Guest column: tips for holiday bills

By Jamie Crawford

COLUMBUS — As Ohioans await credit card bills from the recent holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is sharing tips to help consumers work through any post-holiday financial headaches, whether it’s managing surprisingly large invoices or dealing with potentially stolen credit cards.

The National Retail Federation reported late last year that sales during the 2024 holiday season were expected to reach a new record. At the same time, according to a survey conducted by LendingTree, 36 percent of American consumers were expected to incur holiday debt with an average balance of $1,181, which is up from $1,028 in 2023.

DFI Superintendent Kevin Allard said the combination of spending more and going into debt can lead to an increased risk of carrying balances into the next holiday season, which can cause even greater financial pressure for consumers. 

“Although they’re quite common in January, larger-than-expected bills after the holidays can seem overwhelming and, at times, insurmountable,” Allard said. “It’s important for consumers to take a breath and realize there are steps they can take to address this financial challenge in the short term so their overall long-term financial outlook isn’t negatively impacted.”

To help manage holiday debt, Ohioans may consider taking the following steps if they receive a large bill:

• Negotiate a lower interest rate – Contact your creditors and emphasize your history of on-time payments or cite competitive offers from other companies. A single phone call could result in significant savings.
• Consider participating in a no-spend month – Offset holiday expenses by challenging yourself to limit spending to only necessities like housing, transportation, and groceries for an entire month.
• Create a debt payoff plan – Don’t panic if you are unable to pay off all your holiday spending immediately. Instead, develop a realistic plan that will allow you to pay it off as soon as possible. Just as important, make sure to stick to this plan.

When you receive your credit card bills in the mail, don’t focus on just the amount you owe. Instead, review each expense to ensure there isn’t anything out of the ordinary that may have driven up your bill up any higher than it should be.

According to Experian, credit card fraud remains a significant issue, with over 214,000 cases reported in the first half of 2024. If you believe your credit or debit card might have been compromised during the holiday season, DFI recommends taking the following steps:

• Cancel your card – Contact your card issuer or bank immediately to cancel the card and request a replacement. For debit cards, make sure to also update your PIN.
• Monitor your accounts – Regularly check statements and online activity for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any disputes or suspicious charges, report them immediately.
• Change passwords – Update your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised, and also be sure to update your login credentials. Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized new accounts from being created.
• Report the issue – Report stolen information to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov for additional support. 

 “We want Ohioans to feel empowered to take control of their financial future,” Allard said. “Whether it’s addressing holiday debt or protecting against fraud, taking a combination of both appropriate reactive and proactive steps can help you achieve greater financial stability.”

For more information and resources on financial health, fraud prevention, and credit improvement, visit DFI’s website.

Guest column: holiday shopping

By Jarrod Clay

COLUMBUS — With 2024 consumer spending expected to reach a new record this holiday season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) has unveiled a free Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide to help Ohioans successfully navigate the upcoming season with fiscal responsibility in mind.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending during the upcoming winter holiday is expected to reach $902 per person on average, which takes into account items such as gifts, food, and decorations. That’s a $25 increase from last year.

This comprehensive Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide offers a range of financial tips and practical advice related to preparing for and managing holiday expenses. In addition, the guide includes tips for parents on how they can use this time to educate children on smart financial and budgeting lessons.

“The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful on your finances,” said DFI Deputy Superintendent Rob Rutkowski. “By establishing smart and realistic budgeting strategies and goals, and sticking to them, Ohioans can help ensure they enjoy a memorable holiday season, while avoiding unpleasant financial surprises once the festivities are over.” 

The guide offers Ohioans a range of tips, including creating a holiday budget that transforms unexpected expenses into anticipated costs, starting to save early on, and planning any purchases well in advance. These holistic approaches, as well as others outlined in the guide, will help individuals better prevent or anticipate any holiday credit card bill shock come January. For example, thoughtful preparation ahead of time can allow individuals to take advantage of potential sales while avoiding any last-minute shopping trip splurges.  

Key strategies highlighted in the Holiday Gift Budgeting Guide include:

• Start Saving Early: Set aside funds well in advance of the holiday season to ease the financial burden.
• Set a Realistic Spending Limit: Determine what you can afford to spend on gifts, gatherings, and other holiday-related expenses, and stick to that number.
• Bundle Your Shipping: Save on delivery costs by bundling orders whenever possible.
• Take Advantage of Sales and Offers: Look out for discounts and promotions to help stretch your budget further.
• Create a Gift List: Plan gifts thoughtfully while paying careful attention to cost. This will help to ensure you stay within your budget and avoid impulse purchases.

For parents, the holiday season presents teachable moments for children. By involving children in holiday shopping, encouraging them to research affordable gifts, and engaging them in low-cost family activities, parents can impart lasting financial wisdom. Teaching children the core concept of budgeting through wish lists and gift research fosters an appreciation for financial responsibility starting at an early age. 

With careful planning, strategic budgeting, and disciplined spending, families can enjoy a fun holiday season without the burden of debt or financial stress.

