Senator Portman - Rob’s Rundown: Week of March 26-30, 2018

This week, Senator Portman continued his Middle Class Tax Reform Tour in Ohio. His stops included the Lima Pallet Company, which is using their tax reform savings to provide pay increases, invest in new equipment, and hire additional employees, the new ProMedica Headquarters in Toledo was partially funded through New Markets Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits, tax incentives Senator Portman fought to preserve in the Senate version of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, and Velvet Ice Cream Headquarters in Utica which is reinvesting in its products and warehouse, and raising wages for hourly employees. In addition, Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to President Trump urging him to act swiftly on Governor John Kasich’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Ohio counties impacted by severe flooding.
For a more detailed look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:
Monday, March 26

Portman Visits Lima Company Using Tax Savings to Hire More Workers, Increase Pay, Reinvest in the Business

Portman toured Lima Pallet Company, a full service pallet and container provider that builds custom wood pallets and crates. As a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Lima Pallet Company is using their tax reform savings to provide pay increases, invest in new equipment, and hire additional employees.
“Today at Lima Pallet I again witnessed positive results of the recent tax reform legislation. From pay increases, to investing in equipment, to hiring more employees—the results are real,” said Portman. “I’m excited that we continue to see tangible benefits from tax reform. This is exactly what Congress intended to accomplish and I expect to continue to see results.” 
So far on his tax reform tour, Portman has visited Worldpay Inc. and the Sheffer Corporation in Cincinnati, the UH Rainbow Center for Women and Children and Tremco in Cleveland, the Fredon Corporation in Mentor,GKM Auto Parts in Zanesville, Wolf Metals in Columbus, Bruns General Contractingin Tipp City,and hosted a roundtable with members of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association in Columbus, all of which have announced new investments in their businesses and their employees because of the savings from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.  This includes investing in new plants and equipment, increasing wages, paying bonuses, increasing charitable giving, reinstating health care, expanding 401(k) benefits and making additional contributions to employee pension plans.
Tuesday, March 27

At Lima Pallet Company, Portman Sees Positive Results of Tax Reform

Portman toured Lima Pallet Company, a full service pallet and container provider that builds custom wood pallets and crates. As a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Lima Pallet Company is using their tax reform savings to provide pay increases, invest in new equipment, and hire additional employees. Portman was pleased to see such tangible benefits and looks forward to continuing to see results all across Ohio. This is exactly what he and his colleagues in Congress intended to accomplish through tax reform.
Portman recorded this video at the event. 

Portman, Langevin Lead Joint Letter Urging Relief for Families With Disabled Students

Portman and Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos requesting the discharge of Parent PLUS Loans taken out on behalf of students who become totally and permanently disabled. They were joined by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Congressmen Peter Roskam (R-IL), Ron Kind (D-WI), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

“Federal law already recognizes that the difficulties that befall someone who sustains a total and permanent disability necessitate a pathway to student loan forgiveness. Parents also deserve access to this debt relief,” the lawmakers wrote. “When a child becomes totally and permanently disabled, parents should not be forced to continue bearing the burden of student loan debt.” 

When a student borrower becomes totally and permanently disabled, they are discharged from having to repay most federal loans. Parents who borrow funds on their child’s behalf, however, remain liable for the debt even when their child sustains a total and permanent disability. The average Parent PLUS loan in 2016-2017 was $15,880, an immense cost for parents to bear while also caring for their disabled child.

Last December, Portman introduced Domenic’s Law (S. 2258), legislation to allow a parent whose child develops a total and permanent disability to qualify for student loan discharge. In May 2017, Langevin introduced the bipartisan PLUS Loan Disability Forgiveness Act (H.R. 2270), a similar bill in the House. 

The full text of the letter can be found here. 

In Toledo, Portman Visits ProMedica Headquarters as Part of Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour

Portman, as part of his Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour, visited ProMedica Headquarters in Toledo. The headquarters was partially funded through New Markets Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits, tax incentives Senator Portman fought to preserve in the Senate version of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and the final bill which ultimately became law.

“I’m proud to see ProMedica’s headquarters right here in the middle of downtown Toledo,” said Portman.  “This project was made possible in part by the New Markets Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credits, both of which are designed to help spur economic growth and community redevelopment projects.  Without these tax credits, this new headquarters project may have gone elsewhere, potentially outside of Ohio.  Because of these tax credits, we’ve seen a historic steam plant building – which had been vacant for nearly 20 years – restored, and we’ve also seen additional investments that will improve the downtown area for all residents.  And perhaps most importantly, this project has provided more jobs for Toledo and Ohio.  We’re continuing to see real, tangible benefits of this new law.  I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, and I will continue to help communities throughout Ohio utilize these tax incentives to spur new economic growth and development.” 

Wednesday, March 28

Portman, Brown Urge President Trump to Swiftly Accept Ohio’s Disaster Declaration

Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) urged President Trump to act swiftly on Governor John Kasich’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 19 Ohio counties impacted by severe flooding, including Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Clermont, Columbiana, Gallia, Hamilton, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Scioto, Vinton and Washington Counties. This declaration will help ensure that the impacted counties can access important federal assistance and resources to recover. 

