Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
July 29, 2022 | Rob’s Rundown
Senator Portman was back in Washington this week where he spoke on the Senate floor for the 19th consecutive session week regarding the situation in Ukraine. Senator Portman discussed Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports and Russia’s missile strikes against Odessa, a Ukrainian port city, just hours after agreeing to a humanitarian deal with the U.N. to allow it to operate. Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports caused massive food shortages across the globe. Portman also noted the four additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that the U.S. is sending to Ukraine, and the possibility for the U.S. and our allies to send advanced Western fighter jets to Ukraine. A long-time advocate for arming Ukraine, Senator Portman has been pushing for months to give Ukraine the weapons it needs to successfully counter Russian attacks.
On Tuesday, Senator Portman joined Bloomberg’s Balance of Power with David Westin to discuss whether certain trade policies could help lower the high level of inflation the country is experiencing. Senator Portman suggested policies that could be helpful, such as keeping Trump-era tariffs in place for countries like China, that are not playing by the rules and completing important trade agreements that are very closed to being done. Senator Portman was also asked about the role of regulatory agencies in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA, restricting the ability of the Executive Branch to exceed direction from Congress. He said the decision was important because it limits overreach by administrative agencies, but also stated that Congress needs to be more comprehensive and precise in legislation to make Congressional intent clear.
Also on Tuesday, Portman released a new report and expressed hope that it will serve as a wake-up call to the Federal Reserve and other agencies to China’s malign efforts to target, influence, and undermine the U.S. Federal Reserve. Based on a Federal Reserve counterintelligence analysis and unheeded FBI recommendations to change the Federal Reserve’s policies and procedures, this report finds the Federal Reserve has been the target of an extended and effective Chinese malign influence and information theft campaign.
On Wednesday, Senator Portman praised Senate passage of the CHIPS Act, which would boost semiconductor manufacturing, and strengthen supply chains across the United States. In Ohio, this legislation will help Intel increase their $20 billion investment in New Albany to build two semiconductor foundries to potentially $100 billion and eight total foundries.
On Thursday afternoon, Senator Portman joined Fox News’ Kudlow to discuss the consequences of the Democrats’ plan to raise taxes on workers’ wages, consumers, and producers. Portman said the Democrats’ tax hikes will hurt lower and middle-income Americans the most and will make soaring inflation and rising costs even worse. Portman also noted that this was the wrong policy at the wrong time, with the U.S. now in a recession.
On Friday morning, Senator Portman attended the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and Akron Friends Thank You Breakfast in Akron, Ohio. During the breakfast, Senator Portman spoke to the Chamber about current legislative priorities in Congress, including the CHIPS Act, which would reshore our nation’s semiconductor industry and its potential to bring significant economic development to Ohio.
Friday afternoon, Senator Portman the Stark County Campus of the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank and met with the organization’s leadership to receive updates on the food bank’s operations. Portman also received a tour of their new campus that covers the southern part of their service region, which was built with support from the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act (S.456).
For a more detailed look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:
Members of Ohio Delegation Applaud Senate and House Committee Approval of Kol Israel Holocaust Memorial Bipartisan Bill
U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representatives Shontel Brown (D-OH), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Mike Carey (R-OH) applauded Committee passage of their bipartisan, bicameral bill to designate the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial — located in Bedford Heights, Ohio — as a national memorial. Passing favorably out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, the bills now advance to the Senate and House floors, respectively.
“We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and the enormous suffering endured by the Jewish people. The Kol Israel Holocaust Memorial was erected six decades ago in Northeast Ohio to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to serve as a lasting reminder of the evil that occurred,” said Senator Portman. “I am pleased our bipartisan, bicameral legislation to designate Kol Israel a National Memorial has been voted favorably out of committee and look forward to it coming to the Senate floor for a vote.”
“The Kol Israel Memorial Foundation educates Ohioans about the horrors of the Holocaust and preserves the memories of its victims,” said Senator Brown. “When we pass that knowledge on to future generations, we recommit ourselves to ensuring it never happens again, and to fighting for a more just and peaceful world. I am proud that Kol Israel is one step closer to becoming a national memorial.”
