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Monday, May 2, 2011
Gingrich, Bachmann, Judge Moore back “Heartbeat” bill; Speaker Batchelder seeks more input
Three potential Republican presidential candidates - former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore - have joined those supporting passage of the “Heartbeat” bill, Faith2Action announced Monday.
House Bill 125 would ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected and supporters say it would be the strongest anti-abortion law in the nation. Critics say it would face constitutional problems.
“We’re anxiously awaiting for our (House) speaker, Bill Batchelder, to schedule a vote int he full House to protect babies with beating hearts,” Rep. Lynn Wachtmann, R-Napoleon, the bill’s sponsor, said in a press release.
The House Health and Aging Committee, chaired by Wachtmann, has approved the bill.
Mike Dittoe, Batchelder’s spokesman, said in an email that Batchelder continues to meet with members of the House GOP caucus on the bill and other pending anti-abortion legislation.
“As he has said in previous weeks, a firm count of members who support or oppose the bill is not yet available,” said Dittoe. “Additionally, constitutional concerns are also being researched and thoroughly examined on this and other bills.”
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TweetUPDATED with tribute to teachers - union reaction - Gov. Kasich “thanks” public employees for their service; honors teachers, too
Gov. John Kasich really likes public employees, at least enough to issue a proclamation on Monday making this week “Public Service Appreciation Week.”
“This week I ask all Ohioans to reflect on all that our public employees do in our communities and thank them for the invaluable work they do each day,” Kasich said in a press release.
He also issued a proclamation for “Teacher Appreciation Week.”
“Ohio has tens of thousands of outstanding teachers for whom education is more than a job. It’s a calling,” he said in a press release. He also asked teachers to share their ideas on a “new pay system that rewards and encourages performance” by email to teachers@governor.ohio.gov.
Kasich and public employees, particularly public employee unions, are battling over Senate Bill 5, legislation Kasich signed to restrict public employee bargaining rights.
Opponents of the bill, including many teachers, are gathering signatures in an effort to put repeal of the issue on the Nov. 2 ballot.
Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO president and a leader in the anti- SB 5 campaign, called Kasich’s proclamation “superficial” and “disingenuous” in light of Kasich’s support for the legislation.
“We believe every week should be public employee appreciation week,” Burga said.
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