Powell supports ‘Promise to America’s Children’

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) on Monday signed her support to The Promise to America’s Children, a collaborative effort between the Family Policy Alliance, The Heritage Foundation, and Alliance Defending Freedom that outlines 10 guiding principles to protect children in America.

The goal of the initiative is to rally support for legislation that promotes pro-family and pro-religious freedom policy.

“In today’s age, our children are constantly exposed to explicit, adult content through social media, entertainment, cultural forces, and oftentimes, our own government,” said Powell. “We have a collective responsibility to protect the health, privacy, safety, and relationships of children in America.”

Below are the 10 guiding principles for The Promise to America’s Children:

1. Every child deserves to be protected from being used in or exposed to pornography, graphic sexual content or activities as well as from being exposed to it in media and on the Internet.

2. Every child deserves an education that is suited for their specific needs and development as guided by their parents, including free from graphic sexual curriculum or content, the promotion of abortion, and politicized ideas about sexual orientation and gender identity. To protect this right, all public school sexual education programs should be opt-in, voluntarily chosen by parents. A general opt-out should be provided for other sensitive topics that families do not believe is appropriate for their children. Parents should have the right to review all curriculum, reading materials, teacher’s guides, and computer programs or apps.

3. Every child deserves the right to free speech, to either speak or not speak and to affirm or not affirm messages or ideas that violate their beliefs or conscience.

4. Every child deserves the opportunity to be guided and supported in making the healthiest decisions for their current and future physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health, including obtaining counseling that the parents determine is safe, appropriate, and in the child’s best interest, without government interference that excludes parents or exhibits a bias based on beliefs about sexuality, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

5. Every child deserves safety and privacy in sex-specific spaces such as locker rooms, showers, and restrooms at schools and other federally-funded public facilities.

6. Every child deserves the opportunity to participate in fair and safe athletic competitions. Female athletes should not be forced to compete against biological males who identify as female in sports competitions intended for females.

7. Every child deserves the opportunity to be affirmed and in their genetically-determined sex, and to be supported as they mature through puberty and other normal adolescent changes that shape their maturity and reproductive capacity. Gender reassignment medical treatments (including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sterilizing surgeries) are neither natural nor healthy, and should not be permitted on minors.

8. Every child deserves a “forever family.” Authorities should not limit or reduce the pool of foster or adoptive parents by forcing either child welfare agencies or prospective adoptive or foster care parents to violate their moral or religious beliefs, including the belief that every child deserves a mother and a father.

9. Every child deserves a relationship with their mother and father. No child should be taken from their parents over disagreements between their parents and the state about sexual orientation/gender identity counseling, therapy, or medical procedures.

10. Every child deserves to have their parents informed of and involved in important life decisions. Authority figures (including teachers, counselors, or medical professionals) should not withhold information about a child’s sexual activity, development, or identity from parents or take any action that undermines the parents’ role in guiding the child in these areas. Nor should authority figures encourage or coerce a child to withhold information about important life decisions from the parent

Solutions through policy, not violence

Growing up on our family farm, I didn’t go to the city much. We lived a joyful and contented childhood, playing in the woods and farming the land my ancestors farmed. I started reading books and learning about the heroic men and women of the past. I was enamored by historical figures who sacrificed for what they knew to be right. Not all of them were gracious and kind, but they were seeking the greater good when they devised our unique system of governance.

Time rolled by and I went to Washington D.C. for the first time. I remember walking into the Capitol, amazed at our form of government. After meeting some of our government officials and getting a tour, I went home to read more about leadership and our form of government. It was clear to me that although it wasn’t perfect, our system was the best in the world, and it enabled individuals to live in freedom.

The American experiment was working. Years rolled by, and God opened the doors for me to run for state office. The first day I walked into the State Capitol, I looked up and thought to myself, “Here in America we have something special, and I want to never forget that.”

After two years, I still feel the same way every time I enter the building. During my time I have encountered Republicans, Democrats, staff, community members, protesters, and everyone in between. We might not all agree, but the system works well, as it reflects Ohioans’ differing beliefs and passions. That’s the beauty of a Representative Democracy.

The genius of the American system is that our strong differences are resolved through discussion and debate —through policy not violence.

It deeply burdens me to see the bloodshed and terror that happened this summer.

It deeply burdened me to see the bloodshed and terror that happened Wednesday.

I ran for office because I know America is better than this. I wake up each day with renewed commitment to work on good policy, because I know our Representative Democracy works. It might be slow and painfully frustrating at times, but Americans’ voices are being heard. My community’s voice is being heard. Our beliefs are being drafted into bills every month. Those bills are moving through the legislature and made into laws. That’s the beauty of a Representative Democracy.

Speak your beliefs.

Write your thoughts.

Protest peacefully.

Raise your family well.

Worship God.

Serve your neighbor.

A Representative Democracy is the best form of government in the world, and together we can continue showing the world’s nations that a shining city on a hill still exists.

 

State Representative Jena Powell 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 . Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

Powell Sworn-In for Second Term of 134th General Assembly

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) today took the oath of office for her second term as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 80th House District, which consists of Miami County and southern Darke County.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be sworn in as state representative,” said Powell. “I look forward to continue advocating for the people in my district in Columbus” Powell recently announced her legislation, the Small Business Crowdfunding Act, was signed into law. The bill allows Ohioans to raise up to $5 million through intrastate equity crowdfunding to start, grow, or expand their business. Powell plans to sponsor more legislation that supports Ohio businesses and promotes economic growth during her second term. “There is still much work to done to ensure the people’s voice is heard at the Ohio Statehouse,” added Powell. Powell is from southern Darke County, where her family has been farming for generations. After receiving her degree from Liberty University in Business, she started an outdoor marketing company with her brother. In 2019, Powell was named to Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 List for Law & Policy.

