Jena Powell

OP-ED: Powell Announces House Passage of Oversight Bill

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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.

Team Powell

Congratulations, Covington Graduates!

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Congratulations, Covington Class of 2020!

These graduating seniors have worked hard, and we congratulate them on this achievement and wish them all the best!

Nathan Dean Alexander

Maci Lee Arthur

Marciana Lorain Auxier

Hailey Elizabeth Baker

Brock Alan Barga

Christian Zane Barhorst

Kirsti Jo Barnes

Sarah Lynn Barnhart

Anthony Josiah Brandon

Spencer Lee Brumbaugh

Andrew Jacob Cates

Josie Lynn Crowell

Teague McKinley Deaton

Logan Grant Engle

Hunter  Nicholas Levi Evans

Marisa  Michelle Fields

Jesse Chai Fisher

Austin Lee Flick

Colton James Francis

Joseph  Coby Franke

Raven Michael Grilliot

Konnor Ray Hill

Zoey Madison Hitchcock

Hailey Madison Houshel

Matthew Austin Hulsey

Seth Thomas Iddings

Sophia Marie Iddings

Nathaniel Gregory Steven Inman

Gavin Thomas Jones

Madison Elizabeth Kearns

Layklyn Aubree Kemp

Zaniel Gage Kerrigan

Morgan Paige Kimmel

Elizabeth Claire Kuntz

Zachary Douglas Kuntz

Joshua  Jay Latimer

Makenzie Marie Long

Morgan Renee Lowe

Dylan Scott Lucas

Gavin Jacob Lutz

Kleyton Olen Maschino

Fletcher Harris Metz

Alexis Jade Meyer

Brenna Jane Miller

Olivia Nicole Mohler

Madison LaRae  Otte

Andrew Ryan Parker

Kadin Michael Presser

Elizabeth Jane Randall

Keegan Odell Reck

Warrick Elsworth Reck

Autumn Nicole  Rich

Michael Ray Schafer

Josie Kate Schaurer

Cade Andrew Schmelzer

Alex Anthony Shaffer

Winter Grace Sims

Mary Elisabeth  Slusher

Courtney Marie Smidutz

Stephen John Sporek

Dylan Jacob Staudt

Morgan Denise Studebaker

Nicholas Richard Michael Swank

Bailey Nicole Tipps

Lucas Alan Tobias

Hayley Ann Triplett

Joshua Kristopher Wall

Bryce Matthew Weer

Dalton Robert Weer

Hailey Elizabeth Weer

Isaiah James Wendel

Maci Christine White

Brayden Matthew Wiggins

Hailey Jane Young

Hunter  Levi Zell

~Office of State Rep. Jena Powell

Team Powell

Congratulations, Tri-Village Graduates!

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Congratulations, Tri-Village Class of 2020!

We are so proud of each of these graduates and their hard work, and wish them all the best!

MEKENNA KAYE ANDERSON
ALIA TARYN AYETTE
HOLLY MAE BACK
DALTON COLE BARGE
ALLEN RUSSELL BARTH
DILLON LEE BEGOON
ANDREA PRESLEIGH BIETRY
KATELYNN SAVANNAH BREWER
BRYLEE LANAE BROWN
CLARA JEANNE BUCKLEY
JARAMIAH LEE BYRD
RILEI ANNA-MARIE CARDEN
DALTON SCOTT COCKERHAM
JONATHON THOMAS CRAWFORD
ZACHERY PAUL DELARWELLE
JUSTIN JAMES DEPOY
CASSIDY JO DITTY
ZACHARIE WILLIAM DOWLER
MADELYN ERIN DOWNING
CODY JOHN EYER
JAKOB ANDREW EYER
MADISON NICOLE FOREMAN
MADISON LEIGH GREEN
CHEYENN PATRICIA JEAN HALL
TAYLOR MARIE HURD
HARLEY JOHN KETRING
JOHN BRIAN KETRING
DAMIAN PAUL LAPEER
TIMOTHY JOHN LAVY
MASON GARETT JAMES LAY
ABBIGALE RENEE LIPPS
JOSEPH ALLEN MCCOMBS
VICTORIA ROSE MEYERS
AUSTIN ALBERT MOYER
CARSEN JAMES MUNCHEL
CHESTER LEE NETZLEY
KYLEI ANN PERRY
TRISA LEEANN PORTER
LILY MARIE PRESTON
JAVIER JESUS RAMIREZ
PAYTON ZANE CHARLES RAMMEL
SHEYANNE MICHELLE RAYLE
ALISHA BROOKE RISMILLER
CHRISTYANA MICHELE ROBERTS
COURTNEY NICOLE RUNKEL
HANNAH RENEE SCHEPIS
JADYN LYN SHARP
MELISSA ELIZABETH SILER
MORGAN MARIE SINGER
RACHEL ELAINE STEWART
WILLIAM CHANCLER STRUNK
TARA LEE TANKERSLEY
COLTON THOMAS THOBE
BRANDON RICHARD TOWNSEND
JESSICA SAIGE WIFORD
MASON EDWARD WILLETTS
TYLER LEE WILLIAMS

