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August 19, 2022
OML UPDATE AT A GLANCE
BUCKEYE INSTITUTE CASE ON MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX RECEIVES FRIEND-OF-COURT BRIEFS
Amicus briefs were recently filed with the Ohio Supreme Court in the case of Schaad v. Alder, which challenges the emergency authority granted by the Legislature related to the commuter income tax for people who worked from home during the pandemic in 2020. The briefs were from the Ohio Society of CPAs, National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, City of Lebanon, and others. It is expected the case will be heard early next year.
GOVERNOR INCREASES FUNDING FOR VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION GRANTS
Gov. Mike DeWine said his administration will provide $42 million more toward the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. The governor initially earmarked $50 million for the American Rescue Plan Act-funded program. The additional infusion of cash combined with the $8 million budgeted by members of the General Assembly will bring the program total to $100 million.
LEGISLATION RELATED TO GUNS AND MENTAL HEALTH INTRODUCED
Yesterday, Sen. Matt Dolan introduced Senate Bill 357, which would give judges the authority to temporarily take firearms from certain people in court-ordered treatment for mental health, create optional "seller protection certificates" for private gun sales, and require background checks for most gun sales to those younger than 21. The legislation also appropriate $175 million in federal COVID money for mental health counselors and regional crisis centers. Bill Text
FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS $650 TO LAKE & TRUMBULL COUNTIES FROM PHARMACY CHAINS
A federal judge ordered CVS, Walmart and Walgreens to pay Lake and Trumbull counties a combined $650 million to help abate the damage the pharmacy chains caused by improperly dispensing opioids in those communities. The case has been watched to provide an indication of how similar cases might proceed in the future, and the companies plan to appeal.
LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR WEBINAR ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Join OML for a webinar 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Aug. 22 titled, "Why the Popularity of Electric Vehicles is Surging and What Ohio Municipalities Should Do About It." We will discuss why EVs are surging in popularity, the benefits of EVs, and what elected officials in cities and villages should be thinking about in preparation for EV adoption. Register
BRIEFING ON INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TAKING PLACE NEXT WEEK
Now that the federal Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law, join the National League of Cities at 12 p.m. Aug. 23 for an overview of the legislation and the implications for cities. Register
BOOTCAMP TRAININGS TO HELP SMALL & MID-SIZED CITIES DEVELOPMENT COMPETITIVE INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATIONS
This fall, the Local Infrastructure Hub and the National League of Cities are hosting a series of bootcamps to help small and mid-sized cities with populations up to 150,000 develop competitive funding applications for federal infrastructure grants. Registration runs through August 31. Register
APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY AND MAPPING GRANT
The H2Ohio initiative is investing an additional $1.5 million to help local communities identify, inventory, and map lead service lines across the state. Public water systems that do not have the financial means to properly assess where their lead service lines are located are eligible to receive up to $50,000. The Ohio EPA is accepting applications through Sept. 9, 2022. More Info
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