government and health workers, waiving rehire waiting time for critical agency workers, and allowing nursing graduates to practice prior to passing licensure exams.

“This is a hard time for our communities as I have seen so many in our communities step up and serve in this time, and we want to see more of that. Our goal in this bill is to aid in community, business, and family efforts to fight COVID-19 in our state and nation. This legislation will help bring us back on track to a thriving economy so that we can continue living our American dreams in Ohio,” said Powell.

Powell continued, “Even though times can be difficult, our communities are strong, our state is strong, and the United States is strong. Together, we are going to get through this pandemic.”

As always, if you have any questions about this COVID-19 package or any other state government concern, please reach out to our office at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

~~~

Jena Powell

DEMOCRATS HOLDING UP CRUCIAL AID TO AMERICANS

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The Democrats in the US Senate are holding up almost 2 Trillion dollars of needed aid to hurting Americans. Why? Because Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi refuses to pass a bill without adding emissions mandates for airplanes, tax credits for solar and wind energy, and $35 Million for the JFK Performing Arts Center – pet projects that have NOTHING to do with the pandemic Americans are experiencing right now.

In crises like this, we expect our politicians to set aside partisan labels and work together for the good of America. However imperfect it is, the Senate bill has many provisions to save businesses, to help families, and to support the heroes on the front lines of this war we are in. It includes dozens of ideas from Democrats and Republicans alike, crafted in bipartisan working groups (of which Senator Rob Portman was a major part).

Instead of coming together, Democrats (including Senator Sherrod Brown) are using this pandemic as a vehicle to enact their dream proposals. They voted against a bill that contained many of their own ideas in an act of craven partisanship.

A top Democrat in Congress called the Coronavirus pandemic “a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision.” I am so saddened that our leaders are treating this emergency as a chance to sneak their personal agendas past the American people.

Democrats, it’s time to stop playing chicken with the retirement of hard-working American families. Put aside your party allegiance and do what’s right for America. TODAY.

2,316
Jena Powell

March 17th, 2020 – COVID-19 Update

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What’s happening in Ohio with COVID-19?


Visual of the Latest Update

Below is helpful Information For Constituents/Businesses In Need:

Unemployment Benefits
To file claim: unemployment.cmt.ohio.gov
To view updated rules: jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

Small Business Disaster Relief
Impacted Ohio Small Businesses can contact Ohio Development Services Agency for assistance: Email: businesshelp@development.ohio.gov

Small Business Admin Disaster Relief has set a three step process for funding/loan assistance: https://bit.ly/2w0nj75
Hotline: 800-659-2955
Email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov

Bar/Restaurant: Liquor Buy Back Program
For questions regarding the one-time high proof liquor buy back, please contact the Liquor Enterprise Service Center
Hotline: 877-812-0013
Email: OhioLiquorInfo@com.ohio.gov

Please contact my office at (614) 466-8114 to be of any assistance with other additional needs.

Jena Powell

Press Conference, Bill Update, and February News!

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Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been hard at work in pushing forward several important pieces of legislation during this second year of the 133rd General Assembly.

 

 

Most recently, I held a press conference introducing the Save Women’s Sports Act. The Save Women’s Sports Act makes sure that women are not forced to compete against men playing on women’s sports teams. The bill would designate male and female sports teams be based upon the biological sex of an individual, meaning that biological males cannot play on female teams.

 

This bill ensures that every little girl who works hard to make it on a podium is not robbed of her chance by a biological male competing against her in a biological female sport. We want every little girl to achieve her athletic dream here in the state of Ohio.

 

This is just one of many other bills I have recently introduced and I hope you scroll below to read more about other bill updates! I feel very proud to be able to represent you and your concerns at the Ohio Statehouse. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any other questions you may have and I assure you that my office will be in touch.

 

-Jena Powell
BILL UPDATES

The bills that we have been working on uphold our conservative values. They are pro-business and pro-family bills that increase freedom for individuals and families in our state. For more details on these bills, you can visit my website at http://www.ohiohouse.gov/jena-powell.