~Office of State Rep. Jena Powell

Team Powell

Congratulations, Arcanum High School Graduates!

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Congratulations, Arcanum 2020 Graduates!

We are so proud of the hard work of each of these graduating seniors, and wish them all the best!

Kenton Thomas Allread

William Robert Alvarez

Sydney Marie Artz

Audrey Marie Ball

Paul Thomas Barga

Sheldon James Bates

Cole Anthony Beck

Morgan Danyal Best

Regan Olivia Blinn

Melony Alyssa Brown

Cade Lincoln Brubaker

Katelynn Claire Burrell-Troutwine

Gage Michael Burrows

Sarah Lucille Calandrelli

Elizabeth Renee Cave

Daniel Riley Cetnar

Austen Eugene Cutarelli

Grant Robert Delk

Tristan M. Delk

Aidan Paul Douglas Ericksen

Patrick E. Farrell

Gabrelle Brieann Fourman

Josiah Azriel Fox

Chloé Gabrielle Fuller

Braden Zachary Garbig

Ethan Byron Garbig

Gracie Miranda Garno

Abigail Suzanne Garrison

Braydin Stryker Gillem

Carter James Gray

Haleigh Lynn Groff

Samantha Rose Hartzell

Audrey Lynn Heiser

Jayden Mark Robert Heltsley

Jennifer Sue Hofacker

Clay Christopher Hoop

William Carl Ingram III

Jarrett Allen Jones

Andrew John Kimball

Grace Marie Krauss

Cara M. Kreitzer

Elizabeth Rayne Kubik

Mikayla Bria Kutter

Allyson Paige Lock

Carson Jeffrey Magnani

Madison Nicole Magnani

Madison Michelle Mankin

Jessica E. Miller

Adam Daniel Mills

Araya Jean Musselman

Kayla Rae O’Daniel

Trevor Daniel Osswald

Reagen Marie Peters

Camille Marie Pohl

Harley Marie Ashley Rehmert

Dylan Thomas Rhodehamel

Jordan Dakota Rohr

Cory Franklin Ross

Erica Lynn Schettig

Jack Patrick Shannon

Madison Nikkole Shiflet

Macy Janae Skelton

Elliana Marie Sloan

Austin Bennett Smith

Saralynn Jean Smith

Christy Leann Sowers

Janessa Rae Stigler

Brittany Elisabeth Stump

Jason Brandon Sturdevant

Madison Mae Thornhill

Abbigail Grace VanHoose

Levi Matthew Walker

Megan Ashley Walker

Cameron Luke Warner

Phoebe Alyce Kathleen Weidner

Joshua Thomas Whittaker

Reese Albert Whittaker

McKinsey Louise Willis

Luke David Wilson

Joshua Paul Wright

Kendall Matthew Wright

Rachel Nicole Wright

Lukas Stephen Zawacki

~Office of State Rep. Jena Powell

Jena Powell

OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY PETITION

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OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY

Thank you for signing the \'OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY\' Petition

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 place. 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

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Share this with your friends:

     

Jena Powell

OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY FRAMEWORK

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OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY

Thank you for signing the \'OPEN OHIO RESPONSIBLY\' Petition

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 place. 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

%%your signature%%

Share this with your friends:

     


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.

