This is our second "news recap," where we pick a few articles you might have missed from state and national news and share them with you.
November 25th - December 1st
Ohio News Recap
Ohio Cannabis: Senator Vance Opposes SAFE Banking Letter
Ohio is poised to have one of the largest adult-use cannabis markets, with dispensaries expected to see a significant influx of cash in late 2024. However, Ohio's junior U.S. Senator, JD Vance, opposes the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFE R) Banking Act, citing public safety-related concerns and potential facilitation of money laundering. The SAFE R Banking Act aims to provide protections for financial institutions serving state-sanctioned cannabis businesses. Despite Vance's opposition, the bill, supported by Ohio's senior Senator, Sherrod Brown, and having bipartisan backing, addresses money laundering issues in its revised version. [Source: Cannabis Business Times]
Documents of Ohio Gov. DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Subpoenaed in Bribery Scheme Lawsuit
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, both Republicans, have been subpoenaed in a FirstEnergy Corp. investors lawsuit connected to a $60 million bribery scheme involving the Akron-based energy giant and a now-incarcerated House speaker. The lawsuit seeks communications related to the tainted $1 billion nuclear bailout legislation and other related topics. No one in the DeWine administration has been identified as under investigation in the separate ongoing criminal case.
[Source: WOSU News]
Ohio Supreme Court Dismisses Legal Challenges to Statehouse Maps
The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed legal challenges to the state's new legislative maps, which are criticized for disproportionately favoring Republicans. The court cited the bipartisan approval of the maps by the Ohio Redistricting Commission as a reason for the dismissal. Critics argue the maps do not reflect the state's nearly even partisan split, granting Republicans 70% control in the Senate and 62% in the House. Justice Jennifer Brunner dissented, arguing the process of map adoption doesn't negate the need for constitutional review and expressing concern over the maps moving forward unchecked.
[Source: The Enquirer]
National News Recap
White House Supply Chain & Bidenomics Wins
President Joe Biden addressed the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council, highlighting efforts to lower costs for U.S. families and tackle issues like "junk fees." He attributed inflation partly to supply chain disruptions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The council is part of Biden's approach to improve supply chains and has announced 30 actions, including using the Defense Production Act for crucial medicines and improving supply chain monitoring. Biden criticized GOP policies as leaving supply chains vulnerable and emphasized investments in infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
[Source: CNBC]
Mitt Romney on 2024 Presidential Race
Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, a prominent Republican and vocal critic of former President Trump, stated that any Democratic candidate would be an "upgrade" over Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Romney has been consistent in his criticism of Trump, having voted to impeach him twice and continuously highlighting him as a danger to the country. This statement from Romney reflects a significant divide within the Republican Party and underscores the ongoing contention over Trump's influence and role in the party's future. [Source: The Hill]
Expulsion of Representative George Santos
On December 1, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to expel Representative George Santos, R-N.Y., making him only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be ousted by his colleagues. This decision followed a critical ethics report on his conduct, which included allegations of converting campaign donations for personal use. The expulsion of Santos marks a significant event in congressional history, reflecting the severity of the ethical violations attributed to him.
[Source: Associated Press]