HB 196 – Unjust [501c(3)] Fitness Center Tax Act

-Passed Unanimously out of Ways & Means Committee

This bill corrects a tax error that started in 1992 that mistakenly added sales tax to non-profit fitness center memberships here in Ohio. This Act will sowwlve this problem by exempting 501(c)(3) fitness.center memberships from les tax, saving Ohioans $10 million.

 

HB 197 – Tax Code Streamlining & Correction Act

-Passed Unanimously out of Senate Committee

This tax clean-up bill corrects over 100 errors in the tax code, which will ultimately make the tax code easier for Ohioans to read and understand.

HB 258 – Expanded Apprenticeships Act

-First Hearing

This bill will expand Ohio’s workforce by getting individuals into the workforce faster through expanding apprenticeship programs. HB 258 will allow individuals in certain occupations to use a certified apprenticeship program (with paid work and hands-on training) towards completing their occupational license.

HB 297 – Strong Families Tax Act

-Passed out of House Ways & Means Committee

Joint-sponsored with Rep. Tim Ginter, HB 297 will authorize a nonrefundable tax credit for a taxpayer’s cash contributions to any qualifying pregnancy resource centers. This bill will help protect life’s most vulnerable individuals, unborn children, and protect their right to life while providing support for mothers and families.

HB 312 – Small Business Crowdfunding Act

-First Hearing in the Senate

Entrepreneurs and small business owners have enough challenges without government invoking more roadblocks to success. HB 312 will allow Ohioans to raise up to $5 million through intrastate equity crowdfunding, which can be used to start, grow, or expand their businesses.

HB 399 – Cosmetology Licensing Reform Act

-Third Hearing in the House

This Act will lower the state mandated licensure hour requirements for cosmetologists, hair designers, and barbers, which will allow students to enter the workforce faster. It will authorize distance learning, and allow on-demand scheduling and working in a salon to increase flexibility and training experience for students.

 

HB 415 – Prosecuting Trafficking Proceeds Act

-Second Hearing in the House

This bill aims to target pimps and traffickers by making receiving the proceeds from human trafficking or prostitution a crime. Anyone who knowingly receives money, or anything of value from a prostitute that was exchanged for sexual activity will be charged with a crime. This bill will aid in the fight against human sex trafficking in the state of Ohio, assisting law enforcement in being able to charge pimps and traffickers and connect them with illegal activity.

 

HB 432 – License Reciprocity Act

-First Hearing in the House

Part of solving the workforce shortage in Ohio is for us to allow reciprocity in Ohio for those who hold out-of-state occupational licenses. We want people to come to Ohio and become a part of our communities. HB 432 will make it easier for individuals to move to and work in Ohio, recognizing that workers don’t lose their skills when they cross a state border.

 

HB 446 – Stop Elder Abuse License Plate

This bill will create the “Stop Elder Abuse” license plate. Too many of our elderly loved ones are easily abused and mistreated, and it is critical that we bring awareness to this issue.

 

HR 180 – Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis

-Fourth Hearing in the House

This resolution acknowledges that Ohio is the fourth worst state in the nation for reports of human trafficking. This resolution also recognizes that sex trafficking, prostitution, and pornography are interrelated. Due to this, our resolution declares pornography a public health crisis that must be addressed through education, prevention, research, and policy changes at the community level to confront this crisis.

HB 486 – In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Fraud Act

Current law does not provide any legal recourse for women and their children who find out years later that a doctor used his own sperm to imprenate a woman without her consent. This bill would make it a third degree felony for a licensed health care professional to purposely use human reproductive material from a donor without the patient’s consent.

 

HB 527 – Save Women’s Sports Act

The legislation will ensure that women will not have to compete against men playing on women’s sports teams. It would make male and female sports to be based on the biological sex of an individual.
