Jena Powell

September: Constituent Liaison In-District Office Hours For State Rep. Jena Powell

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Monthly In-District Office Hours

COLUMBUS –
Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) will again be sending a constituent liaison from her Columbus office to be in-district this upcoming Monday, September 9th. No appointments are necessary – individuals and families can feel free to show up and talk to the liaison about any government questions or concerns you may have.

“I know government can be hard to navigate alone,” says Powell. “Our office’s constituent liaison does a wonderful job of helping you work through specific issues. If you want to meet with me personally, as always call our office and we’ll set up a time.”

This Monday, September 9th, a constituent liaison will be at the Troy-Miami Public Library in Troy from 10am-11:30am. Rep. Powell’s constituent liaison will then be at the Arcanum Public Library in Arcanum from 12pm-1:30pm on Monday.

To schedule a personal meeting with Rep. Powell, or if you have any state government concerns you can give our office a call at 614-466-8114 or email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

Op-Ed: Cut the Bureaucratic Red Tape and Fix the Workforce Shortage

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In our community, we know that Ohio is a wonderful place to live. As our Columbus office says when you call in, “It’s a great day to live in Ohio!” 

While we love living in Ohio, there are things we can do to make Ohio a more attractive place to live and work. Right now, we have a workforce shortage in Ohio. One way to help families, businesses, and individuals in our state is through initiating license reciprocity in a way that will cause Ohio’s economic climate to thrive.

License reciprocity says that if you hold an occupational license in another state, you can come and practice that occupation here in Ohio without having to go through the whole education, training, and testing component again. For example, if you are an electrician in Indiana, and you want to work in Ohio and/or move to Ohio, right now you would have to apply for an occupational license in Ohio take a test, pay a fee, and jump through bureaucratic hoops.

The House recently passed temporary license reciprocity for members of the military and their immediate family members. We want to expand this reciprocity for every individual whose license is held in good standing in their state. If we allowed for license reciprocity, that Indiana electrician would need to show Ohio’s licensing authority his Indiana occupational license, and after receiving an Ohio-reciprocal license, would be allowed to practice his trade in Ohio.

Cutting through red tape will allow workers to use their skills, and will encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to move to Ohio. License reciprocity will bring more business and more income to our state. This is something that our office is excited to be researching and working on. If you have any questions, let me know.

-Jena Powell, State Representative

Team Powell

Op-Ed: What Keeps People Coming Back to the Fair — Community

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As you many of you know, I grew up a 4-H kid. All summer I would have a countdown leading up to the great Darke County Fair. I loved everything about it! Showing my sheep, camping, and spending long days in the showing barns.

I haven’t missed a fair in my entire life, because to me the fair is more than a week of fun; it is what our country is so badly missing – tight-knit community that cheers each other on in the good times and the bad. We can look around and see an epidemic of loneliness far reaching throughout the nation, and it is wreaking havoc on society, especially our children.

Many people have tried to solve this problem of loneliness – some have succeeded and others have not. I’ve learned over time that to receive love, you must be open to giving it. In other words, you must give of yourself in the community before you can be part of a community.

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to give. Maybe the talents, time, or resources aren’t available to you and maybe you just don’t know where to go. I understand that, but community is available because community starts with you.

The fair is almost here. Students in our community have worked long days getting animals and projects ready for the fair. For some of the students this is a huge step outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s showing an animal, running for Jr. Fair Board, or entering a cooking competition, they’ve chosen to put themselves out there in public to win or lose. It’s scary. I remember one year my sheep got loose in the arena and ran all over. I was embarrassed and crying by the end. But because of the encouragement of my parents and leaders around me, I tried again and didn’t give up.

For many students the fair is shaping much of their future, and determines how they react and act in challenging situations. Sometimes all one student needs is a bit of encouragement.

If you’re looking for community, the fair is the place to be. But don’t go looking to be a consumer of community. Go and give back! Volunteer at a local booth, encourage the students, sit in the stands and cheer them on, show up with a smile. Community is all around us and fair season is the time to open our eyes and invest time, love, and a smile.

Together let’s make our community great!

-Jena Powell. State Rep for Ohio 80th house district

    

Looking for a fair schedule or a way to be part? Email or call our office: (614)466-8114 rep80@ohiohouse.gov

Jena Powell

“Local lawmakers want to brand pornography as a public health crisis in Ohio”

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Full Article from the Dayton Daily News, checkout the article here.
COLUMBUS — Backed by Citizens for Community Values, Republican Jena Powell is leading the charge to brand pornography as a public health crisis, starting with a proposed resolution in the Ohio House.

