Jena Powell

Rep. Powell Assigned to COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force

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State Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) is named by Speaker Householder (R-Glenford) to the OHIO 2020 Task Force.

“We are walking unchartered territory due to COVID-19 right now,” said Rep. Powell. “While we are doing everything we can to keep Ohioans healthy, we also need to continue looking at the economics factors that are associated with COVID-19 in preparation for recovery when this pandemic ends. I am grateful that Speaker Householder set up this task force so we can continue the conversation on a statewide basis to ensure businesses and families have the ability to survive and thrive both short-term and long-term.” Speaker Larry Householder today named 24 legislators to the bipartisan task force that will study ways the Ohio House can lay the foundation for economic recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic.

Speaker Householder said that as the critical work of doctors, nurses, first responders and public health leaders continues in an effort to keep Ohioans safe and healthy, it’s equally important to focus on planning Ohio’s economic recovery. “Prior to COVID-19 coming to our shores, our nation was experiencing perhaps the best economic time in its history,” Householder said. “The policies that needed to be put in place have flattened two curves, one regarding the spread of the virus, the other regarding our economy. Ohio needs to get healthy and back to work as soon as possible,” according to Speaker Householder. Speaker Householder continues, “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives, including the economic well-being and future of Ohio families and businesses. What are the barriers to economic recovery? How do we help Ohio’s families and employers recover and emerge stronger than before? This is a critical time for Ohio’s future. I believe we can rebound from this challenge in a better position than anyone in the nation if we plan ahead and implement
well.”

The panel will begin meeting remotely today. There will be guests each meeting from the business, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, services and recreational sectors to discuss their experience and brainstorm ways to rebound Ohio’s job market once COVID-19 has ran its course.

Rep. Powell says, “If you want to provide input from my community to me regarding our economic recovery, email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov or call the office at 614-466-8114 so that I can be a voice for you on this task force.”

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our office at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

2020 PRIMARY ELECTION INFORMATION

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The legislature extended absentee ballot voting. Voters MUST vote by absentee and have it postmarked by April 27th, 2020. No in person voting will happen except for individuals voting with disabilities.

  • Ohioans who were eligible to vote on March 17, 2020, will be able to cast their ballot by mail. Please note mail ballots must be postmarked on or before April 27, 2020, and received by May 8.
  •  Ballots that are not returned by mail must be received by the county elections board by 7:30 p.m. on April 28.
  • In-person voting will only occur on April 28 and will only be available for individuals with disabilities who require in-person voting assistance and those who do not have a home mailing address.
  • Those Ohioans who cast their ballot early will have their vote count.
  • Voters can still obtain an absentee ballot request form by calling their county Board of Elections, visiting their website or going to VoteOhio.gov

The Secretary of State’s website – VoteOhio.gov – has additional information.

If you have questions, please email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov for more information.

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 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
Team Powell

Representative Powell Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Board of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives  

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COLUMBUS – Last week, Speaker Larry Householder appointed State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) to the Governor’s Advisory Board of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Powell was very pleased with the appointment.

 

“Faith and community are an important part of my life, and I am thrilled to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Board of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives on behalf of my community and our state,” said Powell. “At the heart of every state is strong faith and thriving communities, and I thank Speaker Larry Householder and Governor Mike DeWine for this appointment.”

 

The mission of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is to promote solutions, including those from faith-based partners, to community needs and support the development of collaborative efforts to improve the well-being of all Ohioans.

 

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State Representative Jena Powell is currently serving her first term as a state representative. She represents the 80th Ohio House District, which encompasses Miami County and a portion of Darke County.

For more information, contact Rep Powell’s office at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

Personal Note From Jena Powell: We will rise to the challenge of COVID-19

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Dear Friends,
 
It feels like things are a little out of control. We thrive on systems and structures and those have been disrupted over the last several weeks.
 
It’s scary, I know.
 
Many times how you respond to disruptions in your life is as important as the disruption itself. Only weeks ago we had no idea our lives would be interrupted like this. We didn’t ask for the disruption. We didn’t cause the disruption itself, but yet it came.
 
