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RELEASE: AFP Applauds OH on RPS Freeze Recommendation

COLUMBUS -- The Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity is applauding state officials for announcing today that they recommend extending the freeze of its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) indefinitely. The organization has consistently opposed these mandates at the state level that require utilities to buy certain amounts of their electricity from economically unviable electricity sources that are unaffordable and unreliable. The result for Ohio and other states has been higher electricity prices, which squeeze family budgets and kill jobs. 

AFP-Ohio State Director Baylor Myers released the following statement: 

"We're thrilled that Ohio is continuing to lead the way in rethinking these harmful energy mandates, and that state officials have recognized the relief this freeze is bringing to the families and businesses living in our state. This is an important step toward restoring free markets in the energy sector, and I hope Ohio's actions inspire other states to push back against misguided attempts to pick winners and losers among energy sources." 

In 2014, Governor John Kasich signed the freeze of the 2008 RPS mandate into law, giving officials a two-year window to study its effect on utility prices. Yesterday, Kasich backtracked and said that extending the freeze is ‘unacceptable,’ despite his administration characterizing the original freeze as “firmly in the sensible center.” 

A spokesperson for Americans for Prosperity said the group will continue to advocate for a free market in the energy sector, allowing for affordable, abundant energy solutions in Ohio and across the country.

Friday Night at RightOnline #RO12

Big day so far! When I checked in at CVG, the agent at the desk informed my that I could get to Vegas a whole hour earlier if I abandoned the original itinerary and went to Detroitistan instead of Salt Lake City. BONUS: I was upgraded to first class for the DET - LAS leg of my journey which was VERY NICE.

The original plan to meet up with some folks at the airport in Vegas failed to happen, so I managed to catch a shuttle over to the Venetian to check in and relax a little bit before heading over to the big show.

RightOnline opened with a social media bootcamp which was basically an introduction to a number of platforms, most of which I personally am a power user (like Facebook) or have zero interest (like Pinterest). I had to leave that one a little early in order to get to the next session.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) invited a few bloggers to participate in a briefing on the 2012 cycle. I learned a lot in this one. Most important topic was a discussion of the Wisconsin recall that I really want to discuss further with some folks to compare WI with Ohio.

The first reception in honor of Andrew Breitbart was next and now Sarah Palin is speaking at the welcome ceremony.

I am looking forward to the breakout sessions tomorrow. Also on the agenda is a Q&A with Jonah Goldberg which will be tons of fun I am sure.

Okay...back to Sarah Palin now...more tomorrow!

AFP-Ohio Urges Ohio's General Assembly to Pass Senate Bill 216

Release:

COLUMBUS- Americans for Prosperity-Ohio urges Ohio's General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 216, which was introduced this week by Senator Kris Jordan. Senate Bill 216 will repeal the onerous mandates placed on Ohio's energy industry in 2008 by Senate Bill 221.

Considering the vast amount of energy resources in Ohio, these mandates over regulate Ohio's energy industry and unnecessarily increase energy prices and cause job losses in Ohio's communities.

AFP-Ohio will work to support Senate Bill 216 and end Senate Bill 221's intrusion of government into Ohio's free market.

"At a time when Ohioans are struggling to provide for their families, the last thing we need is legislation like Senate Bill 221 that artificially raises Ohioans' energy bills and drives business and jobs out of Ohio," said AFP-Ohio State Director Rebecca Heimlich.

AFP-Ohio Announces Taxpayer Town Halls

Release:

COLUMBUS- Americans for Prosperity-Ohio kicks off a statewide series of Taxpayer Town Halls on August 16th in the Greater Cincinnati Area.  AFP-Ohio is partnering with Tea Parties, 9-12 Groups, and other liberty organizations to host these town halls, which will focus on the financial crises many local governments across Ohio are facing, how those crises could affect citizens, jobs and our economy, what local governments can do to address their financial challenges, and how Senate Bill 5 can help.

"Now that Ohio has passed a budget that addresses Ohio’s financial crisis without raising taxes, we need to turn our focus to the financial struggles many of our local governments are facing," said AFP-Ohio State Director Rebecca Heimlich.  "Ohio cannot continue on a path to jobs and prosperity if local governments increase taxes or are forced to layoff employees.  Local governments need to use tools that will allow them to balance their budgets by more efficiently, effectively, and transparently managing taxpayer dollars."

Below is a list of Taxpayer Town Halls AFP-Ohio encourages citizens to attend so they can learn more and find out what they can do to help.  Over the next few weeks, AFP-Ohio will announce more Taxpayer Town Halls across the state.

Greater Cincinnati Area - East

When:  Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 7:00pm

Where:  Connections Church, 7421 East Galbraith Road,  Madeira, OH 45243*

Partner:  Eastern Hills Community Tea Party

Geauga County

When:  Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:00pm

Where:  Orchard Hills Event Center, 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, OH 44026

Partner:  Chesterland Tea Party

Tiffin

When:  Thursday, September 1, 2011, 6:30pm

Where:  Camden Falls Conference Center, 2460 S. S.R. 231, Tiffin, OH  44883

Partner:  North Central Ohio Conservatives

Troy

When:  Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 7:00pm

Where:  Crystal Room next to Club 55, 845 West Market Street, Troy, OH 45373

Partner:  Miami County Liberty

Greater Cincinnati Area - West

When:  Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:00pm (you can join your fellow patriots and purchase dinner at the Farm at 6:00pm)

Where:  The Farm, 239 Anderson Ferry Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238

Partners:  Southwest Cincinnati Tea Party, Northwest Hamilton County Tea Party

Norwalk

When:  Monday, September 26, 2011, 7:00pm

Where:  Norwalk High School, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, OH 44857

Partner:  If You Believe