“We are saying enough is enough. We’re tired of the exploitation of women and children in Ohio,” said Powell, a freshman lawmaker from Laura. She ties the use of pornography with the sex trafficking and sexual abuse.

Powell represents Ohio’s 80th House district which covers all of Miami and southern Darke counties.

Powell is joined by 18 legislators who are among the most socially conservative members, including local Republican lawmakers Nino Vitale, R-Urbana; Candice Keller, R-Middletown; Kyle Koehler, R-Springfield; George Lang, R-West Chester Twp.; Bill Dean, R-Xenia, and J. Todd Smith, R-Farmersville.

“The use of pornography in the younger age demographic is becoming more and more common. When you look people around you, you can see the hardships that addiction to pornography have on families,” she said. “This has been a big movement around the United States, to declare it a public health crisis, because that is what it is.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio declined to comment on the resolution since it would not have the force of law even if passes.

Citizens for Community Values, a Cincinnati-based non-profit that in 2004 put an anti-gay marriage measure on the statewide ballot, is backing the resolution.

“The #MeToo movement has awakened America to the epidemic of sexual assault, human trafficking, and the objectification of women,” said Aaron Baer, President of Citizens for Community Values in a written statement. “But any serious conversation about ending a toxic sexual culture must include an honest assessment of the harms of pornography. Pornography is more widely available than ever before, and until we get serious about enforcing our existing obscenity laws and ensuring children aren’t exposed to porn, we will never end the exploitation.”

CCV reports that 15 states have passed similar resolutions. CCV said it worked with the National Decency Coalition to help Powell draft the resolution. The National Decency Coalition also campaigns for displaying “In God We Trust” in public classrooms, making sure public schools and libraries have adequate online filtering tools, and keeping internet porn from being accessible to children.

Ohio lawmakers occasionally support laws that crack down on adult businesses, such as strip clubs and pornography.

In 2007, Ohio legislators passed a law that forces strip clubs, peep shows, and other adult businesses to close between midnight and 6 a.m. and institutes a no-touch rule between strippers and patrons.

 

Jena Powell

The Legislative Process

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Since taking office in January our office has been working through new policy (bills) that will give our community more freedom! In the coming weeks we will be rolling those bills out for you to look over & support!
 
To best understand the legislative process checkout the graph below. As always let us know if you have any questions.
Jena Powell

Meet Our Summer Interns

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This summer we have some amazing interns in our Columbus office. From research, to joining me at committee and session. They are getting experience at the Statehouse as we fight for our community. Follow along and meet the summer team!

 

Meet Austin:

“My name is Austin Lucous, and I am eager to work with Representative Jena Powell in serving Miami and Darke counties! I am currently beginning my junior year at Wright State University studying political science, and I am a proud 2017 graduate of Milton-Union High School in West Milton, Ohio. I began my journey in politics my senior year of high school when I campaigned for Rob Portman for US Senate. From there, I campaigned for Steve Huffman for State Senate, and finally, I campaigned for Representative Powell in her run for State Representative! When I’m not working on a campaign, I enjoy going out to eat with friends, playing tennis, and learning French. Living in the district my entire life, I am thrilled to work for my community and you!”

 

Meet Cameron:

“Hello my name is Cameron Haught, and I have interning in Representative Powell’s office since January. I am currently attending Clark State Community College in Springfield with plans on attending Wright State University next year to major in political science. While going to school and interning in Columbus, I work full time at Kroger in Springfield. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, and watching the Cincinnati Reds.”

 

Meet Mason:

“Hello, I am Mason Gordon and I began interning with Representative Powell in May of 2019. I am from Wayne Lakes, I went to Franklin Monroe High School and Edison State Community College, and I am an incoming political science major at the University of Dayton. I spend my free time with my family and playing soccer.”

 

 

 

 

Looking for a fall internship? Contact our office to submit an application.

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

 

 

 

Jena Powell

President Trump Grants ‘Disaster Declaration’ – Includes Miami And Darke Counties

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COLUMBUS –

As most of you know, Memorial Day week tornadoes wreaked havoc on homes, businesses, and churches in our community. The office of Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) has received lots of questions regarding the disaster status of West Milton, and other parts of Darke and Miami County that were hit hard by the tornadoes and storms.

As of today, President Trump has granted Governor DeWine’s request for a Disaster Declaration due to the tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, landslides, and straight-line winds that affected Ohio counties on May 27-29. The counties designated for individual assistance include Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway Counties.