Where was Jena in January and February?

January 15 ­– Attended Miami County Police Chiefs Meeting and Covington Noon Optimists Meeting

January 17 – Toured the Troy Goodwill and met with Riverside Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities

January 27 – First Community Conversations with Rep. Jena Powell was held in Troy

January 29 – Tippecanoe Boys Soccer Team is recognized at the Statehouse for their State Championship Title

January 30 – Sponsor Testimony on H.B. 415, Prosecuting Trafficking Proceeds Act

February 10 – Guest on WRFD 880 AM discussing Prosecuting Trafficking Proceeds Act

February 13 – Cedarville University College Republicans visit the Statehouse

February 13 – Guest on “The State of Business with the Ohio Society of CPAs”

February 14 – Met with Southwest Ohio Center Right group

February 24 – Attends Elder Abuse Commission Meeting

February 25 – H.B. 197, Tax Code Streamlining and Corrections Act, passes unanimously in the Ohio Senate Ways and Means Committee

February 25 ­– Save Women’s Sports Act Press Conference
Seeking “HOMETOWN HERO” Submissions!
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. I hope it has served as a helpful update to you regarding what we are doing in Columbus and throughout the district.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

 

-Jena Powell
Jena Powell

Constituent Office Hours

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Have a question about state policy? Drop by or schedule a meeting in advance with our constituent liaison.

First Monday of the Month
February, March, May, July, September & November

TROY: 10:00-11:30 AM
Location: Troy-Miami Library

Arcanum: 12:00-1:30 PM
Arcanum Public Library

If you have questions please email rep80@ohiohouse.gov or call 1(614)-466-8114

Jena Powell

State Representatives Powell And Ginter Highlight Proposed Tax Credit To Support Strong Families

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Enhancing strong family health throughout the state of Ohio is an important issue for State Representatives Tim Ginter (R-Salem) and Jena Powell (R-Arcanum). Last year, Ginter and Powell introduced House Bill 297 and it recently passed in the House Ways and Means Committee.

The legislation allows individuals to receive an income tax credit for a cash contribution to qualifying non-profit Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs). Ginter explained the significance of PRCs during committee testimony.

“Pregnancy Resource Centers located across Ohio provide services for pregnant women such as prenatal care, counseling and other resources during a critical and often stressful time in their lives,” said Ginter.

Powell believes the legislation focuses on further assisting those families who receive care they need at PRCs.

“I’m excited to work on legislation that helps strengthen men, women, and children in the state of Ohio,” said Powell. “This is a great bill that will do just that by families receiving a nonrefundable tax credit for their donations to pregnancy resource centers.”

Last year, the Ohio General Assembly passed budget legislation that provides $7.5 million in federal assistance to these centers for the next two years. However, with over 100 PRCs in Ohio, Ginter indicates the importance of supporting local funding for these centers.

“It is only sensible that we provide avenues of health care that are not totally dependent upon government funding,” said Ginter. “Pregnancy Resource Centers help to take some of the strain off of government while at the same time providing another avenue of care for women with limited resources. The latest studies show that at least 90 percent of PRCs funding come via donations from the local community.”

Within local communities, most PRCs offer parenting classes, diapers, pregnancy tests, and other resources for pregnant women and their families. Minimal or zero cost is inflicted upon those seeking aid at a PRC. Additionally, several PRCs do offer medical and prenatal care from licensed medical professionals, such as Womankind in Garfield Heights.

“With a proven track record, pregnancy resource centers have aided many individuals and families seeking care,” said Ginter. “I continue to believe that not only does it help those in need, but PRCs are a positive investment for our state financially, and more importantly, in the improved health and lives saved through these centers.”

Jena Powell

Occupational Licensing Reciprocity Reform

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‘Occupational Licensing Reciprocity Reform‘ is a huge step in the right direction for our state. Signaling to the nation that Ohio is open for business.
