Rep. Powell Op-Ed: Happy Thanksgiving!
On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln announced the nation would “observe the last
Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father.” This
announcement officially declared the last Thursday of every November to be a national holiday
of Thanksgiving.
This year, it’s no question we are facing hardships as a community, state, and nation. However,
we still have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I especially want to highlight one of
our greatest blessings – our constitutional freedoms in the United States.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, but it does not change our
inalienable rights. It does not change our right to assembly and association, protected by the First
Amendment. No governmental body can tell you who can and cannot gather in your home –
including the Governor. And for many Ohioans, Thanksgiving serves as a day of worship to
thank God for His many blessings. Your religious freedom is, of course, protected by the First
Amendment.
This is not the first pandemic America has seen, and it probably will not be the last. While our
way of life has changed this year, the Constitution remains the same. Thanksgiving is a time for
all of us to slow down and remember the blessings we are given. I believe one of the most
important blessings is being a citizen of the United States of America, where we can exercise our
First Amendment rights.
I hope you and your family have an enjoyable and healthy Thanksgiving.
Jena Powell
COVID-19 Suicide and Overdose Call Data – Troy, Ohio
Let’s talk about numbers. Americans have 1% chance of contracting Covid-19 and .04% chance of dying from it.
Year to date suicide calls in Troy, Ohio, our community, have increased 267%.
Two hundred and sixty-seven percent.
We cannot live in fear, we must care for our family, neighbors, and community.
Over the years we’ve been at war with a raging drug epidemic. Through so much work in our community, we were seeing amazing headway on fighting the drug 
epidemic that’s been plaguing too many families for years.
Sadly, year to date, we have a 178% increase in overdose calls in 2020.
This is heartbreaking to see in our community.
We cannot continue to live in fear over Covid-19 and allow individuals to be in isolation fighting suicide and overdose alone.
As a community, we must be aware of the true numbers and data in our community.
Overdose calls year to date are up 178%. Suicide calls year to date are up 267%.
1% of Americans have contracted COVID-19 and .04% have died from it.
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.
Open Letter To Pastors & Churches of Miami and Darke Counties
Hi! I’m Jena Powell, your State Representative. Thank you for serving our community through your calling as a pastor, and through your leadership with your Church.
I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself and about my testimony. I grew up on a farm in southern Darke County. Currently, I own a billboard company with my family across Ohio and Indiana called Huntington Outdoor. While in Columbus, I work to reduce regulation, cut taxes, enact pro-life and pro-family legislation, and defend our 2nd Amendment rights. As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, I view every policy through the lens of Scripture.
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins and rose again, having eternal victory over sin. Romans 10:9 says that “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
We are sinners in need of a Savior, because sin brings death upon us. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The good news is that Jesus came down to earth, lived a perfect life, and was the atonement for our sins. As Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We are forgiven of our sins when we call upon the name of the Lord. That’s the gospel. But the chief good of the gospel is not forgiveness, justification, or eternal life — as wonderful as these are. The highest, fullest, deepest, sweetest good of the gospel is God Himself, enjoyed by His redeemed people. The gospel is the good news that we get to be in relationship with Jesus and get to worship Jesus, every single day. No work we do can earn salvation; it’s already bought by Jesus by His perfect life. What a beautiful gift He gives His people.
I am incredibly blessed by His gift of salvation in my life. As an undeserving sinner, my Hope is in Jesus Christ alone.
The Christian church is not a building, but a body of believers united in Christ. Its role is to worship God, nurture and edify and reach out to a suffering world with the saving message of the gospel as well as the practical compassion and mercy exemplified in Christ.
With this knowledge, the church should be at the heart of every community – sharing the Gospel, loving our neighbors, and providing a space for fellowship. I will always be fighting for religious liberty, and for the rights of churches to be faithful to their witness in the world.
Thank you again for everything that you do for individuals and families in our community. If there is ever anything that our office can do to serve you, or if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 614-466-8114 or email us at Rep80@ohiohouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Jena Powell
State Representative | OH-80
State Representative Jena Powell represents Ohio’s 80th House District. She can be reached at Rep80@ohiohouse.gov or (614) 466-8114.
