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Ohio Alliance of YMCAs

6956 Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213 BRIEF November 2020 OhioYMCAs.org

A LEGISLATIVE NEWSLETTER FOR CEOS, CVOS, STAFF, AND PARTNERS OF THE OHIO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS

NONPROFITS CONTINUE TO IN THIS ISSUE Nonprofits Continue to Struggle in STRUGGLE IN 2020 2020

A survey of Ohio charitable nonprofit organizations found that while they fared better in August 2020 than they did in April, funding challenges still Sykes Re-elected Minority Leader remain as a marked decrease in individual and corporate donations persists.

Conducted by researchers at Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Cupp Re-elected Speaker Public Affairs and in partnership with the Ohio Attorney General's office, the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and Philanthropy Ohio, the survey of over 7,500 public charity organizations across the state found that more than 50 percent reported a decrease in individual donations, 44 Huffman to be Senate President percent reported a decrease in corporate donations, and 33 percent reported a decrease in earned income for services provided. These findings played out in nonprofits' top concerns for the year ahead, Pepper to Resign as Democratic with the number one concern being the need to reevaluate fundraising Party Chairman strategies, followed by a need for volunteer recruitment, and then tech support for moving programs online. Ohio Redistricting in 2021 To mitigate funding gaps, many Ohio nonprofits applied for federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and the vast majority received federal support. About half of nonprofits applied for PPP loans, and among ENJOY THIS ISSUE? those who applied, 96 percent had their loans granted. However, most nonprofits surveyed do not yet know whether their loans will be forgiven (90 percent). Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may find it useful. Despite some federal support, funding challenges have meant that 14 percent of nonprofits have had to either furlough or lay off staff, while another 14 percent have frozen hiring. QUESTIONS, Other steps taken to continue business amid the ongoing pandemic include COMMENTS, IDEAS? conducting board meetings virtually, restricting travel, cutting administrative expenses, seeking new sources of funding, discontinuing previously offered services, and making special appeals to donors. Contact Beth Tsvetkoff at btsvet- [email protected]. Report lead author Erynn Beaton commented on her team's findings, "This latest survey shows that we need to rally around our nonprofit organizations Also follow Beth on Twitter at and do what we can to support them. I hope that Ohioans will take www.twitter.com/BethTsvetkoff, or advantage of the new CARES Act legislation that allows us to take an above at www.ohioymcas.org. the line deduction for charitable contributions in 2020."

Recommendations enumerated in the report about how to support nonprofits included asking individuals to use new tax write-offs for charitable donations enacted in the federal CARES Act coronavirus stimulus package. The authors also advocated for government officials to provide funding opportunities for nonprofits and for consultants and nonprofit experts to offer pro bono services.

Reported by Hannah News Service

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“I am so honored to have been re-elected by my SYKES RE-ELECTED colleagues to continue leading the Ohio House,” Cupp said in a news release. “I will work every day with our MINORITY LEADER unified caucus to advance conservative policies to benefit all Ohioans. We have great challenges, but I House Democrats announced the re-election of Rep. know the talented members of our caucus will work (D-Akron) as minority leader for the rd together to solve them.” 134th General Assembly on Monday, November 23 . The caucus also announced that Rep. Tim Ginter (R- Also re-elected were Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Salem) will serve as speaker pro tempore; Rep. Bill Boggs (D-Columbus), Minority Whip Paula Hicks- Seitz (R-Cincinnati) will serve as majority floor leader; Hudson (D-Toledo) and Assistant Minority Whip Richard Rep. (R-Westerville) will serve as Brown (D-Canal Winchester). Newly elected to the assistant majority floor leader; Rep. Don Jones (R- team as caucus chair is Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon). Freeport) will serve as majority whip; and Rep. (R-Harrison) will serve as assistant majority “I’m humbled to have again earned the support of this whip. caucus and look forward to working with this leadership team, members, staff and our Republican colleagues to Seitz has been serving as House majority floor leader meet the incredible challenges facing our state, from a throughout the 133rd General Assembly. All of the other worsening pandemic and economic uncertainty to members of the House GOP leadership team for the systemic racism and an economy rigged against 134th General Assembly, besides Cupp, are newly- hardworking Ohioans,” said Sykes in a statement. “The elected leaders. work we do these next two years will be critical to restoring Ohio’s promise of opportunity for this and The leadership election took place at a caucus meeting future generations.” of returning members and members-elect Wednesday morning. “I thank my colleagues for their continued support and look forward to building on our work to improve the With Cupp’s re-election, both chambers of the General lives of our constituents,” said Boggs. “That work Assembly will be led by legislators from Lima. Last begins with a real plan to control the virus, get Ohioans week, the Senate GOP unanimously chose Sen. Matt back to work safely, and build our economy back better Huffman (R-Lima) to serve as president of the Senate. than before—with better wages, better benefits and more opportunity for all Ohioans to get ahead.” Lima, with a population of roughly 37,000, is the seat of Allen County in Northwestern Ohio. The city is situated “The challenges facing Ohio are many, but our focus on the Ottawa River, and is about 90 miles from remains the same: working hard for you, the Columbus. taxpayers, to renew Ohio’s promise of better lives, better jobs, and brighter futures with a plan to control Terms for the 134th General Assembly begin Friday, this virus, get our people back to work, tackle systemic Jan. 1. Opening day for the new General Assembly will racism and get our economy back on the right track. be Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. This team, this caucus—they’re the right people to get it done,” said Hicks-Hudson. Reported by Hannah News Service