“Severe storms and extreme rainfall last month in southern Ohio led to significant flooding, causing substantial damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. The State and local governments in the affected areas do not have the capability to sufficiently respond to this major disaster, and therefore, federal assistance is necessary to supplement the State’s recovery efforts,” wrote Portman and Brown in a letter to Trump today.

Full text of the letter is available here.

In Utica, Portman Visits Velvet Ice Cream Headquarters as Part of Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour

Portman, as part of his Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour, visited and toured Velvet Ice Cream’s headquarters today in Utica. As a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Velvet Ice Cream plans to restore and invest in its 200-year-old Ye Olde Mill, adjust wage scale for new hires, purchase a new warehouse management system, and add additional access control for food security and safety.

“Today was another great opportunity to see the tangible benefits tax reform is having for Ohio workers and small businesses. Velvet Ice Cream is restoring its Ye Olde Mill, reinvesting in its products and warehouse, and raising wages for hourly employees. Those kinds of increased investments are exactly what Congress intended when we crafted this tax reform law that puts faith in Ohio workers, Ohio families, and Ohio businesses, and we continue to see examples of this investment already paying off. I’m glad to see Velvet Ice Cream join the growing list of companies expanding operations and reinvesting in employees, and I look forward to more visits like this one in the coming weeks and months ahead.”

So far on his tax reform tour, Portman has visited Worldpay Inc. and the Sheffer Corporation in Cincinnati, the UH Rainbow Center for Women and Children and Tremco in Cleveland, the Fredon Corporation in Mentor,GKM Auto Parts in Zanesville, Wolf Metals in Columbus, Bruns General Contracting in Tipp City, Lima Pallet Company in Lima, ProMedica Headquarters in Toledo, and hosted a roundtablewith members of the Ohio Craft Brewers Association in Columbus, all of which have announced new investments in their businesses and their employees because of the savings from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.  This includes investing in new plants and equipment, increasing wages, paying bonuses, increasing charitable giving, reinstating health care, expanding 401(k) benefits and making additional contributions to employee pension plans.

Portman Statement on KORUS Trade Modernization Announcement

Portman issued the following statement after the United States and South Korea announced an agreement in principle to improve and modernize the U.S.-Korea trade agreement (KORUS):

“South Korea is an important economic and strategic partner, and modernizing this trade agreement will help strengthen the ties between our two countries.  This agreement is a positive step forward for American manufacturers, service providers, and farmers.  I’m pleased to see new commitments to boost U.S. auto exports to South Korea and improve the customs process to help us export more ‘Made in America’ goods to the country. Ensuring that these commitments are swiftly and faithfully implemented is key, but this is a step in the right direction.

“I’m disappointed that the new currency provisions are not enforceable through the agreement’s dispute resolution process.  This is one area where we must take a tougher stand, and I will work with USTR and the Treasury Department to ensure that stronger, enforceable currency provisions are included in the new NAFTA as well as future trade agreements. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to ensure that our trade deals are fair for U.S. workers and reinforce strategic partnerships with key allies around the world.”

Portman Tours Mt. Gilead Maryhaven Center and Hosts Opioid Roundtable Discussion with the Morrow County Opiate Task Force

Portman toured Mt. Gilead Maryhaven Center, an integrated behavioral health services provider specializing in addiction recovery, and hosted a roundtable discussion with the Morrow County Opiate Engagement Team. Portman helped secure a $2 million grant through the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA), part of which is being used in Morrow County to fight the drug epidemic with a peer support program and medically assisted treatment.

“It was great visiting the Mt. Gilead Maryhaven Center today. The dedication and engagement across Morrow County—through this facility, the Morrow County Opiate Engagement Team, and other local leaders—is an example of the unified effort needed to overcome the opioid epidemic gripping our state. Through our combined efforts, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction was awarded a $2 million grant through my CARA law, and I’m pleased to see some of that funding being used to expand access to medication-assisted treatment like this facility offers. The Maryhaven facilities are shining examples of what comprehensive addiction treatment can be. I recently introduced CARA 2.0 to increase federal funding established in my CARA law and to help direct the $6 billion over two years that was included in the recent budget agreement to combat the opioid epidemic. We need to direct those resources to evidence-based programs that really work and are making a real difference in our communities.”