Congratulations, Troy Christian Graduates!
Congrats, Troy Christian Class of 2020!
We are so proud of each of you, and of the effort you have put forth. Best wishes on your future successes!
Chase Aivalotis
Owen Bailey
Matthew Beachy
Jason Blake
Emil Bowen
Lauren Camp
Jared Chong
Brady Clawson
Jenna Douglas
Sarah Earhart
Conrad Echemann
Claudia Fecher
Izaak Frantom
Abigail Gilfillen
Aaron Gillespie
Gracie Glaser
Isaac Gray
Anna Hivner
CalebHundley
Nathaniel Hunnicutt
Jordan Isenbarger
Gabriel Ison
Tyler Jackson
Laura Johnson
Joel Kellar
William Kenworthy
Ryley Kincaid
Preston Lair
Isaac Leganik
Samantha Lentz
Bennett Lowry
Jaelyn Manley
Jonah Mathews
Kaitlyn Misirian
Craig Montgomery
Katie Nefedov
Connor Peters
Cherish Pierce
Kristen Rodrigues
Alexis Salazar
Hope Sando
Caleb Schroer
Richard Schulte
Zachary Seagraves
Collin Sebor
Christopher Setser
Andrew Shaffer
Eleanor Smith
Rachel Stewart
Kirsten Strait
Kalista Swihart
Chase Tanner
Emma Taylor
Kelly Tighe
Aiden Tkach
Micah Trimbach
Ethan Turner
Robert Ventura
Olivia Voisinet
Nathan Waltz
Aaron Warden
Chase Weyrauch
Brittin Williams
Charles Wolfe
-Office of State Rep. Jena Powell
Congratulations, Bradford Graduates!
Congrats, Bradford Class of 2020!
We are so proud of all the work you have put into your studies, and wish you all the best of success!
Hunter Beireis
Tristin Booker
Dalton Bubeck
Keanan Clark
Corey Cotrell
Drew Davidson
Victoria Derstine
Dylan Fair
Kegan Fair
Madison Fries
Erica Gaynor
Gabriel Gill
Caroline Gleason
Corie Hamilton
Brant Helman
Riley Houser
EJ Jones
Jaiden Leistner
Jeffrey Martin
Kaileigh McGlinch
Nick Mowery
Josh Nusbaum
Savannah Penny
Jacob Phillips
Kaitlynne Reineke
Jonathan Richardson-Welch
Jay Roberts
Jessica Roth
Brayden Sanders
Shelby Shafer
Jared Shellabarger
Mercedes Smith
Wyatt Spangler
Fischer Spencer
Jericka Thacker
Gavin Trevino
-Office of State Rep. Jena Powell
OP-ED: Powell Announces House Passage of Oversight Bill
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2020
OP-ED: Powell Announces House Passage of Oversight Bill
When I go to Columbus, I fight to represent my community in Miami and Southern Darke County. We want to do everything we can to protect everyone in our community, including the elderly and the immunocompromised.
Back in March, we had limited data with regard to COVID-19. Governor DeWine made a decision with the data he had at that point.
Businesses, families, and nonprofits rose to the challenge of flattening the curve.
As we’ve looked at COVID-19 and the current data, we have a growing concern and frustration.
We worked tirelessly to flatten the curve and we protected the vulnerable… now, the data from the virus has shown us that it is not as deadly or as contagious as once thought back in March.
In our communities, we are seeing:
• Suicide rates increase
• Child abuse increase
• Small businesses fall apart
• Unemployment skyrocket
This is unacceptable with the data we now have.
When our community urged Dr. Acton to open Ohio safely, Dr. Acton instead extended the Stay Safe order through the month of May.
While bureaucrats can sit in their million dollar condos in Columbus and sign the Stay at Home order, my community doesn’t have the luxury of doing that. We have to get back to work and we can do it safely.
That is why Substitute Senate Bill 1 is crucial.