“I am humbled by the support of my colleagues and am eager to continue our work as a caucus to support an agenda that renews the promise of opportunity for all HUFFMAN TO BE SENATE of us, not just some of us,” said Brown. “Together, we can improve the lives of our constituents and forge a PRESIDENT new path forward, one that cuts workers in on the deal and rewards work—not wealth.” The Senate Republican Caucus unanimously elected Sen. (R-Lima) as the chamber’s president “It’s an honor to continue my work advocating for for the 134th General Assembly (GA). working people and families as part of this leadership team, a team committed to coming together to deliver Sen. (R-Newark) will serve as president results for the taxpayers of our great state,” said pro tempore; Sen. (R-Canton) will serve Robinson. “Our priorities are your priorities—improving as majority floor leader; and Sen. Rob McColley (R- our children’s education, providing for the health and Napoleon) will serve as majority whip, according to a well-being of our neighbors, and making sure Ohio news release from the caucus. workers and businesses have the tools they need to compete. We can renew Ohio’s promise of better lives Huffman was just elected to his second term after and brighter futures, and we’ll get there together.” joining the Senate in 2017, and has served in leadership as majority floor leader since 2019. Prior to being Reported by Hannah News Service elected to the Senate, he served four terms in the House, culminating in his election as speaker pro tempore.

CUPP RE-ELECTED “I appreciate the confidence my colleagues have placed in me,” Huffman said. “I have great respect for the SPEAKER diverse perspectives, experiences and knowledge every senator brings to the Statehouse and the heart with which they serve the Ohioans they represent. Our House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) was unanimously caucus is committed to helping our state recover from a re-elected to serve as speaker for the 134th General turbulent year and to pursuing pathways to growth and Assembly (GA), the House Republican Caucus th success for all of Ohio’s families and communities. I look announced Wednesday, November 18 . forward to the work ahead.” Continues on the next page 2 Continued from page 2

All leadership members will formally be elected by their twice—including this November—as President-elect Joe colleagues and sworn in during the opening session of Biden's campaign sought a path to 270 electoral votes the Senate on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. that didn't include Ohio. Brown was re-elected in 2018, but that same year Democrats were swept in the non- “I congratulate Sens. Huffman, Hottinger, Schuring and judicial statewide races, including for governor. The McColley on their election as the Senate leadership team party also saw weakening in Eastern and Northeastern for the 134th General Assembly,” said current Senate Ohio, including in the Mahoning Valley, which had been President Larry Obhof (R-Medina), who will complete his reliably blue but went for Trump in this election and final term in the Senate this year. “I’m confident that flipped a number of legislative seats to red. President-elect Huffman will continue the Senate’s legacy of fiscally-responsible, pro-growth policies that provide "Whatever criticism there may be of our efforts since hope and opportunity for all Ohioans. The challenges 2014, chalk those flaws up to me, because the incredible ahead are significant, but Matt and the other members of team at ODP always went above and beyond the call to the majority caucus are proven leaders who will bring serve our mission and lift our candidates," Pepper wrote people together and achieve results.” in his letter to the executive committee. "We all owe them a debt of gratitude, and their talents will take them Hottinger joined the Senate in 2015 and has served in all very far." leadership as majority whip since 2019. Previously, Hottinger served four terms in the Ohio House. He said that while it is up to the executive committee to determine who will replace him, he proposed having “It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve declared candidates for chairman speak with the as the president pro tempore on the ’s executive committee at the Tuesday, Dec. 15, executive leadership team,” Hottinger said. “I am committed to committee meeting. He also proposed a special meeting utilizing my years of legislative experience to help lead later in December to have a final vote on a new the Senate and improve the lives of all Ohioans, while chairman "so that individual can get to work a soon as continuing to serve my constituents in the 31st Senate the new year begins." District.” Pepper said the party has a full plate in 2021 and in Schuring joined the Senate in 2018. He currently serves 2022 "fighting for local wins, for fair districts, and to as chair of the Senate General Government and Agency make statewide gains, (including more Supreme Court Review Committee. He previously served in the House, gains) in 2022." where he was elected speaker pro tempore for the 132nd General Assembly. Schuring’s office did not provide a In addition to the five constitutional statewide offices on statement on his new position, and Schuring did not the ballot for 2022, Ohio Supreme Court Justices Pat immediately respond to a request for comment for this DeWine and Patrick Fischer will be up for re-election, story. and there will be an open seat for chief justice as Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor will not be able to run for re- McColley joined the Senate in 2017, and currently chairs election due to age limits. the Senate Transportation, Commerce and Workforce Committee. McColley previously served in the House, "I look forward to the ideas, energy, and perspectives a where he held the assistant majority whip leadership new leader can bring to the fore, building on important position. foundations we have laid while taking needed new directions as well," he said. “I am honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as the Majority Whip,” McColley said. “I look forward to House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) thanked working with my colleagues in the Ohio Senate to Pepper on Twitter "for staying in the fight." She said continue to advance a conservative agenda for the state Pepper has led the party "through some pretty tough of Ohio.” years in an often thankless role." Pepper in response praised Sykes, saying "I have been honored to serve in

