| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: April 15, 2013 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
TECHNOLOGY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH: Columbus Public Health’s Environmental Health Division works to prevent disease or injury associated with food, water, air, animals, vectors, hazardous materials and hazardous waste. Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Technology Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0805-2013, to renew a contract with Decade Software Company, LLC for EnvisionConnect software. This software helps Columbus Public Health operate the Environmental Health unit by supporting important services like information management associated with health inspections, the tracking of sanitation standards data, vector control for mosquitoes, and environmental reviews.
SUPPORTING MEDICAID EXPANSION: Ohioans who do not have health insurance often lack access to preventative healthcare services. As a result, they rely on expensive emergency room visits to treat illnesses that could have been prevented. Councilmember Zach M. Klein is sponsoring resolution 0081X-2013, to support the expansion of the Medicaid program in Ohio. The Ohio General Assembly is currently considering the expansion, which would increase the number of adults with health insurance by nearly 70,000 in Franklin County and allow more residents to access mental health, addiction treatment, preventative care, and other important health services.
TRAINING TOOLS FOR POLICE: Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0790-2013 to fund training for our police officers. The Police Training Fund is used to invite speakers and experts to conduct law enforcement training sessions, and to purchase training materials and supplies. These resources help our police officers keep our neighborhoods safe. Revenue for the fund comes from fees charged to law enforcement agencies for the renting of classroom space, police videotapes, and other materials.
BOOSTING SMALL BUSINESS: Support for small businesses remains a high priority for Columbus City Council, as evidenced by Council’s amendments to the 2013 General Fund Budget. Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 0856-2013 to support one of those amendments, the Small Business Training Services Pilot Program. The program will allow eligible small businesses to receive workforce development training at the Citywide Training facility in the Jerry Hammond Center. Councilmember Craig partnered with Workforce Development Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson on the amendment to help create a better-trained workforce in our community.
MINORITY HEALTH MONTH HEARING: Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, will host a public hearing to discuss Minority Health Month and the health challenges facing minority communities in Columbus. Staff from Columbus Public Health will be present to discuss the unique issues faced by minority communities in Columbus, and the programs and services that are available to our residents. The hearing begins in Council Chambers at 5:30pm on Thursday, April 18. Public testimony will be accepted. Anyone wishing to address the committee on this matter must fill out a speaker slip on the day of the hearing. The meeting will broadcast live on CTV, Columbus' cable access channel 3.
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