  1. State Representative Paul Zeltwanger—4/26/2020
  2. State Representative Tom Brinkman – 4/26/2020
  3. State Representative Nino Vitale – 4/26/2020
  4. State Representative Adam Holmes—4/26/2020
  5. State Representative Dick Stein—4/26/2020
  6. State Representative Candice Keller—4/26/2020
  7. State Representative Reggie Stoltzfus—4/26/2020
  8. State Representative Derek Merrin—4/26/2020
  9. State Representative J. Todd Smith—4/262020
  10. State Representative Kris Jordan—4/26/2020
  11. State Representative John Becker—4/26/2020
  12. State Representative Jena Powell—4/26/2020
  13. State Representative Jon Cross—4/26/2020
  14. State Representative George Lang—4/26/2020
  15. State Representative Darrel Kick—4/26/2020
  16. State Representative Don Jones—4/26/2020
  17. State Representative Riordan McClain—4/26/2020
  18. State Representative Brett Hillyer—4/26/2020
  19. State Representative Craig Riedel—4/26/2020
  20. State Representative Scott Lipps—4/26/2020
  21. State Representative Phil Plummer—4/26/2020
  22. State Representative Rick Parales—4/26/2020
  23. State Representative Scott Wiggam—4/26/2020
  24. State Representative Diane Grendell—4/27/2020
  25. State Representative Bill Reineke—4/27/2020
  26. State Representative Jason Stephens—4/27/2020
  27. State Representative Jim Hoops—4/27/2020
  28. State Representative Steve Hambley—4/27/2020

Jena Powell

OP-ED: Save Lives, Open the Economy, and Preserve Freedom

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As I’ve listened to and spoken with hundreds of Ohioans this week, the one word that continually comes to mind is compassion.

It can be easy to pretend to have all the answers. It’s easy to make things black and white. It’s easy and popular to state opinions as if they’re unequivocal facts.

I’ve spent countless hours listening and attempting to help, comfort, and understand those who are struggling through this while coming up with a plan of action to reopen our state.

•I listened to a daughter who couldn’t be at the bedside of her mother as she died alone.

•I listened to a single mom who was laid off from her job, crying because she isn’t receiving unemployment and she doesn’t have food for her kids.

•I listened to an exhausted business owner telling me about having to close his doors and lay off his employees due to a restricted and destabilized economy.

•I listened to the pain of those dying in a nursing home alone.

•I listened as people with underlying illnesses explained to me the fear they felt when going out to get groceries.

•I have seen the death reports of those with underlying illnesses.

•I listened to the restaurant owner whose life savings was being drained away from having to close her doors. Tears streamed down as she said she might never reopen again.

•I listened to the heartbroken high-school senior as she tried to process missing out on the final moments of her senior year: prom, the spring sports season, and celebrating the last day of school.

I’ve listened and I’ve learned. It’s complex.

All of us are feeling, thinking, and struggling through things that we’ve never had to before.

All this listening and learning has showed me that we are in need of one thing in our community: compassion.

In this difficult time, we all need to show compassion, as we realize there’s no easy answer. It takes compassion and humility to realize that, while some might not think this is serious, for the grieving families who’ve lost loved ones, this is the worst tragedy that could happen.

It takes compassion and humility to realize that, for the single mother losing her job and the business owner losing his business, this is the worst tragedy that could happen.

We can hold both as tragedies without diminishing either’s pain. We can fight hard to reopen our state while still speaking in a way that is full of compassion and humility. The greatest leaders are ones who can stand strong in what they believe is right and true, understanding that people’s circumstances are different and their pain is real. We must have both action and compassion. We need truth spoken in love.

Let’s have compassion and extend it graciously. We’re living in extraordinary times – our lives, families, and communities can either be marked by humility and compassion, or anger and bitterness.

We all want to see lives saved, the economy open quickly, and freedom preserved.

So today, let’s move forward with compassion and humility as we forge through this new territory to quickly reopen the state of Ohio together.

-Jena Powell | State Rep., Ohio 80

Jena Powell

COVID-19 FAQ: Unemployment, H.B. 197, Ohio 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force, CARES Act, stimulus checks, and PPP/EIDL Loans, Community Conversations

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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:

  1. If you are having trouble with a PIN number, call 1-866-962-4064.
  2. 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).
  3. If you have not received a confirmation number and cannot complete your application, call the unemployment hotline at 1-877-644-6562.
  4. 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.
  5. You can also find a helpful list of FAQ at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm.
  6. For any other concerns, email us.

2)      HB 197:

  1. Voting by absentee ballot must be postmarked on or before April 27th
  2. Tax filing deadline for state income tax extended to July 15th
  3.  Any additional questions, email us.

3)      Ohio 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force:

  1. If you have specific opinions or information to share, Rep. Powell will read it over and thanks you for sending this!
  2. 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:

  1. We will forward your concerns along to Congressman Warren Davidson’s office, since the CARES Act is federal.
  2. Social Security recipients will automatically receive their stimulus check.
  3.  Any additional questions regarding assistance available to small businesses, please email us and we will follow up.