Thursday, March 29

Portman Continues Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour Across Ohio

Over the past few months Senator Portman has crisscrossed Ohio meeting with businesses and workers to discuss the positive results from the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.  Dozens of Ohio businesses have announced plans to create more jobs, make new investments in plants and equipment, raise wages, pay bonuses, put in place new health care and retirement benefits, and much more.  This week Portman continued his Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour.  Here’s a video recap and a brief summary of what he’s seen so far:

• On Monday, Portman toured the Lima Pallet Company, which is using its tax reform savings to provide pay increases, invest in new equipment, and hire additional employees. “Lima business owner Tracie Sanchez said the tax cut has helped her business. Now she’s adding 15-20 jobs and finishing a half a million dollar expansion project,” according to Lima’s WLIO.  See more coverage from the Lima News here.
• On Tuesday, he visited ProMedica’s headquarters in Toledo, which was partially funded through New Markets Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits, tax incentives Portman fought to preserve in the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. “I’m proud to see ProMedica’s headquarters right here in the middle of downtown Toledo,” said Portman.  “Without these tax credits, this new headquarters project may have gone elsewhere, potentially outside of Ohio.” 
• On Wednesday, Portman toured Velvet Ice Cream’s headquarters in Utica. As a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Velvet Ice Cream plans to restore and invest in its 200-year-old Ye Olde Mill, adjust its wage scale for new hires, purchase a new warehouse management system, and add additional access control for food security and safety.  “These were things we wanted to do, but the tax savings allowed us to do,” Nathan Arnold, marketing manager for Velvet told the Newark Advocate.  For more coverage of this event read the full Advocate story here.
• Bonus coverage from Columbus Business First: “Sen. Portman Says New Tax Policy is Helping Ohio’s Economy and Workers”

Portman Statement on President Trump’s Infrastructure Remarks in Richfield

Portman issued the following statement on President Trump’s visit to Richfield, Ohio, and his remarks on infrastructure:

“I’m pleased that President Trump is coming to Richfield to talk about the need to rebuild America’s aging infrastructure. As I’ve said before, the president’s plan is a good starting point for discussion, and I’m hopeful both parties will work together on this issue. By rebuilding our aging infrastructure and improving job training programs targeted toward in-demand infrastructure-related jobs, we have a great opportunity to further strengthen our economy.  We also need to make infrastructure permitting reform a priority. I’ve led efforts in the Senate to streamline our permitting process, working to enact FAST-41 so we can rebuild our infrastructure more quickly. With a permitting process that makes sense and operates efficiently, we can put more people back to work, improve our infrastructure, and better protect the environment. I will continue to work with the administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop legislation on these issues in the coming months.”

Friday, March 30

VIDEO: Passage of Portman’s Bipartisan SESTA Bill A Victory for Trafficking Survivors

On March 21st, the Senate passed Senator Portman’s bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) – by an overwhelming vote of 97-2 – as part of a broader House effort to help stop online sex trafficking and provide justice for victims.  The bill is now ready to be sent to the president’s desk for his signature. 
Portman states in the video: “We had a great victory in passing legislation we’ve worked on for two years to be able to allow victims and survivors of sex trafficking to get the justice they deserve, to be sure we can go after these websites that are exploiting women and children online. We were told by many that this could never happen, we were told that the special interests were too powerful, that they would push back and keep us from providing this kind of justice for victims and survivors. We’re now sending this legislation to the president’s desk… The president will sign this, it will become law, and it will begin immediately to help to avoid the exploitation online.”
To watch the video, click here:
On Social Media 




Tax Reform is helping Meigs County workers and families
Tax reform is already creating a better economy for Ohio and a brighter future for Meigs County families. That’s exactly what Congress intended when we crafted this law.
The most recent federal jobs report shows the fastest wage growth since the 2009 recession, unemployment at the lowest it’s been since 2000, and the most Americans entering the workforce since 1983.
According to a study by the National Federation of Independent Business, small-business optimism is at the highest level they have ever recorded. Just this year, I’ve toured nine Ohio businesses and had conversations with lots of small-business owners and workers who are already benefitting from tax reform. I’ve seen the results of this new law firsthand, and I know that it’s significantly helping Ohio workers, Ohio
…
The new tax reform law is helping Meigs County workers keep more of their money, helping Ohio families plan for their future and live a more comfortable life, and helping the entire American economy begin to function to its full potential. This law is already having the impact we had hoped for, and I believe this is only the beginning.
(Tax Reform is helping Meigs County workers and families. Sen. Rob Portman. Pomeroy Daily Sentinel. March, 27, 2018.)

Velvet Ice Cream increasing wages for new employees, credits federal tax cut
Portman, a Republican, continued his Results for the Middle-Class Tax Reform Tour, with a stop at the 104-year-old family-owned and operated business, whose leaders credited the tax cuts for its ability to increase wages and make capital improvements.
…
"We know about the tax relief for individuals, but on top of that, we decided we need to make American business competitive, and not just the big guys," Portman said. "People are able to do things they wouldn't have otherwise done.
"We were in Allen County yesterday and the stories are great. Everybody is investing in employees or equipment, and some, like you, are doing both," Portman told Dager. "Thank you for making the investment in your people."
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Portman said he has visited 12 Ohio businesses that benefited from the tax cuts.
"It's the confidence to take a risk," Portman said. "When you don't know what government is going to do, you sit on your money. It came at a good time. You can pay people more and attract workers."
(Velvet Ice Cream increasing wages for new employees, credits federal tax cut. Kent Mellett. Newark Advocate. March 28, 2018.)