Erected in 1961 by survivors of the Holocaust residing in Northeast Ohio, the Kol Israel Holocaust Memorial is likely the first and oldest Holocaust memorial in the U.S. For more than 60 years, the Kol Israel Foundation has looked after the memorial, which has the ashes of Jewish victims and other tokens of remembrance buried at its base. To commemorate the day, both the House and Senate bills were introduced on Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day in April.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
On Senate Floor, Portman Urges NATO Expansion to Counter Russian Aggression, Commends Additional Weaponry to Ukraine, Highlights Bipartisan Genocide Resolution
U.S. Senator Rob Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of Ukraine for the 19th consecutive week while the Senate has been in session. Portman discussed Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports and Russia’s missile strikes against Odessa, a Ukrainian port city, just hours after agreeing to a humanitarian deal with the U.N. to allow it to operate. Russia’s blockade on Ukrainian ports has caused massive food shortages across the globe. Portman also noted the four additional HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, the U.S. is sending to Ukraine, and the possibility for the U.S. and our allies to send advanced Western fighter jets to Ukraine. A long-time advocate for arming Ukraine, Senator Portman has been pushing for months to give Ukraine the weapons it needs to successfully counter Russian attacks.
Senator Portman closed with the effect the war is having on the children of Ukraine, and talked about the thousands of broken families and now orphans who will have war-torn memories instead of childhoods. To recognize the devastation of this war, and as a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Portman joined his colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine as a genocide.
A transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here.
On Bloomberg TV, Portman Discusses U.S. Trade Policies, CHIPS Act, West Virginia v. EPA Decision
Senator Portman joined Bloomberg TV today to discuss whether certain trade policies could help lower the high level of inflation the country is experiencing. Portman suggested policies that could be helpful, such as keeping Trump-era tariffs in place for countries, like China, that are not playing by the rules and completing important trade agreements that are very closed to being done, including with the United Kingdom. In regard to almost-completed trade agreements, Senator Portman pointed out the fact that the Biden administration has not allowed for the Trade Promotion Authority to take place and has refused to consider new trade agreements, causing current trade agreements to be stalled and hamstringing this country from one way to better fight back against China.
Senator Portman also addressed the CHIPS Act, which is currently being voted on in the Senate. He spoke about the importance of the legislation, to bring chip manufacturing back to America. Portman also discussed his amendment to include provisions from his bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act, or SAIA, which passed the Senate last year on a bipartisan basis as a part of the CHIPS Plus package currently under consideration. The SAIA provisions in Portman’s amendment will ensure the federal government is taking decisive action to safeguard the $250 billion American taxpayer-funded investment in research and innovation included it in the CHIPS Plus package.
Senator Portman was also asked about the role of regulatory agencies in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA, restricting the ability of the Executive Branch to exceed direction from Congress. He said the decision was important because it limits overreach by administrative agencies, but also stated that Congress needs to be more comprehensive and precise in legislation to make Congressional intent clear.
You can watch the interview here.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Portman Praises Senate Passage of Legislation to Boost Semiconductor Manufacturing, Strengthen Supply Chains and Enhance National Security
CHIPS Act Will Help Create Thousands of Jobs in Ohio
Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman issued the following statement on Senate passage of the CHIPS Act, bipartisan legislation to incentivize semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, make our supply chains more resilient, enhance our national security, and strengthen our economy:
“Today’s passage of the CHIPS Act is critical in the effort to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States, protect our national security and create thousands of high-paying jobs in Ohio. I was proud to help lead efforts in the Senate to pass this legislation and ensure that Intel’s planned semiconductor plant in central Ohio remains on track and reaches its full potential. Intel’s announced investment is already the largest in Ohio’s history and the company has indicated that with this CHIPS legislation its record investment will grow even larger over time. It is also expected that other major Ohio investments from suppliers will follow. I urge the House to act quickly on this bipartisan legislation so the president can sign it into law, and I look forward to attending the groundbreaking for this transformational project in the coming months.”
Ohio’s business community has praised Senator Portman’s work to secure passage of the CHIPS Act:
“Fully funding the CHIPS Act is vital for America’s economic competitiveness and national security. The CHIPS Act will accelerate the pace and impact Ohio will have at the center of the Silicon Heartland, while driving investments in America. In true Ohio spirit, Senator Portman and Ohio’s bipartisan Congressional Delegation have aggressively supported the CHIPS Act – we are thrilled with today’s progress and urge speedy passage in the US House,” said J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio.
“Senator Portman’s leadership from the beginning of this process has been instrumental. This is extremely impactful legislation for our national security, the semiconductor industry and the communities, families, and individuals it supports across America and here in Ohio,” said Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of the Columbus Partnership.