5)      Community Conversations:

  1. 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.

 

Jena Powell

Community Conversations: T. Elliot Gaiser

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Rep. Powell Announces Virtual ‘Community Conversation’ Event

ARCANUM – State Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) announces she will be hosting a community conversation event with T. Elliot Gaiser to discuss regulatory and administrative law in regard to COVID-19. The event will be held tomorrow via Facebook Live.

Gaiser is an attorney from Northeast Ohio and has experience in issues related to the separation of powers, federalism, the First Amendment, and the Administrative Procedure Act. He served as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

“I’m grateful Mr. Gaiser will share his knowledge with my constituents as we navigate through this uncertain period in our nation’s history,” said Powell.  “It’s important that we are aware of the current laws and regulations as we face this pandemic.”

To participate in the community conversation, please visit the @VoteJenaPowell Facebook page on Wednesday, April 22nd at 9:00am. If you have any questions about the event or how to access the Facebook page, please email Rep80@ohiohouse.gov

BIO For T. Elliot Gaiser:
T. Elliot Gaiser received his J.D. in 2016 from the University of Chicago law school, where he was a Bradley Fellow, Vice President of University of Chicago Federalist Society, and winner of the Karl Llewelyn Memorial Cup for excellence in brief writing & oral advocacy. Before graduation, Mr. Gaiser was an extern to Judge Alice M. Batchelder on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and a clerk in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office of the Solicitor General.

Prior to law school, Mr. Gaiser worked as a Graduate Fellow for Welfare Studies covering anti-poverty programs and immigration issues at The Heritage Foundation.

Mr. Gaiser graduated magna cum laude from Hillsdale College in 2012, where he served as Opinions Editor of The Collegian, received the Edward Everett Prize in Oratory, and worked as an on-air DJ for WCSR Radio Hillsdale 92.1 FM, 1340 AM.

Mr. Gaiser was an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, where he focused on issues related to the separation of powers, federalism, environmental regulation, the First Amendment, and the Administrative Procedure Act. Mr. Gaiser served as a law clerk to Judge Edith H. Jones on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and to Judge Neomi Rao on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Op-Eds by T. Elliot Gaiser:
GAISER: Justice Clarence Thomas at Hillsdale: Fulfill the Obligations of Freedom To Become Beacons of Light, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, July 7, 2016
GAISER: Millennials’ Politically Uncertain Trumpet, PJMedia, Jan. 28, 2016
GAISER: Seven Reasons to Reform Food Stamps, The Daily Signal, July 4, 2013
BOCCIA & GAISER: Three Reasons for Social Security to Use Chained CPI, RealClearPolitics, Mar. 26, 2013

 

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

Rep. Powell Encourages Small Businesses to Provide Input to Task Force

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ARCANUM – State Representative Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) is encouraging small business owners throughout her district to share their experience on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their operations as leaders seek to understand the full extent of the coronavirus on Ohio’s economy.

“As a member of the OHIO 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force, I’ve been having thoughtful conversations with business owners from across our state,” said Powell. “I encourage the hardworking people in Miami County and Darke County to provide their insight to the task force so their perspective is represented as we re-open Ohio as soon as possible.”

The OHIO 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force will review all submissions. Once reviewed, the task force is planning to invite owners throughout the state to participate in an upcoming virtual meeting to explain the impact in greater detail.

If you are a business owner, please consider emailing Rep80@ohiohouse.gov the following:

  • Name and location of the business
  • Number of employees
  • Years in business
  • Contact information for business owners (email, phone number)
  • Brief description of nature of the business

Additionally, businesses can submit written responses to the task force. If submitting or speaking before the task force, the panel asks businesses focus on the following points:

  • If/how they are able to operate during the coronavirus.
  • What kind of financial strains have been brought on by this? If they have been in business for many years, how has this been compared to other financial downturns?
  • What kinds of obstacles do they see ahead of them once they are able to fully open up again?
  • Any governmental roadblocks ahead that the legislature should be aware of?
  • Any ideas that they might have on protocols they believe would be helpful to return to work while maintaining a level of safety to provide confidence to their customers?

The OHIO 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force will be meeting today at 12:30pm. The meeting can be streamed live on The Ohio Channel website. In addition, Rep. Powell encourages her constituents to follow @OHTaskForce2020 on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

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.