August, 2020
POLICY UPDATES
OPAE Litigation Update
       
OPAE is involved in a diverse group of cases currently before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) which will have far reaching impacts on customers. These include utility transition dockets and challenges by the Ohio Consumers' Counsel.
State & Federal Updates: General Assembly and Congress

For our State's General Assembly, the big story in Columbus is HB 6, the nuclear bailout bill that passed last year. $61 million greased the skids for Rep. Larry Householder to become Speaker of the House (he has been removed from that post), ultimately passing the $1.5 billion bailout.

In Congress, we are looking at a series of Continuing Resolutions (CRs) as we move into the new fiscal year on October 1st. Reports indicate there will be a CR that runs into December when Congress will pass a second CR that puts final appropriations decisions on hold until after the new or the old President is sworn in.
WIN LUNCH FOR YOUR AGENCY
Stories, case studies and client letters are great ways to share how our role in Ohio communities positively impacts families.

SO SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES!
Each month, we will reward the agency that submits the most content for sharing with a free office lunch. Winners will be announced in subsequent e-newsletters.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHTABULA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY.
YOUR AGENCY IS THIS MONTH'S $50 LUNCH WINNER WITH THREE CLIENT LETTER.

And thank you to all the other members who provided content.
(click picture to see larger image)
PROGRAM UPDATES
STAY INFORMED OF OHIO UTILITY COVID-19 TRANSITION PLANS
We've published a webpage that provides all the details of Ohio's utility program restarts including disconnection notices, fees and financial aid.
WEATHERIZE OHIO UPDATE
WE REGRET TO INFORM OUR MEMBERS AND PARTNERS THAT WEATHERIZE OHIO HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020 DUE TO ONGOING PANDEMIC. PLEASE SAVE OCTOBER 20 & 21, 2021 FOR WEATHERIZE OHIO 2021 IN COLUMBUS.
Dialogue With Dave
OPAE presents a new interview series called "Dialogue with Dave". Dave Rinebolt, OPAE executive director, sits down with experts from the energy industry and influencers who work with the same populations as member agencies.

Check out our first episode with Kathiann Kowalski, journalist for Energy News Network.
RESOURCES
Ohio researchers show how solar could help turn around Appalachian economy
Energy Efficiency Day: October 7
Weatherization Day: October 30

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
  • A partnership may be in the works between LCCAA Lorain County Community Action Agency and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio to get the youth involved in the workforce. READ MORE >>>

  • OPAE Member Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission was interviewed for this piece on WBUR 90.9 FM: "'You Could Lose Everything In The Blink Of An Eye': Utility Shutoffs Resume For Overdue Bills" LEARN MORE >>>

  • The Pandemic Only Compounded Child Care Woes in Ohio’s Appalachia - COAD READ MORE >>>

  • 110 Central Ohio Human Services Groups Receive Grants - IMPACT Community Action READ MORE >>>