Today’s session marked the beginning of the 134th General Assembly.

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

Powell’s Small Business Crowdfunding Act Passes Senate

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) today announced the Senate approved House Bill 312, her legislation allowing Ohioans to raise up to $5 million through intrastate equity crowdfunding to start, grow, or expand their business.

“I’m on a mission to make Ohio the most business-friendly state in the nation,” said Powell. “The Small Business Crowdfunding Act encourages investment in Ohio businesses and serves as another tool for entrepreneurs to raise capital.”

Crowdfunding is a relatively new and evolving method of raising capital online for startups and small businesses. An individual or entity typically seeks small individual contributions for a large number of people in order to raise funds.

In order to qualify, a business must have 80% of its assets in Ohio, and 80% of the money must be spent in Ohio. Only Ohio residents can purchase securities, and an investor is typically limited to a $10,000 contribution per year.

The crowdfunding must be collected through a website operated by a portal operator who is required to provide disclosures to investors and records to the Division of Securities.

The bill also contains safeguards to protect Ohio consumers and penalties for those who conduct deceptive acts.

The Senate added an amendment that increases the appropriation to the Facilities Establishment Fund to provide funding to state capital projects.

H.B. 312 now heads to the House for a concurrence vote.

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.

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

GUEST PODCAST: Lockdowns vs. Liberty | Falkirk Podcast 60 w/Jena Powell

Earlier this month Rep. Jena Powell had an opportunity to jump on a podcast and discuss Ohio, lockdowns, and our freedom! Check it out below.

“Look out! Government lockdowns and stay-at-home orders are coming around again, leaving many Americans divided on how to respond. Are these orders really effective or do they cause incalculable damage because they go unnoticed? Entrepreneur and Ohio State Representative Jena Powell joins the Falkirk Center podcast to discuss the tensions between individual liberties and the government’s authority over your liberty.”

Powell Supports Business Fairness Act

Powell Supports Business Fairness Act

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) today supported the House passage of House Bill 621, legislation that allows any business that can comply with safety standards from government orders or regulations to stay open.

“I am proud that the Ohio House took action today to protect our small businesses and keep Ohio open,” said Powell. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve keep their employees on the job.”

The bill, known as the Business Fairness Act, creates competitive fairness by giving small businesses the ability to maintain operations during a public health emergency.

“There is more work to be done, and I will continue to fight to have the voices of my constituents heard,” added Powell.

H.B. 621 is supported by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, and Ohio Small Business Council.

The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Open Ohio and Protect the Most Vulnerable

Over the last seven months, our community, state, nation, and world have been dealing with the novel coronavirus.

At the beginning, our state made bold decisions because we didn’t know all the risk associated with COVID-19. So we stayed in our homes to protect our community until we gained knowledge about the pandemic risks.

As months have gone by, thankfully the virus is not as deadly as was once predicted.

My push, after the initial panic, has been to open Ohio and protect the most vulnerable. The Ohio House, in fact, has passed a dozen measures designed to support small businesses, first responders, health care workers, our schools and more. This includes SB 1, legislation to limit orders issued by the state health director to only 14 days without legislative extension approvalGovernor DeWine vetoed this bill.

The legislature must change state law in order to provide checks and balances upon the power of the executive branch during a public health emergency.

Long-term consequences of the economic shutdowns have become worse for many than the virus itself.

Over the next several weeks, we will be seeing a large rise in COVID-19 cases across our state and nation. This will be due to more testing, more people congregating inside as the weather gets colder, and the normal ebbs and flows of a virus.

As a community, we do not let fear rule our lives. We must protect the most vulnerable among us. We must work to contain the virus while continuing to live our lives.

The CDC and Governor DeWine have changed the COVID guidelines many times over the past year.

As I have said repeatedly since April, the secondary effects of the coronavirus are proving to be far worse than the coronavirus itself. This will continue being true. Consider the following:

  • We’ve had huge increases in suicide, mental illness, and opioid overdoses. We have seen a 178% increase in drug overdose calls to the Troy Fire Department. The House, Senate, and Administration have worked hard combating the opioid epidemic over the past five years, but now one epidemic is causing the rise of another.
  • We are seeing a rise in suicide in our community. Troy alone has experienced a 267% increase in suicide calls this year.

According to a summer CDC survey, 24.7% of 18-24 year olds and 19.5% of 25-44 year olds started or increased substance use to cope with pandemic-related stress or emotions. The same survey, taken at the end of June, found that 25.5% of 18-24 year olds and 16.0% of 25-44 year olds had seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days.

The secondary effects for many are far worse than the virus itself. I will continue pushing against the government overreach that the executive branch has taken during this time of crisis. They expanded their own agenda instead of 1) allowing people to choose for themselves and 2) letting the legislature have a voice.  We must change state law in order to limit the powers of the executive branch during an emergency, improve legislative oversight and protect the rights of all Ohioans. We will continue to work on legislation that will provide key checks and balances to the Administration.

We must protect the most vulnerable among us while restoring the freedom of the people of Ohio.

-Jena Powell

POWELL WINS REELECTION!

Rep. Jena Powell (R) won reelection to the Ohio House, defeating Democrat challenger Ted Jones to once again represent District 80 with unofficial results showing her with 76 percent of the vote.
“Thank you so much for the support from Darke County,” said Powell. “I am thrilled to represent you in the legislature and fight for our conservative values in the next two years. As always, if you have questions or want to tell me your story, you can email or call my office at any time. I am looking forward to continue fighting for the 80th District in Columbus.”