At this moment we have a choice.
 
We can cower in fear and panic. We can fly into passionate anger and lash out. We can cry and mourn the life we had just a few short weeks ago.
 
Or…
 
We can choose to take care of our families, friends, neighbors, and community.
 
This is the choice we all will get to make each morning. We’ve always had the opportunity to make this choice each morning, but during times like these the choice means more because it matters more. People are in need and will be in need. They will need babysitters, cleaners, meals prepared, people to comfort them, pick up their food/medicine, feed their children, and to be a friend.
 
We will rise to this challenge.
 
We’ll care for our neighbor by ensuring this virus doesn’t spread, but we will also care for our neighbors by making sure they’re fed. We are Americans and there’s no enemy so strong and no virus too small that we can’t beat.
 
We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know God cares for us just as we will care for each other.
 
-Jena
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

Virtual Ohio (K-12) has talent – Win free ice cream!

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Across our community and state parents and kids alike need some fun in this season! Since K-12 students are off school until April 3rd we want to give YOU the chance to WIN FREE ice cream for the summer, otherwise known as 100 days of ice cream!!! This FUN contest happens in your home and all you need is a phone and internet connection!

Here is how you enter to win:
1- Each week we have a different talent to showcase!
2- Practice, plan, and RECORD your (or your students) talent. Talent can be done alone, with the family, or friends!
3- Upload on Instagram or Facebook and tag @VoteJenaPowell with the age of your child and brief explanation of talent.
4- Winner will be chosen based upon originality and talent! We will direct message winner for gift card to come directly to you!

*BEST TALENT – March 16-20: Tag is @votejenapowell on Instagram or Facebook with a video of your talent. Whether alone, a friend act, or with the family…we’re excited to see your talent! All talents welcome no matter how big or small! Singing, joke telling, dancer, world champion backyard basketball player, talented whistler? We want to see it all! Winner of a $100 McDonald gift card will be announce on March 21st.

*FAVORITE JOKE – March 23-27: Tag is @votejenapowell on Instagram or Facebook with a video telling us your best joke! Winner of a $100 McDonald gift card will be announce on March 28th.

*PAINT OUR COMMUNITY – March 30th-April 3rd: Tag is @votejenapowell on Instagram or Facebook with a painting, drawing, coloring, etc. a picture of your favorite part about our community or state! Please take a photo of your student holding the art they are entering. Winner of a $100 McDonald gift card will be announce on April 4th.

Tell your kids and join the fun!

Event details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2885112561534424/

-Jena Powell

Team Powell

Powell Statement on Coronavirus

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COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) has released the following statement amid concerns of the coronavirus:

“I want to take this time to give an update to the people of the 80th Ohio House district on the coronavirus situation. Governor DeWine recently announced that all public, private, and charter schools will close at the end of school on Monday, March 16 until April 3.

Additionally, DeWine originally announced that the Ohio Departments of Health and Veterans Services issued an order limiting the number of visitors to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to one person per resident per day. However, this has changed as DeWine stated today that in the coming days he will issue an order to stop all visitations to nursing homes. Further, another order was issued to ban gatherings of more than 100 people in a single room throughout Ohio.

We must ensure that our public stays informed on this issue, such as following some of these cleanliness tips:

  • Frequently wash and scrub your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds
    • Cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder; or, use a tissue and wash your hands afterward
    • Clean surfaces and objects that are touched often
    • Make a habit of NOT touching your face
    • And if you or your child is sick, stay home, except to get medical care
  • Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick

I am very appreciative of both our health departments at the state and local levels in their efforts to combat and contain the coronavirus across our state. We all must work together to keep our families, children, and neighbors as educated and healthy as possible during this time.

For more updates and to answer any further questions you may have regarding the coronavirus, I encourage you to visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634. If you have any further concerns, feel free to reach out to my office by emailing Rep80@ohiohouse.gov or calling 614-466-8114.

 

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State Representative Jena Powell is currently serving her first term as a state representative. She represents the 80th Ohio House District, which encompasses Miami County and a portion of Darke County.

For more information, contact Rep Powell’s office at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.