Statehouse and Capitol Hill News
Fortifying the future, Miami goes “Boldly Creative”
Miami University will invest $50 million in a new generation of academic excellence, enhancing its nationally recognized undergraduate teaching, learning and research with a sharpened focus on innovation and creativity. The multiyear initiative will emphasize data, analytics, and programs that span traditional disciplines, creating engaged citizens and workplace leaders who will help expand the Ohio economy.
Miami ranked among 50 top elite public schools
Miami jumped three spots from last year’s ranking to 40th in a list developed from the rankings of 485 four-year public institutions based on affordability, academic excellence, diversity and economic strength.
Butler County will get nearly $24M in tax dollars for capital projects. Here’s what they’ll do.
Governor Kasich has signed his last capital budget as governor. This spending bill designates $23.8 million for projects in several Butler County communities, including Oxford, Hamilton, and Middletown.
Here is the article that includes the impact of the Capital Budget here in Butler County and Miami University.
As merger bill debated, group accuses education depatment of violating the law
The Office of Institutional Relations is closely following HB 512 at the Statehouse. This bill would merge all of the state’s education departments into one large education department and give the governor/executive branch more power to implement and change educaion policy in the state of Ohio.
Here is the article about the accusations of the education department breaking the law.
Additionally, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Career-tech leaders have recently announced their support of the bill.
White nationalist Richard Spencer to drop Ohio State lawsuit
As free speech continues to be debated on college campuses, the attorney for white nationalist Richard Spencer is dropping the lawsuit against the Ohio State University but will continue the suit against the University of Cincinnati.
Here is the entire article.
Here is an explanation from the ACLU about the importance of
the First Amendment and free speech on college campuses.
Congressman John Lewis receives Freedom Summer of ’64 award recognizing lifetime of civil rights work
During the 2018 Government Relations Network Alternative Spring Break Advcacy Conference, Miami University students, staff, alumni, and Western College for Women Alumni presented Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) with the inagural Freedom Summer of ’64 award.
Here is an article and video recapping the presentation.
Office of Institutional Relations Tracked Ohio Legislation
Statehouse and Capitol Hill Meeting Highlights
This month the Office of Institutional Relations conducted almost 200 Statehouse and Capitol Hill meetings. Thus far this year, the Office has conducted over 500 Miami meetings.
The GRN students had another very successful Spring Break. Here are some of the highlights:
President Crawford in the basement of the Capitol talking with students.
Former Miami Trustee, Dennis Lieberman, interacting with students at the Poster Session in Washington, D.C.
State Representative Sarah LaTourette (’06) (R-76) speaking at the Boldly Creative roll out at the Statehouse.
Conference participants meeting with State Representative Tim Schaffer (R-77), Chair of the House Ways and Meand Committee.
Conference participants meeting with Senator Lehner (R-06), Chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Congressman John Lewis (GA-05) accepting the first Freedom Summer of ’64 award surrounded by Miami students, administrators, and Western College for Women alumnae.
Conference participants meeting with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (’69).
Campus Visit Highlights
Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08) visited with the Miami University College Republicans on March 28th.
State Representative Candice Keller (R-53) was also in attendance at that meeting.