“Today’s passage of the CHIPS Act by the U.S. Senate is a monumental win for Ohio and our country. Intel Corporation is laying the groundwork for the United States to return as a manufacturing superpower for semiconductors, and the CHIPS Act is a pivotal component for making that happen. Producing computer chips domestically is critical for so many sectors of our economy — military readiness, electrical grid infrastructure and much more — but it is also imperative for our national security as it will decrease our dependence on trade with China. Senator Portman has been a leader from day one on sounding the alarm on the importance of bringing this industry back to America, which will protect our nation from foreign interests. I urge the House to take swift action to get the legislation to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” said Pat Tiberi, President and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable.
“Ohio’s economy stands to benefit even more from the transformational nature of Intel’s investment in semiconductor manufacturing in our state thanks to the CHIPS Act, which will bolster American manufacturing and national security. We want to thank the members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation who have been working hard to see this through, especially Senators Portman and Brown, for their leadership on this important issue,” said Steve Stivers, President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Portman, Klobuchar, Calvert, McCollum Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Recognizing July as Disability Pride Month
Resolution Highlights Need to Actively Prevent Exclusion and Discrimination Against Americans with Disabilities
U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing July as Disability Pride Month. The resolution also celebrates the contributions of Americans with disabilities and highlights the need to prevent exclusion and discrimination on the basis of disability.
“I am pleased to introduce this resolution with Senator Klobuchar designating July as Disability Pride Month,” said Portman. “Tens of millions of Americans live with disabilities, often facing loneliness and discrimination due to their disability. It is important that we support and uplift those with disabilities because, in spite of the challenges they face, they bring tremendous value to our country. I can think of no better way to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – signed into law by my mentor President George H. W. Bush – than by introducing this resolution.”
The resolution is supported by: Allina Health; the American Association on Health and Disability; the Amputee Coalition of America; the Autism Society of Minnesota; the Autistic Self Advocacy Network; the Brain Injury Association of America; the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute; Cure SMA; Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota; Family Voices; Family Voices of Minnesota; Gillette Children’s; Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities; Minnesota Council on Disability; Minnesota First Community Solutions; Multicultural Autism Action Network; National Disability Institute; National Disability Rights Network; National Down Syndrome Congress; ONE Community; RespectAbility; Special Olympics; The Arc Minnesota; and United Cerebral Palsy.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Portman, Coons Praise Passage of Resolution Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Radio Free Asia
Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Chris Coons (D-DE), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the Senate has passed their bipartisan resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) inaugural broadcast into China and its mission to provide an independent source of news to closed societies in Asia. The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent, after being reported favorably out the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in June.
“I am pleased that my bipartisan resolution with Senator Coons to commend Radio Free Asia on its continued work in providing a free flow of information in South and East Asia has now passed the Senate,” said Senator Portman. “For the past 25 years, Radio Free Asia has delivered balanced and objective reporting to countries where freedom of the press is only an idea. Their work is critical to combating the deception and falsehoods spread by authoritarian regimes and violent non-state actors, and I appreciate their continued efforts to combat anti-democratic influences in the region.”
The resolution:
- Recognizes the importance of Radio Free Asia on its 25th anniversary as an independent news organization chartered and funded by Congress with a mission to bring uncensored, accurate news to people living in closed societies in Asia;
- Honors the dedication and courage of the former and current journalists of Radio Free Asia in the face of threats and adversity from foreign governments and rising risks for press freedom in Asia and across the globe; and
- Commends the continued effectiveness and success of Radio Free Asia in its pursuit of independence and credible journalism.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Portman, Brown Introduce Legislation to Improve Care For Those Eligible For Both Medicaid and Medicare
Legislation Proposes a New Model to Better Integrate Services for the More Than 12 Million Americans Eligible for Both Programs
Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Dual Eligible Individuals Act. The legislation would support states that offer integrated, coordinated care options for those who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, ensuring they receive the full benefits and quality care they deserve. More than 12 million Americans are dually eligible for both programs.
“I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Brown to provide states with the ability to offer full-benefit dual eligible beneficiaries the option to have their needs met through one program,” said Portman. “This legislation will set a higher quality of care for millions of Americans while promoting integration of these siloed programs. I encourage all of my colleagues in the Senate to support this important legislation.”
“Currently, people eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare have to deal with a fragmented, confusing system, and too many can fall through the cracks,” said Brown. “This bipartisan legislation would help integrate care, make government work better, and improve the health of older Americans and people with disabilities.”
Right now, nearly half of all Americans eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid receive long-term care services and more than half of these beneficiaries have multiple chronic conditions, including mental health diagnoses. In order to receive the care and support they need, they have to deal with two sets of administrative rules and policies, which can lead to duplicated or fragmented care and poor health outcomes. The Comprehensive Care for Dual Eligible Individuals Act of 2022 would create a new program that states can choose to take up, to integrate the two programs and allow dual-eligible Americans to select the type of coordinated care that works best for them.
