Clermont County, Ohio – Earlier this month the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce hosted a membership luncheon featuring a state legislative update from legislators representing Clermont County. Senator Joe Uecker and State Representatives John Becker and Doug Green each provided their observations and perspectives of current issues and then addressed questions together as a panel. Each legislator mentioned that the debate over Governor Kasich’s proposed budget hasn’t allowed much time to address other issues. Senator Uecker stated, “Budget is the leading concern in the Senate right now.” Uecker believes that taxing services in Ohio would be a severe disservice to our state at this time. “In our region, we are experiencing serious health care issues due to a lack of health care providers available to deliver their services in our rural regions.” Senator Uecker also added,“It’s time we stop standing on the throats of businesses and create legislation that makes Ohio more business friendly and less suffocating.”
State Representative, Doug Green, spoke about budget increases for drug abuse and mental health services. Green, stated, “Our focus now is on those who need help the most and how to properly provide the necessary services until they no longer need public assistance and are able to transition into society.” State Representative Becker reported every school district in Clermont County will receive a funding increase this year. Becker addressed the importance of education issues in the budget and his commitment to reforming and improving the decision process for school funding. “The goal is to reduce reliance on guaranteed funds and to approve more school funding in the State budget,” stated Becker.
The Clermont County Commissioners were also in attendance for the legislative presentation and believe the Senator and State Representatives are working hard for the overall good of the county. Commissioner David Uible stated, “I commend the Senator and our State Representatives for holding strong on difficult budget negotiations in Columbus. Their diligence and determination to refrain from accepting federal money for the expansion of Medicaid in Ohio is not an easy decision for any of them.”
AT&T and the Grant Career Center were the sponsors and keynote presenters for the luncheon. AT&T Director of External Affairs Mark Romito served as emcee for the event and discussed the changing communications landscape and network investments. Over the past three years AT&T has invested more than 1.5 billion dollars in Ohio. “It’s important to support events like this because it’s critical for businesses and consumers alike to be engaged in their government at all levels – federal, state, and local.” said Romito.
Following the luncheon AT&T showed a documentary, entitled The Last Text, for the Grant Career Center students to highlight the risks of texting while driving. Senator Uecker, Representatives Becker and Green, and Romito then took part in a brief discussion with the students about the state law prohibiting texting and driving. “It’s so important for everyone, especially young drivers, to learn that texting and driving do not mix. I appreciate AT&T’s efforts and our legislators for raising awareness of this important issue.” said Laura Metzler, Director of Community & Volunteer Involvement for Grant Career Center. To learn more about the risks involved with texting and driving visit www.itcanwait.com.
Pictured above:
State Representatives John Becker, Doug Green, and State Senator Joe Uecker participate in a panel discussion at the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon sponsored by AT&T and the Grant Career Center. The legislators also took part in a discussion with AT&T and Grant Career Center students about the dangers of texting while driving.
– See more at: https://clermontcountyohio.gov//State_Legislator_Luncheon.aspx#sthash.w85ukFVm.dpuf
