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Finding solutions with energy permitting

Those who want a clear picture of the challenges facing Ohio’s economy would do well to take a look at the state Chamber of Commerce’s “Energy Permitting in Ohio: A Process Analysis,” which takes a look at just one industry, but reveals some larger truths. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation released the study at a policy forum Monday, where a number of stakeholders were discussing how to modernize the state’s energy permitting system and support growing demand. “Ohio is in a period of unprecedented opportunity, but our energy capacity has to keep pace,” ...

The line must be drawn somewhere

Thank goodness common sense prevailed in Columbus last week, as Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have allowed Ohio children ages 14 and 15 to work until 9 p.m. year-round. State Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, had introduced both Senate Bill 50 to alter allowable work hours for minors and Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, which asked Congress to change the Fair Labor Standards Act to accommodate Ohio lawmakers’ desire to let 14- and 15-year-olds work longer. But, “I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night,” ...

Keeping a crucial balance

Thank goodness common sense prevailed in Columbus last week as Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have allowed Ohio children ages 14 and 15 to work until 9 p.m. year-round. State Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, had introduced both Senate Bill 50 to alter allowable work hours for minors and Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, which asked Congress to change the Fair Labor Standards Act to accommodate Ohio lawmakers’ desire to let 14- and 15-year-olds work longer. But, “I believe it unwise to provide for 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night,” ...

Unchecked and ignored

As the investigation unfolds into the attack on two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last month, Americans are getting a glimpse into some cracks in the system that MUST be addressed. Among them is the need to explore better mental health and community support programs for veterans and refugees. Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been described as a person who was radicalized after he came to the U.S. A volunteer who worked with him and other Afghan refugees said they believed that Lakanwal suffered a mental health crisis after years of likely suffering from ...

As though the suffering is our own

You’ve made it through Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday and Cyber Monday. It’s a long series of days on which businesses big and small and even some individuals are hoping you’ll be spending some (or all) of your holiday shopping budget with them. Now we have reached Giving Tuesday, a day organizers say “unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world.” Sure, there’s a financial component to this, too. Those who have the resources should, indeed, take advantage of today to give what they are able to nonprofits that support the most ...

Dodging accountability

Despite Norfolk Southern’s assertions that it would make things right in East Palestine — after a derailment back in February 2023, the company appears to continue to resist doing so. Most recently, it filed motions in federal court seeking to EXCLUDE expert testimony presented by the state of Ohio and the United States as part of ongoing litigation. The proposed $315 million federal settlement between Norfolk Southern and the U.S. Department of Justice is still pending. Among the challenged witnesses are three medical doctors who support Ohio’s effort for a long-term medical ...