Denise Driehaus's blog

My February town hall meeting will be held Thursday, February 18th at 7:00pm at the Dunham Recreation Complex (in the Allen House Building).  All are welcome to attend!

I am pleased to be a member of the organizing committee for the upcoming "Energy Summit" on Thursday, February 18th at 5:30 at the Elder Schaeper Center.  Merchants organizations from East and West Price Hill, Westwood, Cheviot and Queensgate are sponsoring the summit, along with Price Hill Will and the Green Contractors Coalition.  There will be a panel discussion regarding energy credits and incentives available to small business owners to retrofit their businesses and become more energy efficient.  Panel participants include the Ohio Dept.

Unfortunately, I had to cancel my monthly office hours at the Front Porch Coffeehouse this morning due to the snow.  The coffeehouse was not open for business.  I regret any inconvenience this might have caused.  My next session will be March 13th from 9::00 - 10:30 at the Front Porch...  weather permitting.  Come by for a great cup of coffee, on me!

The first hearing regarding House Bill 3 (Foreclosure Prevention Legislation) in the Senate took place last Tuesday afternoon in the Finance Committee.  Representative Foley and I provided sponsor testimony and answered questions from the committee. 
 
Unfortunately, this important bill has languished in the Senate for many months.  I hope that the Senate is now sincere in moving this bill forward as it is an important step in keeping people in their homes and protecting our neighborhoods. 

There are 40,000 people in Ohio living with limb loss.  Many of these people live with the serious financial strain and debt that is caused by underinsurance of prosetics.  Current insurance plans are having a devastating effect on amputees and their families because they classify prosthetic limbs as Durable Medical Equipment.  Durable Medical Equipment more accurately means equipment like canes, crutches, walkers, and bandages

I enjoyed the opportunity to go before the Criminal Justice Committee, Chaired by Representative Tyrone Yates, to give sponsor testimony on House Bill 265.  Basically, the bill says that if an assault, an aggravated assault or a felonious assault is committed against a Citizen on Patrol who is on duty and clearly identified, the penalty for the assault will be increased to reflect the same penalty against a Peace Officer (or a police officer).  The Citizens on Patrol put their safety on the line every time they go out on a patrol and are deserving of this added layer of protection

It was my pleasure to serve as the guest speaker at the Catholic Charities Senior Corp lunch last week.  The room was filled with seniors who consistantly give of their time and talent to the benefit of those in need.  It was inspiring to be in the room with these volunteers.  I am attaching my speech, which provides information about what the Senior Corp does and the impacts to the state.
 

The legislature is back in session and those of us who worked to pass House Bill 3, the Foreclosure Prevention Legislation, are anxious to have the Senate take up the legislation.  The bill was referred to the Finance Committee before recess and left to lanquish during the budget process.  It is important that this legislation get prompt hearings, as there are still many foreclosures being filed and much work to do to keep people in their homes.  To summarize, House Bill 3 calls for a six month moratorium on foreclosures during which time the borrower must