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Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What yes or no vote really means for Ohio Issue 2 in May election
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohioans voting in the May 6 primary and special election will be deciding whether to pass Issue 2, a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing $2.5 billion in infrastructure funding. If passed, Issue 2 would allow the state to give out up to $250 million in bonds annually, or $2.5 billion over the next decade, to fund local infrastructure projects, like building roads, bridges, landfills, water supply systems and more. It's a funding program dating back to 1987, and Ohio voters have renewed it three times since — in 1995 with 62% of the vote, in 2005 with 54%, and in 2014 with 65%. Some Ohioans say proposed ban of phones in schools violates parents' rights The amendment's passage would mark an increase in the program's spending, as the current cycle is capped at issuing $200 million annually. However, because the amendment is a bond program, it's repaid using existing revenue and will not raise taxes. A 'yes' vote would be in support of the program and extending it for another 10 years, while a 'no' vote would be in favor of ending the program after the current cycle's projects wrap up. Issue 2 has bipartisan support from most Statehouse lawmakers and is backed by the Strong Ohio Communities Coalition, a group of stakeholders like the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Contractors Association. The coalition noted that the program has funded more than 19,000 projects since 1987, and its renewal would create an estimated 35,000 construction jobs. Annual Buckeye pinwheel planting celebrates, brings awareness to organ donations '[The program] has a long and proven track record of success — funding vital roadway improvements and critical water safety projects across all 88 counties,' said Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman. 'Issue 2's broad support from local elected officials, business leaders, and labor groups mirrors the nearly unanimous bipartisan support the General Assembly gave inagreeing to place the renewal issue before voters on the May 6 ballot.' A few Republican legislators said they are voting against Issue 2, and those opponents are backed by The Grassroots Freedom Initiative. One of those lawmakers is Rep. Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville), who argues not all Ohio communities are benefiting from the program and that the state needs to find a better way to fund these infrastructure projects. 'I do think it's outdated, and it continues to grow,' Ferguson previously told NBC4. 'We're in this time where we should be making tax dollars stretch as far as possible to provide as many good, solid services for people as possible and I don't think this is the most efficient way to do that.' Those in Ohio wishing to use mail-in voting must first submit a request form for an absentee ballot, available here, and return it by mail or in person to their county board of elections. While Ohio began mailing absentee ballots on April 8 to those who submitted a request, the deadline to request a ballot is seven days before the election on April 29. Sheriff speaks about finding dead dogs at Madison County home After receiving and completing their ballot, Ohioans must ensure their ballot is postmarked by the day before the election, May 5, in order to be counted. Voters can also return their absentee ballot in person to their county board of elections before the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on May 6. Early in-person voting started on April 8. Voters can cast ballots at county boards of elections most days leading up to the weekend before special election day, so long as they come with photo identification. Here's when you can vote early: April 14-18: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-25: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 29: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 30 – May 2: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 3: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ohio requires in-person voters to have a form of photo identification in order to vote. That includes an Ohio driver's license, an Ohio ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID, or an Ohio National Guard ID. All identification must have an expiration date that has not passed, a photograph of the voter, and the voter's name, which must substantially conform to the voter's name as it appears in the poll list. There are many resources on the Secretary of State's website, that will make your trip to the polls easier: View your sample ballot here. Find your May 6 polling location here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND RECEIVES TRAVEL + LEISURE 2025 GLOBAL VISION AWARD
LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga., April 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, a leader in sustainable hospitality, has been recognized as a Global Vision Honoree by Travel + Leisure. The Global Vision Awards honor the people, companies, and nonprofits that are changing the way of travel for the better. Every year, Travel + Leisure presents its Global Vision Awards, acknowledging individuals, products, destinations, and organizations pioneering sustainable and eco-friendly travel. These visionaries are focused on the future of travel—and are dedicated to ensuring that we, as humans, can continue to explore the world without damaging it as we go along. Owner Wendy Paulson commented, "At Little Saint Simons Island, where "nature is the luxury", we aim to demonstrate the highest standards for ecological management and conservation tourism. Our hope is that immersion in coastal nature and ecological learning will leave guests not only with an appreciation for the extraordinary Georgia coast but also with a transformed understanding of what they can do to apply conservation practices in their home places." Ecological Manager Scott Coleman, who runs the Island's Center for Coastal Conservation, added, "This award shines a light on nearly 18 years of effective partnership between Little St. Simons Island's lodge and conservation programs. I hope that this award will attract even more environmentally conscious travelers, as they understand that visiting Little St. Simons Island helps to advance coastal conservation." "We're all very excited – and honored – to be a 2025 Global Vision Award winner," said Jamie Pazur, General Manager for the Lodge, "and we're grateful to have the opportunity to protect and share such a beautiful, vibrant place with the world. This recognition is a testament to the importance of eco-conscious travel and the dedication of our team to providing sustainable hospitality." Travel + Leisure's Global Vision Awards will be featured in the April 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure and a link to the results can be found at A longform piece about The Lodge itself can be found at ABOUT LITTLE ST SIMONS ISLAND Little St. Simons Island lies in the wilderness of the Altamaha River delta. One of the most productive estuaries on the Atlantic coast, the 135-square mile delta contains untouched marshes, mudflats, and small islands dotted with old-growth oak forests. An ancient landscape built by rivers and tides, Georgia's barrier islands are richly biodiverse and host hundreds of resident species and migrants. The Lodge is a gateway for exploring this remarkable wilderness, providing unparalleled access to the region's natural luxury. As a leader in ecological conservation and sustainable hospitality, each guest's stay helps to protect these rare undeveloped habitats. The Lodge is beloved for gracious hospitality and all-inclusive accommodations for no more than 32 nightly guests, and features high-caliber dining with fresh ingredients from the Island's garden and local purveyors. Explore the Island's 11,000 acres of undeveloped landscapes and 7 miles of pristine beach on an array of outdoor adventures guided by a team of naturalists. Island favorites include hiking, fishing, kayaking, and trips to the beach. Little St. Simons Island is home to the Center for Coastal Conservation, which facilitates the management and preservation of coastal ecosystems in Georgia through land and wildlife stewardship, research, education, and outreach, and regional leadership. Stays at The Lodge directly support the Center's conservation efforts and guests are able to see research and science in action. Accessible only by Lodge ferry, the Island lies midway between Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL. For more information, please visit Contact: Jamie Pazur | jamie@ | 912.638.7472 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Little St Simons Island Sign in to access your portfolio
