Statement from ret. Supreme Court of OH Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor:
"The disinformation from the Governor today is insulting to everyone in Ohio, and especially insulting to the half a million Ohioans ... who put the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment on the November ballot." O'Connor cont'd: "Gov. DeWine voted with his fellow politicians seven times for unconstitutional maps, and now says what Ohio really needs is what he calls 'The Iowa Plan,' a system where the Governor and other politicians get the final say on maps."

House Minority Leader Rep. Allison Russo is up now: The state must put “people over politics.”
“At its core, the budget is about our priorities and the people are the Democrats’ priority.” Russo: Dem budget proposal: “We need to invest in working people but unrigging the tax system.”

Senate President Matt Huffman is speaking with media about the Governor’s state of the state and budget proposal. He says there’s nothing in particular he doesn’t like, but is encouraged by EdChoice voucher proposal. Huffman said he likes the measures in the Governor’s proposal to encourage Ohioans to have more children. He connected a lower birth rate with lack of staff in restaurants.

Gov. Mike DeWine enters the House chamber. DeWine: "Our future is bright, but that future will be defined by how well we educate all our children, and how we tear down the barriers to their success."

To the tune of Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again” (at least in my head) , the Ohio Redistricting Commission is set to meet once again to redraw legislative districts. They have until next Monday. In attendance, Governor Mike DeWine, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Auditor of State Keith Faber, Senate President Matt Huffman, House Speaker Bob Cupp, Sen. Vernon Sykes, State Rep. Allison Russo.