Community Conversations With Special Guest – FACEBOOK LIVE

State Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announces she will be hosting community conversations with special guests from her district next week. Each event will be held via Facebook Live.
“As we face the coronavirus pandemic, I want to hear input from our community leaders regarding how we can rise stronger than before,” said Powell. “I look forward to engaging with my constituents and hearing their questions on issues that matter most to them.”

Each special guest will focus on a certain topic:
Monday, April 13th : Eric Fee – Community Involvement
Tuesday, April 14th : Johnathan Newman – Faith
Wednesday, April 15th : Paul Hemminger – Children & Families
Thursday, April 16th : Special Guest TBD – Small Business

Recently, Powell was appointed to OHIO 2020, a bipartisan task force that will focus on helping get Ohio’s economy back on track in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel began meeting remotely this week.

To participate in the community conversations, please visit the @VoteJenaPowell Facebook page. Each event will begin at 9:00am.

If you have any questions about the event or how to
access the Facebook page, please email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov

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

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.

2020 PRIMARY ELECTION INFORMATION

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.

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

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

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

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

‘Hometown Hero’ Special Guest Nomination

Anyone can be a hero! We have incredible Moms, Teachers, Pastors, Janitors, Doctors, Volunteers, Nurses, Dads, and Tutors in our communities. No matter who you are, you make a difference in the life of others.  

Nominate YOUR “Hometown Hero” to be the special guest of State Rep. Jena Powell at the 2020 “State of the State” address by Governor Mike DeWine – on March 31st, at 12:00PM in Columbus.

‘Hometown Hero’ Nomination Form

The chosen nominee will get two tickets for the ‘State of the State’ in Columbus to join Rep. Powell for the afternoon.

Afternoon includes:

  • Tour of the Statehouse
  • Lunch at the Statehouse
  • Address by Governor Mike DeWine
  • Reception in the Governors official office

*Winner will be announced March 16th. Portal closes March 15th for nomination!

Occupational Licensing Reciprocity Reform

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

Ohio House Passes the “Tax Code Streamlining and Correction Act”

Ohio House Passes the “Tax Code Streamlining and Correction Act”

COLUMBUS— State Representatives Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) and Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) today announced the Ohio House passage of House Bill 197, “Tax Code Streamlining and Corrections Act”; HB 197 makes over 100 changes to update the laws governing taxation. The legislation makes our tax code accurate and clear by fixing errors.

HB 197 updates the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) sections by addressing typographical errors, incorrect cross-references, removing obsolete sections, and rearranging organizational defects.

“The Tax Code Streamlining and Corrections Act is not a flashy bill, but corrects over 100 errors in the tax code,” said Powell. “Today, with a single bill, the Ohio House is fixing decades of accumulated mistakes and errors embedded into our tax laws…mistakes which undermine our legal code.”

“Ohioans and businesses will have a better opportunity to prosper with a clear and accurate tax code,” said Merrin.

This bill has garnered support from the Ohio Society of CPAs, the County Treasurers Association of Ohio, the County Auditors Association of Ohio, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

HB 197 passed the Ohio House unanimously and now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

For more information, contact Rep. Powell’s office at 614-466-8114 or Rep80@ohiohouse.gov or Rep. Merrin’s office at 614-466-1731 or Rep47@ohiohouse.gov

Monthly Constituent Liaison Office Hours

Rep. Jena Powell 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.”

Monday, November 4th, 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.

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

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