“We thank Senators Brown and Portman for their new federal legislation which would give individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid the option to receive all their care in a more coordinated way that is easier to navigate. It holds promise as a vehicle to help states like Ohio in their work to improve the quality of health care for low-income older adults and people with disabilities and give them the supports they need to live in their communities,” said Kevin Prindiville, Executive Director, Justice in Aging.
“Far too many people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid experience fragmented care and disjointed systems. The bipartisan Comprehensive Care for Dual Eligible Individuals Act would allow states to better integrate these critical programs while ensuring key beneficiary protections, like appeal and enrollment rights. In so doing, this important bill could meaningfully improve care for older adults and people with disabilities — in Ohio and across the country. We applaud Senators Brown and Portman for their leadership,” said Frederic Riccardi, President, Medicare Rights Center.
Specifically, the Comprehensive Care for Dual Eligible Individuals Act would provide states with the opportunity to establish programs to integrate care for dual eligible individuals, allowing beneficiaries to choose a single program that can provide for their medical, long-term care, social, and behavioral needs.
The legislation is supported by a variety of stakeholder organizations, including the Commonwealth Care Alliance, Community Catalyst, Health Plan of San Mateo, Independent Living Systems, Justice in Aging, L.A. Care Health Plan, Medicare Rights Center, Molina, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
For the full text of the bill, click here.
At Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, Portman Presses State Department Officials on Work to Open Ukraine’s Ports, Efforts to Supply U.S. Energy to Europe
Today during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rob Portman questioned Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez on the State Department’s work to stop Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, so that grain can be shipped to countries around the world. An additional 70 million people around the world that have fallen into poverty since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia’s continued blockage of ports have caused starvation rates to rise in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Senator Portman also pressed the witnesses on whether the Biden administration has placed restrictions on agencies that hinders their efforts to work on all energy sectors, including liquefied natural gas and nuclear energy. Senator Portman asked how that would make sense when we are asking European countries to stop buying Russian energy and promising to replace it with energy from the United States.
A video can be found here.
Thursday, July 28, 2022
At Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, Portman Presses Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador on Title 42 and Increased Illicit Drug Traffic in the Country
Today, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) pressed William Duncan, Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador, on the record levels of immigrants and drugs crossing the United States-Mexico border. Portman highlighted the need for El Salvador to implement a strategic plan and increase international collaboration to counter the narcotics that flow through Central America. Portman also questioned the nominee on the effects of Title 42 being revoked and the impact it would have on the United States, as the Mexico-U.S. border is experiencing an unprecedented surge of migrants. Senator Portman noted that many of the United States’ current policies encourage illegal immigration, which stems from Central and South America.
A video can be found here.
Portman Praises Senate Passage of Legislation to Combat Invasive Species, Address Coastal Erosion, Protect Water Quality in Great Lakes, Ohio
Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, applauded the Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), bipartisan legislation that authorizes a host of investments in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and programs, including a number of Portman priorities and provisions that support the Great Lakes and the state of Ohio. Specifically, the WRDA bill includes measures that will protect and improve the water quality of the Great Lakes and waterways across Ohio by delivering more resources to combat invasive species, improve water infrastructure, support shoreline stabilization, and address the threat of coastal erosion.
“This bipartisan legislation includes a number of my key priorities that support the Great Lakes and waterways across Ohio,” said Portman. “From addressing coastal erosion along the shores of Lake Erie to combating invasive species in Ohio’s lakes and other inland waterways, this bipartisan legislation is a major win for the Great Lakes and the people of Ohio.”
NOTE: More specifically, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act:
- Includes Portman’s bipartisan Lake Erie Water Quality Protection Act, which would expand the Aquatic Plant Control Program to include the Lake Erie Basin and the Ohio River Basin, and directs USACE to prioritize hydrilla projects.
- Includes Portman’s bipartisan Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act, which would direct the Army Corps to prioritize the development of dredge material management plans for Ohio’s eight harbors along Lake Erie that adhere to the State of Ohio’s water quality laws.
- Directs the Army Corps to prioritize shoreline protection and restoration projects along the Great Lakes and Ohio’s waterways and authorizes funding to support forecasting for water levels and water level variability in the Great Lakes.
- Directs the Army Corps to expedite the completion of the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, which would coordinate a strategy across the Great Lakes states to help protect the Great Lakes’ 5,200-mile coastline. Portman has consistently advocated for the completion of this study.
