President Obama Delivers State of the Union Speech Focused on Jobs, Health Care, and Working Together for a Better Future
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union speech to the American people. President Obama reminded so many of us why we joined his unprecedented call for change two years ago. President Obama set priorities to create millions of new jobs, reform our broken healthcare system, and hold accountable the parties that crashed our economy in the first place.

On the issues that matter most to working people, President Obama said the following:

• Congress should not walk away from health care reform, that the proposal before them will give more people coverage, control spiraling costs and reduce the deficit. Congress needs to finish the job.
• He touted the fact that because of the quick action on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Stimulus bill), there are about two million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed.
• But that additional action is needed and he called on Congress to pass a new jobs bill into law without delay: "People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help."
• On putting leadership above politics he reminded his fellow Democrats of their sizable majority and the expectation people have for them to solve problems and told Republicans that they have a responsibility to help govern, not just oppose every proposal. Both parties need to stop treating every day like it is Election Day.
• And on moving forward: "A new decade stretches before us.  We don't quit.  I don't quit.  Let's seize this moment - to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more."

Governor Strickland Outlines Plans to Make Ohio "America's Energy Gateway" to Help Bring New Jobs in his State of the State Speech
In the final State of the State speech of his first term, Governor Strickland reflected on the actions he had supported in his first three years to address the "worst economic collapse in generations." He also outlined his plans to move Ohio towards a future as a center for advanced energy generation and new "green" jobs.

Governor Strickland recounted the various steps he had taken together with the legislature to help encourage job creation while at the same time make tough decisions to keep a balanced budget. He touted expanding the homestead tax exemption for seniors, keeping college tuition rates in check, investing in infrastructure though road and school construction and his support of the Third Frontier fund for high tech job creation. He highlighted the evidence-based model for education reform he supported and announced Ohio has improved in national education rankings. 

Going forward he proposed a number of initiatives to position Ohio as a leader in future energy generation and make the state more attractive generally for businesses to create jobs.

He called on the legislature to pass foreclosure protection legislation so working families can hold on to their homes. He described initiatives to invest in Ohio's cities and encourage minority and women-led business investment. He proudly observed that half his cabinet directors are women. He praised Ohio's agricultural sector and described strategies to bring an advanced bio-refinery to Ohio, putting Ohio's famers ahead of oil barons. In the end, he said he believes in Ohio "because there isn't a single thing wrong with Ohio that can't be fixed by what's right with Ohio."

Proposed Public Pension System Changes Continue to be Hot Topic
SEIU has held preliminary briefings and conference calls to share what we know with our public sector members regarding proposed changes to the public pension systems. Responding to the serious investment market downturn the legislature is considering proposals to reduce some pension benefits and change eligibility requirements to try and keep the funds stable over the long term. No legislation has been introduced at this time, but the five pension systems have all presented their suggested changes to the Ohio Retirement Study Council led by Rep. Todd Book.

SEIU have been communicating with the pension systems, working with legislative leaders and meeting with other public employee unions to develop strategies to respond to the proposals. The defined benefit public pension plans have been a source of strength during this tough economic time and retirees knowing they can count on that income have helped soften the blow. Remember, it is also important to recognize there are political factions in the legislature that want to dismantle the defined benefit plans rather than stabilize them leaving the public pensions to the same fate faced by private-sector pensions. So SEIU remains vigilant and ready to respond when the legislature starts to move forward.

Ohio Legislature Takes Steps Toward Putting Two Statewide Issues on May Ballot
Much of the energy spent this week in the Ohio legislature has focused on two proposed ballot issues. The first would be to approve additional bond money in support of Ohio's Third Frontier program that is used to invest in high-tech jobs. The House passed a version for $950 million while the Senate version would only have $500 million for Third Frontier and $100 million of statewide public works. A compromise will have to be worked out by February 3rd to have the issue put on the May ballot.

The second ballot issue would change the amendment that was just approved at the last election allowing casinos to be built at four locations around Ohio. The location identified for Columbus has been resisted by local government officials and business interests. The amendment would change the Columbus casino location to another property that has been agreed to by the local interests. The amendment has been approved by the legislature and will be on the May ballot statewide. SEIU has not taken a position on either ballot issue.

Prepared by SEIU District 1199 Public Affairs Division Staff
REMEMBER: POLITICAL ACTION TAKEN ON THESE ISSUES MADE POSSIBLE BY MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS TO COPE/PAC