We have three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial – none of which is more important than the others. Checks and balances in government are crucial as we move forward.
We have to make sure that everyone’s voice is being heard. That is what Sub. S.B. 1 does.
Today, I voted yes on Sub. S.B. 1 to allow a legislative checks and balances on Dr. Acton’s power. All orders issued by the Director of the Department of Health will cease after 14 days unless the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review votes for an extension.
In addition, Sub. S.B. 1 will reduce government regulation and cut red tape by requiring state agencies to reduce their regulatory restrictions by 30% by 2022 and by prohibiting an agency from adopting new regulatory restrictions that increase their restriction percentage of rules.
I also voted yes on S.B. 55, which included an amendment to decriminalize violations of health department orders related to the pandemic.
This is a step in the right direction to ensure your voice is being heard in Columbus.
-Jena Powell – State Rep. | Ohio 80
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.
OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY FRAMEWORK
OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY FRAMEWORK
A DATA DRIVEN, APPLIED SCIENCE APPROACH FOR OPENING OHIO FOR ALL OHIOANS
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
1. Based on current data, scientific application and actual results, we believe a responsible opening of all
businesses can, and should, begin on or before May 1st, 2020.
2. We respect past concerns regarding not overwhelming our hospitals, health systems, front line healthcare workers and first responders as well as ensuring there is an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment for them. In Ohio, we believe we are now past that stage of concern.
3. We respect and greatly appreciate all the healthcare workers and first responders’ efforts during this challenging time as well as all the businesses/organizations that have continued to operate through the Shelter in Place Executive Order.
4. We believe the COVID-19 virus is a real threat and especially problematic for the more vulnerable, the elderly and immuno-compromised people. We should continue our measures to protect this population as well as those who are infected with COVID-19.
5. We believe an overwhelming number of Ohioans are responsible citizens and care for each other.
6. We believe all businesses in Ohio are essential.
7. We respect individuals, business owners and employees’ rights to choose how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
8. Many businesses have already modified their operating protocols to safely function in this current
environment. Businesses/organizations recognize if they do not make it safe for their employees and customers, they will not come back.
9. We respect the right for businesses to not open until they are prepared to do so safely.
10. Many people will choose to continue to shelter in p lace. We respect their choices and right to make those decisions.
11. We believe there are, and will continue to be, major secondary affects from COVID-19 policy
decisions.
12. We believe it is time to trust Ohioans. They have respectfully followed the guidelines and NOW is the time to responsibly open all businesses.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES EFFECTIVE ON OR BEFORE MAY 1ST, 2020
All businesses/organizations are strongly recommended to follow the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) guidelines and are advised to follow appropriate social distancing and
other COVID-19 related precautionary guidelines. Local authorities are advised to assist
in managing clarity regarding uncertainty. See below for link to CDC guidelines.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS:
1. The Governor will assign Strategic Guidelines for Implementation to local governing bodies including
County Commissioners and County Health Boards.
2. Best practices emerging in the state can be monitored and shared via the Governor’s task force.
3. Intent is to provide Ohioans more personal control over their local epidemic prevention actions. This
will:
a. Increase public involvement in community epidemic preventative actions.
b. Generate personal initiative and ownership in generating effective prevention.
c. Create a sense of hope and proactive behavior in our communities.
OTHER RECOMMENDED COVID-19 RELATED PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES:
1. If anyone falls within the “more susceptible” profile they are STRONGLY encouraged to stay at
home.
2. Anyone with a fever can be refused entry and should be advised to seek medical advice immediately.
3. Social distancing should be practiced.
4. All businesses/organizations are encouraged to implement on-going sanitization and cleansing.
Businesses/organizations are advised to work with local authorities if guidance is needed.
5. If you feel sick stay home. If your children are sick, keep them at home.
6. If you are an older person or have a serious underlying health condition, stay home and stay away
from other people.