- Increases the federal cost-share for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project from 80% federal cost-share to 90% federal cost-share. Earlier this year, Portman was successful in securing $225.8 million for the project through funding provided by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Increases the funding authorization for the Sec. 594 Ohio and North Dakota Environmental Infrastructure Program to $100 million. This program allows the Army Corps to provide assistance to non-Federal interests in Ohio for projects including the design and construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities, combined sewer overflows, water supply/storage/treatment, environmental restoration, and surface water protection.
On FOX Business, Portman Discusses Surging Inflation, Democrats’ Latest Tax & Spending Spree
Senator Portman joined FOX Business’ Kudlow this afternoon to discuss the consequences of the Democrats’ plan to raise taxes on workers’ wages, consumers, and producers. Portman said the Democrats’ tax hikes will hurt lower and middle-income Americans the most and will make soaring inflation and rising costs even worse. Portman noted that this was the wrong policy at the wrong time, with the U.S. now in recession, with taxes on businesses getting passed onto workers and consumers through lower wages and higher prices. Portman especially criticized the Democrat’s proposed tax on book income, noting that attempting to tax companies based on their financial statements instead of their taxable income is the wrong approach that will hurt industries like manufacturing the most, discouraging investments in the equipment manufacturers need to succeed.
You can watch the interview here.
Friday, July 29, 2022
In Akron, Portman Speaks at Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce & Akron Friends Thank You Breakfast
Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman attended the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and Akron Friends Thank You Breakfast. During the breakfast, Portman spoke about current legislative priorities in Congress, including the CHIPS Act to reshore our nation’s semiconductor industry and its potential to bring significant economic development to Ohio. The CHIPS Act passed the Senate on Wednesday and the House on Thursday. It will now be sent to the president’s desk for signature. Portman also talked about the need for Congress to pass the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) and the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“It was great to be with the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce this morning to provide them an update on my work in Senate. During the last few months of my tenure, I am focused on a few different priorities that will greatly impact Ohioans, such as keeping America competitive through the CHIPS Act, which just passed the Senate this past Wednesday,” said Senator Portman. “I also want to thank the Chamber for being supportive of my bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law last November. Over the next few years, we’ll get to see the positive effects of the bipartisan infrastructure law in Akron and around the country.”
Senator Portman briefly touched on his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law last November. He thanked the Akron Chamber for their support of the legislation and spoke of the benefits the bill will bring to the Akron area. Portman also touched on grants Akron received – such as the TIGER, now RAISE, grants – which have made improvements to the Downtown Promenade and along Main Street. During his time in the Senate, Portman was supportive of Akron receiving said grants.
Today’s breakfast was held at the Bowery Project, a $40 million development project aimed at continuing the revitalization of downtown Akron. This project was funded in part by $16 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and more than $6.4 million in Historic Tax Credits (HTC), two key tax incentives Senator Portman fought to preserve during the tax reform debate in 2017.
In Akron, Portman Visits the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank, Sees Firsthand How New Market Tax Credits Extension Act Funding Have Helped Expand Its Services With New Stark County Campus
Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman visited the new Stark County Campus of the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank and met with the organization’s leadership to receive updates on the food bank’s operations – especially in light of hardships brought on by COVID-19. Senator Portman worked closely with Ohio’s food banks throughout the pandemic to ensure they were able to continue to provide food to Ohioans in need. He also received a tour of their new campus that covers the southern part of their service region.
“I had a great visit at the new Stark County campus of the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank today. They have worked tirelessly to provide food to those in need throughout Northeast Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Portman. “I was pleased to see firsthand how New Markets Tax Credits have helped the Akron Canton Food Bank expand its services with a second facility in Stark County so it now has a permanent campus to better serve the Greater Akron region. We must ensure that all of our food banks have all the resources necessary to carry out their mission and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the needs of the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank so I can help ensure that they can continue to meet the increased demand due to this pandemic.”
The new Stark County campus that Senator Portman toured today was built with support from the New Market Tax Credits. Portman supports making the NTMC permanent, leading efforts with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce legislation New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act (S.456) – to accomplish that goal. This bill would permanently authorize a federal tax credit for businesses or economic development projects in areas with poverty rates of at least 20 percent, or median incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median. After seeing significant benefits for Ohio cities, Portman led efforts to preserve the credit during the 2017 tax reform debate and helped secure the five-year extension in the end-of-year spending package that passed Congress in December 2020.