Guest column: unclaimed funds

By Jarrod Clay

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds is currently safeguarding approximately $4 billion in unclaimed funds that is waiting to be claimed. Last year alone, Ohioans were able to put more than $139 million back into their pockets.

Unclaimed funds are lost or forgotten money that businesses and banks report to the Division of Unclaimed Funds after accounts become inactive, typically between 3-5 years. The money can come from inactive checking and savings accounts, refund/credit balances, uncashed cashier’s checks, stocks and bonds, forgotten utility deposits and final paychecks.

While this money can be claimed with just three simple steps, there are some common misconceptions when it comes to claiming Unclaimed Funds. The Division hopes to dispel these myths to encourage more Ohioans to claim what could be substantial funds.

You must pay to file a claim: False – It is 100 percent free to claim your unclaimed funds. While there are finders registered with the State of Ohio who charge fees for helping recover your funds, you can easily claim them for free on your own. In the event you need assistance, experts with the Division are available to walk you through the claims process.

Unclaimed Funds expire over time: False – unclaimed funds never expire, and the Division will continue to safeguard that money until it is claimed by the rightful owner or heir.

You’re careful with your finances so you don’t have unclaimed funds: False – One in seven Americans currently has unclaimed funds in their name. These unclaimed funds can come from a wide range of places, so even those who are on top of their finances could potentially have missing money they are unaware of.

You’ve claimed unclaimed funds in the past, so you don’t need to check again: False – Ohio businesses are required to report Unclaimed Funds on an annual basis, so even though you may have claimed missing money in the past, it’s possible that additional unclaimed funds belonging to you could be reported. That’s why it’s important to search for your missing money on a regular basis.

You should only search for your own unclaimed funds: False – The Division encourages Ohioans to search not only for their unclaimed funds, but the unclaimed funds of friends, family members and loved ones. That way, if you discover they have missing money, you can let them know. It’s also important to search for unclaimed funds that may belong to family members who are deceased so necessary steps can be taken to acquire those funds.

Securing Unclaimed Funds in Three Easy Steps

Ohioans can quickly and easily find and claim their unclaimed funds by taking three easy steps:

• search for money at unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov
• gather the required supporting documents
• send the information to the Division either online or by mail.

If you need any additional help, the Division of Unclaimed Funds has a number of video resources available to watch by clicking here.

Op-Ed: Latta visits southern border

As the Representative for Ohio’s Fifth District in Congress, I have visited and inspected our nation’s southern border four times. I take these opportunities because I believe the federal government has a duty and responsibility to protect and secure our nation’s borders.

That is why I traveled to the small southern border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, this month. What I witnessed and heard from Border Patrol agents while there was alarming and unsustainable.

In the month of December, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported apprehending a record shattering 302,000 illegal migrants crossing the southern border. And over the last year, CBP seized over 23,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl.

The Del Rio sector we visited has 242 miles of border with Mexico. Due to the recent surge of illegal migrants, Border Patrol were only able to patrol a fraction of the sector. Many of these Border Patrol agents are stretched thin and are bogged down in processing paperwork, which keep them from patrolling our southern border. Even Border Patrol agents around the country are being forced to process paperwork online, which has also kept them from performing their duties on our northern border.

We also visited a facility that held illegal migrants and is intended to hold 1,000 people. However, during the recent surge, it held 6,000 people. How can the Border Patrol handle these numbers?

CBP also reported to us that Mexican cartels are raking in $32 million a week. These cartels are simply exploiting migrants. And as illegal migrants traverse their way to our southern border, cartels are committing murder, trafficking children, and raping women.

There are many who claim only southern border states and communities should be concerned about what goes on at the border – that is just flat out wrong. This is a nationwide crisis.

Look no further than New York City – of all places – to see the ramifications of misguided southern border policy. New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently cited the migrant crisis as the reason behind recent budget cuts, including freezing the hiring of New York Police Department officers.

Guest column: mental health

Many people underestimate the impact that mental illness can have on an individual or family. It can be difficult to admit that you have a mental health problem in your life. Secondly, it can be just as difficult in getting the people you know to understand your situation without making any kinds of judgments.

As a result, here are six reasons why you should make your mental health an important priority in your life.

• Your situation will improve if you get help: Your anxieties and fears can be challenging to manage and more than likely you will need some help. Just as you talk to your doctor about your regular health, you should not be hesitant in seeking help for your mental health. If left untreated, your anxieties and fears may not go away.
• Drugs and alcohol are not the answer: Drugs and alcohol can make your problems more complicated. Many people have said that drugs and alcohol will only add more problems to your situation. Be smart and learn how to cope with your mental health issues by talking to a qualified professional. There are many health professionals in your area that can give you some ideas on where you can go for assistance.
• You will save time and money: Eventually, you will have to confront your fears and mental health issues. Save yourself the time and heartache and confront your problems now rather than later. You will save months of struggling by getting help right away. The sooner you get assistance the faster you will start getting some relief.
• You are not alone: Everyone deals with fear, stress, and anxiety in one’s life whether your friends and others care to admit it. In addition, do not be embarrassed that you are getting help. We all learn new things from others on a daily basis and learning how to manage your anxieties is no different. In addition, your goal is to get your life back on track and not to get everyone’s approval. If people start asking you questions, just say your dealing with stress. Most people can relate to dealing with stress and anxiety.
• Do not make the mistake of doing nothing: There are many people who struggled with anxiety and other mental health related issues, and they tried to ignore their problems. As a result, some of these people struggled on a daily basis and eventually things became more difficult. It can be scary asking for assistance, but the key is to take things one day at a time.
• You have a variety of options: There are many mental health support groups, organizations, and counselors in your area that can help get your life back on track. Talk to your doctor to get more details on where you can go for some assistance. Help is available but you must be willing to make the choice of getting better. Remember that every problem has a solution. You just have to make the effort to find the answers.

Editor’s note: Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health.

Guest column: beware of scam

Your home is one of the most important financial – and emotional – investments you’ll make. It provides shelter, security, and a sense of stability. Now, thanks to the creativity of fraudsters, it also comes with the risk of a relatively new type of scam called deed or mortgage fraud. Scammers are forging deeds to homes and then taking out home equity loans, putting homeowners at risk.

This scam is on the rise. According to the FBI, deed fraud and mortgage fraud are among the fastest-growing white-collar crimes in the United States. Fraudulent transfers of property can be devastating to homeowners, causing them to lose their homes, their credit ratings, and their peace of mind.

Here’s how it works: a fraudster will scour public records on the internet for your signature, digitally copy it, and forge a fake deed transferring ownership of your home to themselves or an accomplice. Then they take out a home equity loan using your home as collateral. This can potentially leave you on the hook for the loan and fixing the situation can be a legal nightmare. In some cases, homeowners may not even be aware the scam has occurred until they receive a notice of default or foreclosure from their lender.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard your property:

1. Keep a close eye on your home’s title and deed. You can obtain a copy of your deed from your local county recorder’s office.
2. Be wary of unsolicited offers to purchase or refinance your home, especially high-pressure ones.
3. Protect your personal information. Shred all documents that contain sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details. Don’t share this information with anyone unless you are certain that they are trustworthy.

You might wonder if the title insurance you paid for at closing protects you. The short answer is probably not. Title insurance typically only protects against title problems prior to closing. Most deed fraud occurs later. However, some title insurers are now offering supplemental insurance to help with deed fraud, but coverage and offerings are spotty. The best course of action is to call your title carrier and get legal advice.

Finally, if you do receive a notice of default or foreclosure, act quickly. Time is of the essence and a swift response can make all the difference in protecting your home and your financial future.

If you believe that you have been a victim of this or any other scam, it’s important to report it immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency and the FTC to file a complaint. Remember, by being vigilant and proactive, you can help protect yourself and your home from this and other types of scams.

Lane Montz
President and CEO
Toledo Better Business Bureau

Guest column: Senate Bill 288

Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, which prohibits the use of electronic wireless communication devices (EWCDs) while operating a vehicle. I applaud Gov. DeWine and the Ohio Legislature for taking a necessary stand against a deadly issue for our state: distracted driving.

The new law goes into effect in April. Currently, Ohio is one of only four U.S. states that does not consider use of an EWCD while driving to be a primary offense for adults. That means adults can not be pulled over for using devices but could be cited if pulled over for a different reason. However, it has been a primary offense for teenagers under the age of 18 since 2012.

With this existing stipulation for teenage drivers, we are admitting that distracted driving is a problem. We were just pretending that this temptation disappears with adulthood— despite evidence showing otherwise.

Traffic fatalities in Ohio have been on the rise for years. In fact, 1,068 were recorded in 2018. After steady increases of nearly 10 percent in each successive year, they reached 1,351 in 2021. We cannot deny the use of EWCDs has contributed: 11,910 crashes in 2021 were attributed to distracted driving, up 8.2 percent from 11,006 in 2020.

Public Opinion Strategies recently conducted a poll of 1,000 licensed drivers in Ohio. Their top concern on the roadways, regardless of age, political ideology or region, was distracted driving. More than 50 percent of respondents said they see another driver using handheld phones either “nearly every time they go out” or “most times they go out.” With this, 61 percent of interviewed drivers believed a ban on EWCD use while driving would decrease accidents in Ohio.

Many of our state’s roadway crashes and fatalities are preventable. You are always taking a risk when you get behind the wheel; Operating a two-ton motorized vehicle may be an everyday occurrence for many, but that does not make it any less dangerous. Still, there are things that can be done at a legislative level to lessen these risks. SB 288 is an important first step in changing our culture of normalizing distracted driving.

This bill will protect the safety of more than just motorists, too: pedestrians and road construction workers face danger daily at the hands of distracted driving. It is crucial that we all work to make our roads safer for everyone. SB 288 will assist with that effort in April, but until then, remember that any text message, phone call, email or cat video can wait until you are safely in park. Your life and the lives of your fellow Ohioans matter most.

Steve Stivers
President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

State Rep. Riedel says farewell

It’s hard to believe that six years have gone by so quickly as I finish these last few weeks as State Representative. It’s been an honor to represent so many wonderful Ohioans at the Statehouse over my three terms. My wife Danette and I have met so many great people along the way who have been so kind and welcoming. We have always felt so humbled having this God-given opportunity. We are incredibly blessed to live in northwest Ohio and it’s been a privilege to serve the people living in Defiance, Paulding, Van Wert and Auglaize Counties during my tenure.

Some of my fondest memories were when Danette and I knocked on doors, meeting people for the first time. We’ll never forget the kindness that nearly everyone displayed. Many times people would quite literally pull us into their homes and offer us coffee or something to eat. Many times, people would want to either pray with us or for us. The parades, festivals and fairs in each county were always a fun way to personally connect with more people throughout the district.

As a lawmaker I’ve always believed in three core principles: limited government, fiscal responsibility, and free market concepts. My proudest day as a legislator was the day we passed the “Heartbeat Bill,” Senate Bill 23 in the spring of 2019. That was a victorious day for the unborn across the State of Ohio and a day I will never forget for the rest of my life. Additionally, passing legislation honoring the legacy of Neil Armstrong was a highlight of my career along with helping pass Senate Bill 9 to reduce burdensome rules and regulations on businesses and our way of life. Another law I had a significant part in helping to pass was Senate Bill 52, giving local control to the people when it comes to wind and solar development. I’m also proud to say that in all three of my General Assemblies we were able to reduce Ohioans’ personal income taxes by 12 percent.

We’re not sure what the future holds for us but we’re confident that God has a plan and will provide and show us the way forward. We hope and pray to have more opportunities in the future to be public servants. It’s something that I feel both blessed to do and enjoy doing. Proverbs 16-9 says that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Danette and I have faith in that and know it is true. We will always believe in America and we know that our country’s greatest days still lay out ahead. Thank you and God bless you all and God bless America. It’s been an honor!

Reidel: Vote yes on Issue 1

My time as a state representative has been rife with legislation geared at providing increased public safety for the people of Ohio. I have voted in favor of over 30 pieces of legislation to help fight crime in this state and it all stems from unyielding respect for law and order.

I grew up in a household where law enforcement was held in the highest esteem and since my childhood, have held a steadfast commitment and respect for the execution of the law. Many of these values have been learned from my father. He was a military man, serving in the U.S. Army from 1958-1964 as a military policeman and touring for one year in Korea. Following his service in the armed forces, he began a career as an Ohio State Highway Patrolman for five years. His service to our country and the great State of Ohio has been fundamental in my role as a lawmaker.

As a state legislator, I have taken these ideals with me to the Statehouse where I have tried to impart these same values in every vote, co-sponsorship or piece of legislation that I have authored.

I have been a part of countless pieces of legislation derived to keep Ohioans safe from criminals. One of the most critical pieces of legislation I have co-sponsored this General Assembly is bail reform through House Joint Resolution 2. Our current system does not require courts to consider the safety of the public when determining bail. This has allowed repeat offenders charged with violent crimes to be given minimal conditions of bail and return to the public. HJR2 will be included on the November 8 ballot as Issue No. 1 for all Ohioans to vote on. It’s important that the citizens of Ohio help implement public safety as a mandatory consideration in the determination of bail and it’s my hope that Ohioans will vote to pass
Issue No. 1.

When discussing crime, the recidivism rates of offenders must also be considered which is why I cosponsored the Reagan Tokes Law, legislation that will expand GPS monitoring of offenders released on probation. Reagan was an Ohio State University student who was murdered by an offender on probation for robbery and attempted rape. This is just one among many examples of why closely monitoring released offenders is a vital step in protecting the public.

While these two pieces of legislation are crucial in keeping those that have either been charged or convicted of serious violent crimes accounted for, I have also voted in favor of legislation that gives law enforcement officers the tools they need to perform their duties and ensure public safety.

I have shown my support for legislation such as the Ohio Law and Order Act, which creates new laws for rioting offenses and allows peace officers to file civil suits against individuals participating in a riot. I voted to expand the offense of Obstruction of Justice, which includes failure to comply with a lawful order from law enforcement. I voted in favor of providing township police jurisdiction on interstates by authorizing them to make arrests for certain traffic offenses and I support legislation that will revise the Failure to Comply law when a motor vehicle is used to commit an offense. Additionally, I voted to increase the penalty for drug offenses in the vicinity of addiction treatment centers for recovering addicts.

Currently, Representative Phil Plummer and I sponsored HB 337. Named the “Hero Award,” it would provide a one-time $1000 bonus award to eligible first responders through the use of ARPA funds. I hope to get this passed by the end of the year to further show my appreciation for the men and women that protect us.

In the 133rd General Assembly, I voted to increase the penalty for theft in the workplace with added restitution through Senate Bill 10. I also supported various legislation to curtail sexual exploitation including the creation of a sexual exploitation database.

In the 132nd General Assembly, I supported Senate Bill 158 to protect the elderly by increasing penalties for fraud. I helped to increase the penalty for sexual imposition if an offender has three or more sexual offenses through House Bill 96. I also furthered my support for first responders and military service members through House Bill 38, which implements a protected class that expands the offense of aggravated murder if an offender knowingly targets them. Through Senate Bill 1, I helped crack down on
drug offenses by increasing the penalty against drug traffickers and dealers when fentanyl is involved.

I have spent my career as a state representative making Ohio a better place to live through public safety legislation and criminal justice reform. It has been paramount that I also help protect the lives of those who serve. As I continue my role as a state legislator, I will continue to fight for our state and country to bring criminals to justice by being tough on crime.

Riedel: must fight for the economy

America is in a recession – a recession caused by overspending from the Biden Administration and the highest inflation rates in 40 years.

Despite what Congressional Democrats and the Biden Administration may be telling you, we are, by definition, in a recession. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters with negative GDP growth. This year GDP growth decreased 1.6 percent in the first quarter and 0.9 percent in the second quarter. President Biden and his team have remained consistent in their denial of a recession no matter what the data says. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said that “even if the [second-quarter GDP growth] is negative, we are not in a recession.”

Avoiding the concern for a recession, Congressional Democrats have created and passed a budget reconciliation bill. This bill raises taxes on America’s middle class, despite President Biden’s campaign promise not to increase taxes for Americans making less than $400,000. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), half of the new tax burden created by this “reconciliation bill” will fall on those making less than $200,000.

This bill will also drastically hurt businesses. The so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” implements a new minimum tax rate of 15 percent on businesses that make more than $1 billion a year. I spent 27 years working in the steel business. I have seen firsthand the impacts new or increased taxes can have on a business. It will be extremely difficult for any business to thrive in this economic environment.

The solution to a recession is not raising taxes. Americans just cannot afford to live like this and businesses will struggle to thrive with the addition of the new tax. Democrats have dug themselves into a hole by increasing spending on energy and healthcare, but failed to pay attention to the dramatic effects this would have on hardworking Americans.

While these misguided decisions continue to happen at the federal level, I owe it to Ohioans to help combat the measures taken by Congress. Throughout my tenure as a state representative, I have been a firm advocate in reducing income taxes for Ohioans. In 2021, I supported HB 110, the operating budget for FY 2022-2023, which reduced income tax rates for Ohioans by three percent. In 2019, I supported House Bill 166, the operating budget for FY 2020-2021, which reduced income tax rates by four percent.

As past co-chair of the Business-First Caucus, I understand the importance of prioritizing economic prosperity moving forward and we must put business first in Ohio. This will trickle down and give Ohioans an opportunity to prosper in spite of the chaos coming out of Washington.

Over the last year, I have worked on a variety of legislation to put business first and keep Ohioans from economic despair. Along with Representative Jim Hoops, I sponsored House Bill 515, which was signed by the Governor in June. This bill allows for Ohio residents to receive a business income deduction, incentivizing Ohioans to stay in Ohio before and after they sell their business. Additionally, Representative Bill Roemer and I introduced House Bill 115 in the 133rd General Assembly, a companion bill to Senate Bill 1, introduced by Senator Rob McColley and Senator Kristina Roegner. It was ultimately passed as Senate Bill 9 in the 134th General Assembly. The bill requires each state agency to reduce the regulatory restrictions contained in its rules by 30 percent by June 30, 2025. Beginning July 1, 2025, this bill also requires that an agency that does not achieve a reduction in regulatory restrictions, according to the required schedule, to eliminate two restrictions before enacting a new rule containing a restriction. These are just some of the steps that I have taken to ensure Ohioans will continue to prosper despite the state of the economy in the country.

It is extremely disappointing that the Biden Administration has led us down this path. We’ve been dealt a tough hand, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that Ohio, especially northwest Ohio, does not suffer because of the negligence of Democrats in Washington. I encourage my colleagues to take a long, hard look at the future of our country and our state. Now is the time to put business first. Now is the time to fight for our economy.

Editor’s note: Craig Riedel is the representative for Ohio’s 82nd district, which includes Van Wert County.

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Writer opposes school vouchers

To the Editor:

I want you to imagine for a moment that you had the power to selectively determine whether your individual tax dollars were used to pay for the maintenance of county or township roads, support the Council on Aging, or provide resources to your local volunteer fire department. In this scenario, you could determine that if you didn’t use particular roads, know anyone who participates in services for our retired community, or truly believe that a house was going to catch on fire in your neighborhood anytime soon, you could ask the government for a personal refund or direct those funds to a project of your own choosing.

I recently listened to a brief presentation from leaders of an aspiring local, religious charter school that made a similar sales pitch to area residents at a youth basketball game.  Their main idea was that taxpayers should be able to selectively redirect their tax dollars, in the form of vouchers, to schools of their choosing. Instead of paying money to support their local public school, they could apply for a voucher that funneled those resources to a private religious school that would be under far less scrutiny than the typical regulations that public schools face.  The message sounded quite convenient and even quite empowering. The problem is that this mechanism is counterproductive to the values, principles, and goals of American democracy in its simplest form.  The argument is designed to sound enticing and make citizens feel better about abandoning their civic duties to their communities.

You can most likely see the fallibility and satire embedded in the examples about individuals choosing to remove their tax dollars from projects that support public roads and infrastructure, vital services for our vulnerable populations, and emergency services for our own families and for our neighbors.  Why do we allow these same types of false assumptions to exist and perpetuate about how we choose to support our local public schools?

We already have the legal tools available to us as citizens to promote change in our local communities. We have the chance to vote to approve or decline levies, we have the choice to seek public office or invest our trust in elected officials to govern in our name, and we have the solemn obligation to protect our local institutions of public trust—namely our local public schools.  If we have concerns about how schools are operated, we should be encouraged to address those issues at local school board meetings or be empowered to seek a position on the elected boards themselves.  This is incredibly important to consider because Ohio was historically a cradle for public education having been carved out of the Northwest Territory and required to reserve actual public lands and resources for the development and sustainability of public education.

For the past three decades, political leaders in Columbus have slowly created a voucher system that has eroded public trust in public education and has drastically reduced resources to sustain public education.  Recent expansions of the EdChoice voucher program have cost the Ohio General Assembly nearly $750 million in 2023-2024, up from $400 million the previous year.  Additionally, the governor’s recent budget proposal includes provisions to allocate more than $1.25 billion on educational vouchers for the 2026-2027 school year, while reducing funding for traditional public schools by over $100 million.  This would lead to approximately 360 school districts (59 percent of all Ohio public school districts) seeing an overall decrease in taxpayer funding from the Ohio General Assembly. In case you’re wondering, our local Van Wert County schools are included in those districts that would stand to lose significant funding from Columbus.  The governor and key statewide legislators expect our local public schools to do more with less funding while private and parochial schools benefit from expanded bailouts.

Many rural taxpayers have ignored the voucher scheme in the past, confident that their local school districts were immune from the poaching of public funds from their local district’s coffers. They have largely attributed the voucher program as something that is for “urban districts” or merely offers alternatives to traditional public schools akin to open-enrollment policies from school to school. Meanwhile, Ohio legislators have expanded voucher accessibility to families that earn up to 450 percent of the poverty level.  That means that a family of four that earns $140,000 will automatically qualify for $6,166 for K-8 educational vouchers and $8,408 for high school.  A program that was initially marketed as allowing students and families to “escape failing schools” has transitioned into a taxpayer-funded program to subsidize private and parochial schools across the state of Ohio. 

According to Policy Matters Ohio, only 3,000 of the 69,000 voucher recipients in 2023-2024 attended a private or parochial school the previous year.  That means that your public tax dollars are being overwhelmingly used to subsidize the tuition of currently enrolled students.  Across the state, only 17% of those voucher recipients qualified as low-income in 2023-2024 as opposed to 68 percent of voucher recipients in 2022-2023.  These private and parochial schools have been historically concentrated in or near urban areas, but the overall expansion of the Ohio General Assembly’s voucher program has affected the amount of resources that are available for public education.  While 90 percent of Ohio’s students are being educated in public schools, an increasing amount of YOUR tax dollars are being siphoned away to subsidize and support private and parochial schools. 

As fewer funds are appropriated for public education in the statewide budget process, you can expect local school districts to increase the frequency with which they have to approach voters about levies for general operating expenses, renovations and additions, and services that impact the entire district community.  We live in a part of Ohio that takes tremendous pride in the success of our local school districts. Do we want to endure years of increased local taxes to support our local public school districts because state legislators have already spent our hard-earned tax dollars on bloated subsidies for private and parochial schools?  A family’s decision to send their children to a private or parochial school should not mean that our local districts have to do more with less financial resources.  It’s time that we stand up for our local schools, our local communities, and our children’s educational future. Please contact your state representative, state senator, or the governor’s office and join me in taking a stand against increased voucher subsidies on the public’s dime.

James Lautzenheiser

Convoy

Operation Christmas Child a success

Dear Editor,

The overwhelming generosity of the people of Van Wert, helped provide joy to more than 15,729 children through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized shoebox gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Across Ohio, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling  937-374-0761.

Although local drop‑off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until November 17-24, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple shoebox gifts, packed with love, remind children around the world that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Fishbaugh
Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child

Program coordinator gives thanks

To the Editor:

On behalf of Lincolnview Schools, I would like to take this time to thank our students, staff, and community members for helping to make 12 years of honoring our Veterans a success. It was a privilege to have so many Veterans present for our program.  I am grateful to every person who brought a Veteran with them, submitted a name of a Veteran, or paid tribute to their Veteran in our memorial portion of the program.

I am very proud of our fourth grade students who sang the National Anthem under the direction of Mr. Scott Turner as well as our incredible concert band who performed March of the Armed Forces and Mansions of the Lord under the direction of Mr. Mike Archinal.

Our keynote speakers were Cameron and Mary Moore from Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. We enjoyed learning more about this amazing organization and are excited to donate to this cause which will allow for more Veterans to take this incredible trip. If you are a Veteran or have a Veteran you would like to submit for an Honor Flight, please visit: www.hfnei.org for more information and an application form.

I would also like to acknowledge our very generous program sponsors. Without the amazing support from these businesses, organizations, and families – this program would not be possible.

*Industrial Maintenance Team
*Dr. Amanda Curtis, Dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences-Lake Erie College
*H.A. Dorsten, INC.
*Randy Carey: Carey Insurance and Financial Services
*Thaison Leaser: Edward Jones
*Vancrest Management Corp.
* Randy Myers: Leland Smith Insurance Services
* 1st Federal of Van Wert
*Jon Sell – Franchise Owner – Biggby Coffee
*Amber & Scott Davis families in memory of Ronnie Davis
*The Merkle Family
*Mike Lichtle: Laudick’s Jewelry
*Tim Slusher: Slusher’s Jewelry
*Straley Realty
*Ayers Service Group
*Tisha Fast
*Braun
*Van Wert Cinemas
*Lewis Family McDonalds
*Kill Family Farms
*Venedocia Lions Club
*GLM Transport
*G&S Mechanical Services
*Dellinger Bros.
*Daniel Shellabarger
 
Lincolnview is very proud of all Veterans and grateful for the service they have given to our country.   Our Veterans are treasures, so make certain you thank a Veteran –not only on Veteran’s Day–but all year long.

Thank you again to the entire Lincolnview Community.

Mrs. Stephanie Renner, Program Coordinator

Convoy resident supports Brown

To the Editor:

I first met Sherrod Brown twenty years ago at a church outreach center in Cleveland, Ohio. He was still a member of the US House of Representatives, but was focused on issues that impact all Ohioans like working to ensure living wages for working families, equal access to quality healthcare opportunities, and dedicated resources for improved public education around the state. Since Sherrod Brown has joined the US Senate he has continued to place an emphasis on advocating for issues that can improve the lives of hard-working Ohio families.

That’s why I’m supporting Sherrod Brown for US Senate again this year.  What stands out to me about Sherrod is that he knows that unions have built the middle class in this country, and he repeatedly stands up for workers and fights to guarantee the right to collectively bargain at the workplace. While other politicians seem more interested in stirring up arguments and sowing seeds of disunion, Sherrod rolls up his sleeves and works on real solutions for Ohioans. 

If you’re like me, you are sick and tired of the negative ads on TV, and there are a few that are 100 percent lies. I can promise you, as your neighbor, that Sherrod Brown never voted to allow men to play in women’s sports, and he absolutely did not vote to give benefits to people who are in this country illegally. It’s really disturbing that his opponent is spreading those lies during this election to score some cheap points before we vote. I like that Sherrod focuses on issues that are important to working families across Ohio: cutting taxes for middle-class families and working to lower the cost of gas and groceries. He takes on the tough fights in Congress: protecting our farms from being sold to China and standing up to anyone in either party who wants to ship Ohio jobs overseas.  Politics can feel ugly these days, so I thought I should send a letter to my neighbors about why I’m voting for Sherrod Brown. I hope that you’ll consider voting for him, too. 

Thank you,

James Lautzenheiser

Convoy

Resident sounds off on Issue 1

To the Editor,

There are plenty of signs on Van Wert lawns, and even a letter here, calling for a No vote on Issue 1 in November. It’s easy to understand why. The Republicans in the State legislature hate it. By extension, the Governor, Attorney General, and the State Supreme Court also hate it. So they have manipulated the wording of the issue on the ballot so that it sounds like the most evil attempt to remove the ability of citizens to vote in the history of the United States.

The earlier letter described a horribly gerrymandered district, which resembles many we’ve actually had in this state since the Republicans took control of the legislature. I do not know if it would be possible to create such a district under Issue 1, but I do know that if it is possible, then it is also possible to do so under our current Constitution. Because the requirements for redistricting under Issue 1 are the same as the current Constitution. The only changes are to who will be doing the redistricting. 

According to the enemies of Issue 1, the citizen commission will be required to gerrymander districts to favor the current two political parties. That is exactly what the current constitution does. And the Republicans in our state government don’t seem to have a problem with it now. That may be because they violated those provisions of the Constitution 7 times, while they wouldn’t be able to do so if Issue 1 passes.

We’ve passed attempts to eliminate gerrymandering in our state redistricting twice now. And both attempts have suffered from the same flaw. They left the power of redistricting in the hands of the politicians who benefit from the final result. Other states have removed the power from the politicians, and gotten better, fairer districts as a result.

Is time for Ohio to do the same. Put citizens in control of the redistricting process and keep the politicians out. Otherwise, we’re just setting the fox to guard the hen house. 

Tom Brincefield 

Van Wert

Meet my brother Tony

To the Editor,

I wanted to introduce my brother, Tony, to you. Sadly, he passed away several years ago but his story is still relevant.