7. If someone in your household has tested positive keep the entire household at home.
8. Work or study from home whenever possible.
9. Always practice good hygiene – wash your hands, avoid touching your face, sneeze or cough into a
tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Open Ohio Responsibly Framework – A Data Driven, Applied Science Approach for Opening Ohio for ALL Ohioans
Signature & Affirmation Section:
We do hereby agree to the above noted Guiding Principles, Recommended Guidelines, Concept of Operations and Other Recommended COVID-19 Related Precautionary Guidelines. I affirm my support of these urgent measures hereto. We implore Governor DeWine to incorporate this framework into the Open Ohio Plan.
Paul Zeltwanger
Ohio State Representative – District 54
Signing as State Representative Only
Not as Chairman of the Ohio House 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force
(Members noted below have confirmed their support of this Open Ohio Responsibly Framework)
Here is the list of Members that have signed on.
- State Representative Paul Zeltwanger—4/26/2020
- State Representative Tom Brinkman – 4/26/2020
- State Representative Nino Vitale – 4/26/2020
- State Representative Adam Holmes—4/26/2020
- State Representative Dick Stein—4/26/2020
- State Representative Candice Keller—4/26/2020
- State Representative Reggie Stoltzfus—4/26/2020
- State Representative Derek Merrin—4/26/2020
- State Representative J. Todd Smith—4/262020
- State Representative Kris Jordan—4/26/2020
- State Representative John Becker—4/26/2020
- State Representative Jena Powell—4/26/2020
- State Representative Jon Cross—4/26/2020
- State Representative George Lang—4/26/2020
- State Representative Darrel Kick—4/26/2020
- State Representative Don Jones—4/26/2020
- State Representative Riordan McClain—4/26/2020
- State Representative Brett Hillyer—4/26/2020
- State Representative Craig Riedel—4/26/2020
- State Representative Scott Lipps—4/26/2020
- State Representative Phil Plummer—4/26/2020
- State Representative Rick Parales—4/26/2020
- State Representative Scott Wiggam—4/26/2020
- State Representative Diane Grendell—4/27/2020
- State Representative Bill Reineke—4/27/2020
- State Representative Jason Stephens—4/27/2020
- State Representative Jim Hoops—4/27/2020
- State Representative Steve Hambley—4/27/2020
COVID-19 FAQ: Unemployment, H.B. 197, Ohio 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force, CARES Act, stimulus checks, and PPP/EIDL Loans, Community Conversations
Due to COVID-19 and a mass number of emails and phone calls coming in to our state office, we are doing everything we can to get back to you as quickly as possible. We are here to serve you.
Here are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully address at least part of your concerns:
1) Unemployment:
- If you are having trouble with a PIN number, call 1-866-962-4064.
- If you have received a confirmation number but no payment yet, call your processing center (found by your social security number at this link: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/claims-processing-center-locations.stm).
- If you have not received a confirmation number and cannot complete your application, call the unemployment hotline at 1-877-644-6562.
- Jobs and Family Services is still working to implement self-employed workers into the unemployment system, and will inform all 1099 filers as soon as this is up and running.
- You can also find a helpful list of FAQ at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm.
- For any other concerns, email us.
2) HB 197:
- Voting by absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before April 27th
- Tax filing deadline for state income tax extended to July 15th
- Any additional questions, email us.
3) Ohio 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force:
- If you have specific opinions or information to share, Rep. Powell will read it over and thanks you for sending this!
- If you are a small business that is willing to share your story and COVID-19 experience with the Task Force, thank you! We will be emailing you shortly with the form to fill out and additional information.
4) CARES Act, stimulus checks, and PPP/EIDL Loans:
- We will forward your concerns along to Congressman Warren Davidson’s office, since the CARES Act is federal.
- Social Security recipients will automatically receive their stimulus check.
- Any additional questions regarding assistance available to small businesses, please email us and we will follow up.
5) Community Conversations:
- For information regarding when Rep. Powell is hosting virtual Community Conversations with special guests, please visit her Facebook page.
Let us know if you have a specific request or follow-up question, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
-Jena Powell, State Rep.|OH-80
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.