Reported by Hannah News Service this role, and particularly in working alongside and in support of great leaders like yourself, who've inspired me every step of the way."

PEPPER TO RESIGN AS Reported by Hannah News Service

DEMOCRATIC OHIO REDISTRICTING IN PARTY CHAIRMAN 2021 Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper, who has helmed the state party since 2015, sent a letter to Democrat Shannon Freshour’s campaign against U.S. members of the state party's executive committee Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, began with a viral Monday announcing his intention to step down by the announcement and she stayed in the spotlight for the end of the year. year to follow.

Pepper's three-page letter touted his accomplishments Republican Christina Hagan, running against U.S. Rep. over the five years, including the re-election of U.S. Sen. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, got an endorsement tweet from Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and winning three seats on the Donald Trump. The president even shared Hagan’s Ohio Supreme Court. But he also noted the areas where campaign donation page to his millions of followers. the party came up short in that time. And two other congressional challengers in Ohio, While Pepper did see some success in judicial races, Democrats Kate Schroder and Desiree Tims, actually during his tenure Ohio went for President Donald Trump outraised their respective incumbent opponents, U.S. Continues on the next page 3 Continued from page 3

Reps. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, and Michael Turner, R-Dayton.

In the end, all of Ohio’s 16 congressional races resulted in the incumbent winning another two-year term.

The 2020 election marked one last victory for a gerrymandered Ohio congressional map that has bedeviled challengers of both political parties. Incumbents typically hold advantages in name recognition and campaign fundraising, but a decade of mostly lopsided victories shows a broader factor at play: an unfair map featuring deeply entrenched legislative districts.

The map retires after five election cycles without a single district ever flipping from one party to the other. It debuted in 2012, with the 16 seats then up for reelection in 2014, ‘16, ‘18 and ‘20. The map never once changed. Incumbents never once lost. In the few cases when a lawmaker retired or left the seat, the controlling party always maintained control.

The map will be redrawn following the 2020 U.S. Census results. It is expected that Ohio will lose a district, as other states have grown in population at a much larger rate over the past decade.

Much attention will be paid to the redistricting process. This effort will come after a federal court ruled in 2019 the now-retired map was drawn “to disadvantage Democratic voters and entrench Republican representatives in power,” WOSU reported.

The 2020 election results are still unofficial, with additional absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted. The margins, however, are large enough that the results are not in doubt. In the four election cycles from 2012 to 2018, Republicans averaged 55% of the total Ohio vote compared to 44% for Democrats.

Each year has resulted in Republicans holding 75% of the seats, or 12 of the 16 available seats. The unofficial 2020 tally is in line with those earlier years: Republicans have earned 56% of the vote to Democrats’ 43%, with many more votes still to be counted.

By virtue of how the map is drawn, Ohio’s population centers that tilt toward Democrats are nevertheless represented by Republican lawmakers. Take Franklin County. The unofficial results show the county, anchored by the state capital of Columbus, went for Joe Biden over Trump, 65% to 34%.

Combined, 62% of voters in Franklin County voted for Democratic congressional candidates and 38% of votes went to Republicans. (Additional absentee and provisional ballots will likely widen this gap even further.) The county is split into three separate congressional districts and is included with many other surrounding rural communities, which are more Republican-leaning. In sum, around two-thirds of Franklin County voters went Democratic. But two of its three congressional seats are held by Republicans.

The same dynamic is true in Hamilton County, home of Cincinnati. The county went 57% to 41% in favor of Biden. It is split into two congressional districts, with the combined vote going 54% for the two Democratic candidates and 46% for the Republicans. Despite that, Hamilton County will be represented in the next term by two Republicans.

The redistricting effort begins in 2021. The state legislature will consider a draft of the new map and must have 60% approval—including half of the minority party. There are additional steps taken if the legislature cannot agree on the map. A smaller commission of elected officials would then try again, with a bipartisan agreement again required.

The new congressional map goes into effect for the 2022 election cycle and will be in place for the decade to follow.

Reported by Ohio Capital Journal

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