Rep. Powell says, “Our community has been hit hard by the severe storms and tornadoes of May 27-29, adding to weather challenges that have been ongoing this year. This Disaster Declaration recognizes the significance of the damage, and will help our community rebuild.”

If you have questions about the Disaster Declaration or how to receive assistance, along with any state government concerns, you can give our office a call at 614-466-8114 or email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

Powell Appointed to the Elder Abuse Commission

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COLUMBUS –
Representative Powell (R-Arcanum) has been appointed to the Elder Abuse Commission. Her first meeting on this board will be next Monday, June 24th. Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder (R-Glenford) appointed Rep. Powell to sit on the Commission on behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives, alongside her colleague Rep. Russo (D-Upper Arlington).
The Elder Abuse Commission is under the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The Commission facilitates discussion around problems, solutions, and funding related to the issue of elder harm and exploitation.
Rep. Powell says, “With the rise of older people in our community, it is vital that we think critically about how they are being cared for during this phase of their lives. I look forward to being a voice for the elderly on this Commission, and fighting for education about the potential for elder abuse.”
As always, if you have state government concerns you can give our office a call at 614-466-8114 or email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

Powell Wants To Train Leaders

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COLUMBUS – Representative Jenna Powell (R-Arcanum) is offering students in Miami and Southern Darke County scholarships to attend Forge Leadership Summit. Rep. Powell believes “it is incredibly important that we train up the next generation to understand and fight for freedom” and therefore Rep. Powell will cover half the cost of attendance for individuals in the district who are accepted into the Forge Leadership Network’s July 23-27 summit.

For those who are interested in applying, www.forgeleadership.org has online applications. You must be between the ages of 18 and 24 to apply. Be sure to call or email Rep. Powell’s office to let her know that you are applying and would like to be a scholarship recipient.

Rep. Powell says, “The Forge Leadership Network’s July summit is an incredible opportunity to experience hands-on training in the political arena. If you are a conservative interested in being a voice in the public square, the Forge summit is for you!”

As always, if you have state government concerns you can give our office a call at 614-466-8114 or email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.

Jena Powell

One of the youngest serving Republicans on her ‘fight for the American dream’

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VIDEO: One of the youngest serving Republicans on her ‘fight for the American dream’

Jena Powell brings eight years of experience as a business owner and a lifetime on a farm to her new job in Ohio’s House of Representatives — and she’s only 25.

“When I first started running there were some comments regarding my age, but at the end of the day what I always tell people is, this is what I believe, this is where I stand and this is what I’ll do to fight for you,” Powell said on ABC News’ “The Briefing Room.”

Powell is one of the youngest Republicans to serve in the country and the youngest member of the Ohio general assembly, but she says it’s not her age or gender that made her run for office — it was her love for her country.

PHOTO: Jena Powell is pictured with some of her campaign team in an undated handout photo.Friends to Elect Jena Powell
Jena Powell is pictured with some of her campaign team in an undated handout photo.

“I’m here because our Founding Fathers knew and understood that if someone had an idea, that we’d fight for that American dream,” Powell said.

Powell called on her Republican colleagues to appeal to young voters. “We need to do a better job representing what we believe in and why conservatism works,” she said.

Powell, who represents Ohio’s 80th state congressional district, proposed a piece of legislation this week to allow private sector businesses to add apprenticeship programs for people to obtain certain licenses.

“It gives the workforce more power to choose,” Powell said.

PHOTO: Jena Powell is sworn into Ohios House of Representatives at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Jan. 10, 2019.Friends to Elect Jena Powell
Jena Powell is sworn into Ohio’s House of Representatives at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Jan. 10, 2019.

Ohio House Bill 258 is inspired by Ivanka Trump and the Trump administration’s push to help people find different ways to get training for jobs without necessarily spending the time or money on a four-year college degree.

This workforce training program hit especially close to home for Powell, who started and still runs an outdoor billboard company with her brother out of Arcanum, Ohio. They own about 600 billboards throughout the state, she said.

Powell is one of seven children and grew up in rural Ohio in a town of about 2,000 people. She said she hopes other people of any age, gender or political ideology follow her lead and run for office.

“Know what you believe, know what you stand for, and come here ready to fight for that, Powell said.”

Watch the full “Millennials Who Won” segment by clicking on the video above.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/youngest-serving-republicans-fight-american-dream/story?id=63565981

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