⬇️Read more below:

https://www.mahoningmatters.com/regional-news/ohio-bills-seek-universal-occupational-license-reciprocity-1970009

Team Jena Powell

‘Tis The Season To Be Thankful

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INTRODUCTION

It’s the best time of the year! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry (early) Christmas — we hope your holiday was incredible.

This Thanksgiving season I had the pleasure of spending the day with family and friends, gathered around my family’s dinner table eating the traditional favorites and talking about what we are thankful for. One of the many traditions my family has is that right after the Thanksgiving Day meal, we go outside and play a large game of street hockey. Although I realize that every family probably doesn’t play street hockey, we all have wonderful traditions and reasons to be thankful.

The past month has been incredibly busy in Columbus. We dropped three new bills, voted the Small Business Funding Act (HB 312) out of the house with 92-0 unanimous support, and had our first hearing of the Tax Code Streamlining & Correction Act (HB 197) in the Senate, among other things.

Enjoy reading through this newsletter about bills, policy, and how our office is fighting to be your voice in Columbus. As always, thank you for allowing me to represent you.

— Jena Powell

Crowdfunding Bill Unanimously Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS – Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announces the unanimous passing of her Small Business Funding Act, HB 312, which passed 92-0 on Tuesday, November 19th.

Rep. Powell says, “As a business owner and entrepreneur myself, I know the challenges that business owners in our state face. 82% of business failure is due to a lack of capital.”

“When we remove barriers for raising needed capital through crowdfunding, we tell business owners that government will not be an additional barrier to fulfilling their American dream in our communities,” continues Powell.

HB 312 will allow businesses in Ohio to raise up to $5 million per year through intrastate equity crowdfunding. Ohioans will be able to invest in Ohio businesses, and Ohio businesses will have a more efficient option for raising capital through crowdfunding.

License Reciprocity Press Conference

On November 19, we held a press conference with Representative George Lang (R-West Chester), Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), and Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) to unveil companion bills that will implement full occupational licensing reciprocity in Ohio.

Organizations present included The Goldwater Institute from Arizona, The Buckeye Institute, NFIB Ohio, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, and the Foundation for Government Accountability.

I am on a mission to make Ohio the most business-friendly state in the nation, and this piece of legislation is moving Ohio a step in the right direction by removing barriers to employment.

Part of solving the workforce shortage in Ohio is helping people enter the workforce faster, and encouraging people who already hold licenses in other states to want to move to and/or work in Ohio. After the lengthy process and the financial investment that people have already gone through in another state to receive their license, they don’t want to have to add to that an extensive wait in Ohio. Current law discourages qualified individuals from moving to our state, filling needed jobs, and investing in our communities.

We know that Ohio is an incredible place to live. We want people to be able to move here and invest in our communities. One of the barriers to this happening is the fact that Ohio currently does not recognize out-of-state licenses. If we recognize out-of-state licenses, we will send a bold message to the rest of the country that Ohio is open for business – come and practice your trade in our communities.

I was delighted to have the Franklin Monroe fourth grade class come and visit the Statehouse last week! Remember, you too can join our office at the Statehouse for tours and to watch a House floor session. Reach out to our office to schedule your visit!

WHERE WAS JENA IN NOVEMBER?

November 3 …… Spoke at 40 Days for Life Rally

November 4 ….. Constituent Office Hours

November 5 …… Voted!

November 6 …… Press Conference with Attorney General Yost on Human Trafficking Legislation

November 7 …… Spoke at Human Trafficking Awareness Panel in Troy

November 10 …… Presented Commendations to Veterans at the Covenant at Sugar Grove Church

November 11 …… Veteran’s Day Parade in Darke County

November 13 …… Spoke to Young CPAs

November 19 …… Press Conference on License Reciprocity

November 19 …… HB 312, Small Business Funding Act, passes the House

November 28 …… Celebrated Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read through this newsletter. I hope it has served as a helpful update to you regarding we are doing in Columbus and throughout the district.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell