COLUMBUS — An area representative listened to businesses’ concerns about the “Internet of Things” during a visit to his district.
U.S. House of Representatives
Rep. Robert Latta, R-Bowling Green: Latta, the co-chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Internet of Things Working Group, joined a roundtable discussion with the National Association of Manufacturers at Owens-Illinois in Perrysburg on Wednesday.
“Today’s roundtable discussion provided important insights into how different companies are incorporating this technology into their manufacturing process,” Latta said. “As machinery and devices continue to become more interconnected, it’s important that federal policy encourages innovation and growth, while protecting privacy and security.”
Latta also toured the Marsh Foundation campus in Van Wert on Thursday afternoon, learning about the on-campus group homes and schools for children ages 10 to 17, including a specialized residential program for male juvenile sex offenders.
On Friday, he took part in the groundbreaking for a community solar array for Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative. On Tuesday, he met with bank officials in Defiance and Findlay about their concerns.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana: Jordan has a busy Monday afternoon planned in Lima, speaking the the National Federation of Independent Business luncheon before touring Heartbeat of Lima and Family Promise.
Ohio House of Representatives
Rep. Bob Cupp, R-Lima: Cupp will serve on the newly created Unemployment Compensation Reform Joint Committee. The group will look into possible reforms, with a major emphasis on getting input from labor groups, the business community and Ohio’s workforce. The bipartisan group of senators and representatives meets Thursday, Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Oct. 20 and Nov. 3.
“This is important not only for those who become unemployed by no fault of their own and depend on the system to tide them over as they seek a new job,” Cupp said, “but employers, who pay the bill, also need to be assured that the system is efficient and encourages a prompt return to work.”
U.S. Senate
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio: Brown signed on to a letter urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to change ordinances that he says disproportionately affect survivors of domestic abuse. They’re meant to combat crime and ensure public safety, but they can punish victims for calls to the police, with landlords evicting tenants who call for help or face.
“No one should be forced to choose between safety from an abuser and shelter for themselves and their families.” wrote the group of Democratic senators to the head of HUD. “Unfortunately, all too often, women across the nation are forced to make that decision. As such, we urge you to do everything in your power to prevent further evictions of domestic violence victims and to ensure all Americans have critical access to emergency services without fear of retaliation.”
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio: Portman finished a seven-city tour of Ohio highlighting his recently signed Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which focuses on heroin and prescription drug solutions.
On Wednesday, Portman condemned the release of 15 Guantanamo detainees, including 12 Yemeni nationals and three Afghan detainees, who were sent to the United Arab Emirates.
“These detainees, including a bodyguard for Osama Bin Laden, have actively participated in hostile acts against the United States and our allies and continue to pose a risk at home and abroad,” Portman said.
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