Tony was born in 1945, the fifth child of eight. Due to a difficult birth, Tony did have some brain damage and so was considered “mentally retarded.”  While Tony’s life was challenging for the family, in most ways he fit right in annoying his youngest sister (me) with great zest. In fifth and sixth grade I can remember the taunts of, “Your brother is retarded.” Because that’s what boys of that maturity level did.    

There were not a lot of services available to someone like Tony, so my parents did many things to help improve his life and those of his population which were underserved. Fast forward many years and life found Tony living in an apartment with a roommate (with some supervision) and working at a job for over 25 years that gave him a 401K and a watch when he retired.  Not bad for someone who is  “retarded.”

Imagine my sadness when a man who would have us think that he is the man for the most important job in our country, calls out his opponent as “retarded.” I would say he was right with those fifth and sixth grade boys who thought saying “retarded” was a cool thing to do.

When will his followers say enough is enough? 

Teresa Plas

Van Wert

Resident: vote no on State Issue 1

To the Editor,

Issue 1 deserves a decisive NO vote. Imagine a redistricting map with a narrow corridor from Toledo through Henry and Defiance Counties straight to Paulding County, but not including all of those counties. This nightmare scenario is what will happen if Issue 1 passes.

The commission would be unelected citizens who have been selected by retired unelected judges with a private hiring firm helping. This commission will have total control of the redistricting process and are not accountable to the Ohio voters or the elected legislators we have sent to Columbus. The commission has absolute authority to set their salaries and monies they think they require. Our elected officials at the State House has to give them however much they ask for, no questions asked. Ohio voters will also be restricted in their legal rights to challenge the commission’s decisions. As a true eye-opener, this commission has a lifetime appointment, and would be very difficult to recall them.

Ohio has already voted twice, in 2015 and 2018 to approve anti-gerrymandering restrictions, but out-of-state dark money to the tune of over $25 million dollars have flooded our state from Washington, D.C. and a Swiss billionaire who want to change our Constitution. You should be asking yourself, why do they care what we do in Ohio. The simple answer is they want to totally change the number of districts and the make-up of the state’s districts. This would include how many Congressmen Ohio sends to Washington, D.C.

This is why a “no” vote on Issue 1 is essential to keep gerrymandering based on politics and race out of Ohio.

Laurie Lucas

Rural Paulding

Resident: pump brakes on pot law

To the Editor:

The VW Independent exposed the Van Wert City Council’s intent to change the city ordinance to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of Van Wert. This was my first notice of this. I sent emails to my ward representative and to the council president and the two at-large council members expressing my incredulity that they would make this change. I was unable to make the city council meeting but did watch it the next day.

I think city council members are voting without being fully informed about the issue. From what I heard, it sounds like someone came to council suggesting that they make the change and they said OK and asked the law director to check into it. No one else seems to have done their due diligence. The law director had some information on how the state is proceeding slowly with recreational licenses and the restrictions the state places on where a dispensary can be located. There was some discussion about zoning but I think there are a lot of other questions that need to be asked and more things to consider.

For example, I checked articles related to Ohio’s recreational use dispensary and found that almost all the requests for recreational licenses are being made by businesses that are current medical marijuana dispensaries. From what I could gather from these articles, a city has to declare a moratorium or pass a law against recreational use or the medical marijuana dispensary can become a recreational use dispensary. There was no mention of that or of how the city plans to regulate a recreational use dispensary. My fear is that if a medical dispensary opens in the city of Van Wert, it will then apply for a recreational use license and we have no law on the books to prevent it as the city code is silent on the issue and it is not addressed in the current wording of the proposed change to the city code. Have any council members considered this?

Is a medical marijuana dispensary even needed in Van Wert? There is a medical marijuana dispensary in Van Wert County located on West 5th Street in Delphos. How many people living in Van Wert City have a medical marijuana card? Are there enough people in the city of Van Wert to operate a profitable medical marijuana dispensary in the city of Van Wert? If not, the only way the dispensary could be profitable is by selling for recreational use. Have any member of city council asked these questions? Has anyone talked with the operators of the dispensary in Delphos? If it is not needed, why make a change?

One of the council members was surprised when another member questioned allowing the change and was surprised when that member stated that they were hearing opposition to the change. I wonder how many council members have actively sought input from their constituents. Has anyone done a simple survey of their constituents? There are plenty of sites where you can set up a simple survey then put the survey link out on your social media page. If you are interested in being transparent in what you do, you should let your constituents know what has been proposed and asked for their feedback; otherwise, how can you say you are representing their interests? Do most of your constituents want the change?

I ask City Council to “pump the brakes” on this issue and do more investigation before making a change that will harm the city in the long run and will go against the wishes of their constituents. There are many other concerns and questions that should be addressed. This is just part of it.

Andrew McMahon

Van Wert

Operation Christmas Child a success

To the Editor:

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the people of Van Wert, Operation Christmas Child had a successful season in your area. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes—packed with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items—Van Wert-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Across Ohio, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Although local Van Wert drop-off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until November 18-25, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Fishbaugh
Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child