There's no shortage of topics this week. Redistricting enters its second phase. Ohio Democrats stand to get some help from the national party. Not-so-bold recommendations from Gov. DeWine’s working group on property taxes.
And of course, the government shutdown—it’s now in week two. There’s no sign of a compromise. Democrats in the Senate are blocking a funding bill, demanding that Republicans agree to reverse looming Medicaid cuts and extend Obamacare health insurance subsidies.
Republicans say they will talk about the subsidies, but only after Democrats vote to re-open the government.
Our panel this week: progressive activist Morgan Harper, Republican strategist Bob Clegg, and reporters Andrew Tobias of Signal Statewide and Jessie Balmert of the USA Today Ohio Bureau.
Snollygoster of the week
Gov. DeWine has long urged lawmakers to regulate—or even ban—unregulated cannabis products, including drinks and items containing Delta-8 and THC. Ohioans can currently buy them legally at gas stations and convenience stores.
How long has DeWine pushed for these regulations? Since 2018, when the federal government allowed their sale—seven years ago.
But this week, he declared a consumer product emergency, saying that kids can buy these products. That declaration means that starting next week, stores cannot sell hemp products for 90 days.
DeWine hopes lawmakers will use those three months to pass a bill regulating the products.