In Case You Missed It: Updates from Representative Scott Oelslager - Feb. 7, 2020
Over the past few weeks I’ve come across several things in the news that I wanted to share. A lot has been happening in the state of Ohio, including funding for water quality testing, a drop in drug overdose deaths, and record breaking gambling revenues.
14 Counties Divide $30 Million for Water Quality: As the rollout of the H2Ohio water quality program continues, farmers in 14 counties in northwestern Ohio are eligible to a slice of $30 million. Farmers in the eligible counties can apply for funding to support soil testing, variable rate fertilization, subsurface nutrient application, manure incorporation, conservation crop rotation, and more.
Drug Overdose Deaths Decrease in 2018: For the first time since 2009, the rate of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio decreased by 22.7 percent, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Fentanyl remained the drug causing the most overdoses, with cocaine second. Deaths related to natural and semi-synthetic opioids decreased by 42 percent from 2017 to 2018.
State Treasurer Opens Ag-LINK Application Period: The application period for the Agriculture Linked Deposit Program is now open, and will remain open until March 20. Through the application, farm operators and agribusiness owners based in Ohio can receive an interest rate reduction on loans up to $150,000. This program is designed to help Ohio farm operators and other agriculture businesses finance the upfront operating costs for feed, seed, fertilizer, fuel, and other related costs.
OHA Finds Increases in Hospitals’ Net Community Benefit: According to the Ohio Hospital Association, the role of hospitals in community health efforts is increasing. The net community benefit increased 28 percent in Fiscal Year 17. Community benefit activities increased 33 percent and charity care funding increased 5 percent. Community benefit activities include health screenings, free or discounted prescriptions and supplies, immunization clinics, meals and nutrition services, health education, and research.
Gambling Revenues Rise to Record $1.94 Billion in 2019: Gambling revenues at Ohio’s four casinos and seven racinos rose to a record $1.94 billion in 2019 according to the state’s lottery and casino control commissions. The total gambling revenue brought in since the first casino opened in May 2012 now amounts to $11.9 billion.
ODNR is Seeking Input on Forest Action Plan Update: The Department of Natural Resources is seeking public feedback on the long-term update of the state’s forest action plan. The 2020 update will modernize the statewide assessment of the state’s 7.9 million acres of forest. A stakeholder survey can be found on the agency’s website or requested via mail by contacting 614-265-6694 or ForestActionPlan@dnr.state.oh.us. Comments will be accepted until March 1. A regional stakeholder meeting will be held Feb. 12 from 9 am to noon at the Akron ODNR office, located at 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron.
BMV to Inform Drivers of Vehicle Safety Recall Notices: Last month the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles launched a vehicle safety recall notification program using the state’s vehicle registration renewal process. Safety recall information will be printed on registration renewal notices, which are sent through the mail. This will help ensure that all drivers are aware of any potential vehicle safety recalls associated with their registered vehicle. An open recall does not affect the ability of a customer to renew the registration.
Medicaid Launches Unified Drug List: Medicaid debuted a unified preferred drug list at the beginning of the year. The UPDL is meant to better manage and monitor pharmaceutical costs and simplify pharmacy benefits in general. Plans will be formally monitored for compliance with the list starting April 1. The new list should streamline the prior authorization process.
I, along with the Ohio Legislature, will continue to work for the citizens of our state and foster an environment in which our business communities can thrive. As always, I am eager to hear your ideas on how to better serve Stark County. Please do not hesitate to contact me by calling (614) 752-2438, emailing Rep48@OhioHouse.gov, or by writing me at 77 S. High St., 13th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.