Brenner for Ohio Blog

Recount Results

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:24:09 GMT

My opponent in the primary requested a recount of six precincts within the district. Given that the margin was not small enough for an automatic recount, he paid $55 per precinct. While this could not possibly cover the cost, time and man power it took to complete this, the recount is now complete. I am happy to say that I still won the primary, and in fact gained one vote.

Did you know that Ohio was #1 in the nation for new jobs created in the month of February? We are now #4 in the nation overall, up from #48 when I took office a little over a year ago.

Together, we will continue lifting up the people of Ohio!

HB 322 (Ohio-Chartered Banks) Passes Through the Ohio House

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:22:03 GMT

I am proud to say that HB 322 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives today with a bi-partisan vote. This bill permits Ohio-chartered banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions to charge the same interest, fees, and other charges that respective out-of-state financial institutions may charge Ohio customers.

For a little background on the bill, we first need to recognize that banks can select in which state they charter their entity. The law of the state in which they are chartered is what governs them, including what interest rates they set. Those interest rates then apply to the other 49 states, as the law in the state in which they are chartered is the law that applies nationally to all branches of that bank. In other words, "Bank X" can charter in Delaware, set high interest rates because Delaware allows it, yet charge those same rates to Ohioans at all of their Ohio "Bank X" branches. The downside is that our state law discourages "Bank X" from chartering in Ohio, running jobs to other states while our residents still pay the interest rates that "Bank X" sets based on Delaware's laws.

It is evident from the questions asked by opponents to this bill that they have wildly misunderstood. First, let's talk about what this bill is not.

This bill is not a pay day lender bill. The sections of the code are completely different.
This bill does not raise interest rates on Ohio customers. We are all already paying these rates with the credit cards we have from banks chartered in other states.

Most importantly, let's highlight what this bill really does do. Bottom line -- it's about jobs. All this bill does is say that Ohio's chartered banks can charge the same as what other states permit. This means that "Bank X" could now instead charter in Ohio, bringing jobs to Ohio. Ohioans are going to pay the same interest rates as they did before, except now, we have the jobs that "Bank X" creates here in Ohio rather than in the state of Delaware.

Another issue is that banks that are chartered in Ohio cannot compete against the profitability of "Bank X" chartered in Delaware or another state that allows higher rates because of the rate ceiling that is in place for Ohio's chartered banks. This ceiling does not apply to the branches of "Bank X" that are located in Ohio -- only to the banks actually chartered here. So again, we're left with an industry being governed by multiple laws; laws that put Ohio's banks at a disadvantage for profit and job creation, encouraging them to charter (and create jobs) elsewhere. Remember though, Ohio's residents are already paying the rates of "Bank X" -- this bill does not raise anyone's rates. Again, this bill is all about jobs.

I am grateful for the Chair of the committee that heard this bill, Chairman Richard Adams. My colleague in the Ohio Senate, Sen. Bill Coley, is carrying a companion bill through the Senate. We look forward to this bill passing the Senate and making it to the Governor's desk so that our banking industry can create jobs in the State of Ohio. Our state has moved from being #47 in job creation to #9 and now to #5 nationally, and we are #1 in the midwest. This bill is just another step in the right direction toward making Ohio more competitive for businesses so that our citizens in this state can have good-paying jobs here, at home, rather than sending them to the state of Delaware and elsewhere.

Join Our Mobile Team! Text AndrewBrenner to 90210

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:47:43 GMT

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Thank you!

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:21:42 GMT

Thank you for your support yesterday! With all precincts reporting, we have won the Republican primary for the 67th Ohio House District. I am grateful for all of the supporters and volunteers, and especially my wife - Sara Marie - whose countless hours on this campaign together led us to victory. I also want to thank Congressman Pat Tiberi, the Delaware County Republican Party, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Right to Life PAC, Ohio Pro Life PAC, Buckeye Firearms Association, the NRA and My School My Choice for their support and assistance.

Several other good candidates won their primaries last night in Delaware County. I want to congratulate Gary Merrell for winning the primary to become County Commissioner. In addition, Ken O'Brien, a current commissioner, won his primary. Finally, my intern at the Statehouse, Adam Fleischer, won his race to represent his precinct on the Delaware County Republican Party's Central Committee.

We move on past the primary to continue the hard work that is being done at the Statehouse to make Ohio a better place to live and work. Please take a moment to review the Opportunity for Ohio -- a package of legislation that I will soon be introducing in the Ohio House. If there is anything I can do for you or your business, please call me at 740.203.9273. Thank you again for your support!

God bless,

Andy

Vote BRENNER on March 6

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:04:38 GMT

Friends,

I ask for your vote on Tuesday, March 6 in the Republican Primary for State Representative in the 67th House District! Please take a moment to forward this email to 10 of your friends who live in Delaware County west of I-71.

I am a Delaware County native, and currently reside in Powell with my wife, Sara Marie. I was a small business owner and manager for over a decade before I ran for office in 2004. I served as your County Recorder from 2004-2010, where I repeatedly cut the budget, came in under budget and reformed and modernized the office.

My opponent promised he would drop out of the race if he wasn't endorsed by the party. He wasn't endorsed, but stayed in. He promised he would run a positive campaign, yet he mailed a "hit" piece on me over the weekend, full of false information. I have refrained from informing you about all of the negative information we have on my opponent because I promised to run a positive campaign, and I'm proud of my record. Unlike my opponent, I'm going to keep my promise and keep the race positive because I am completely confident in my record as your State Representative. If you have any questions before you vote, feel free to call me at 740.203.9273.

As your current State Representative (from the 2nd House District), I:

received the 2011 "Defender of Liberty" award from the American Conservative Union for my 100% conservative voting record
voted to eliminate the death tax, balance the budget without raising taxes, lower our taxes, bring jobs to Ohio, help make Ohio energy independent and help businesses thrive
voted to protect the life of the unborn (including supporting the "heartbeat bill") and protect the 2nd amendment
introduced legislation to provide more money for the education system in Ohio without raising our property taxes, and to allow a private-sector solution to train people for open jobs in Ohio
had my first bill signed in to law by the Governor - a bill to help children with dyslexia learn to read

I have been endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Delaware County Republican Party, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Right to Life, and several others. I received an "A" rating from Buckeye Firearms, as well. I am a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Friends of the Trail, NRA, Farm Bureau, St. Joan of Arc Men's Club, and a few other committees and organizations.

I want to continue the fight for you, and would appreciate your vote tomorrow. Please take a moment to forward this email to 10 of your friends who live in Delaware County west of I-71. Tomorrow, we will demonstrate that keeping your word and running on your record are not only the right thing to do, but that it's a winning strategy.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Andrew O. Brenner

State Representative

Eagle Scout Court of Honor with Boy Scout Troop 428 for Jackson Burke

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:03:50 GMT

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor with Boy Scout Troop 428 for Jackson Burke at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Powell.

Jackson received three awards, reserved for individuals who have achieved great things:

A commendation from the Ohio House for his Eagle Scout accomplishment
An Ohio flag, personally from me, which was flown over the Statehouse on President's Day in honor of Jackson's accomplishment
An Ohio flag to troop 428 for their service to the community, which was flown over the Statehouse on Washington's birthday

I am very proud of these outstanding young citizens of our community. It was an honor to participate in the ceremony and speak with the parents who support their children in their scouting efforts.

For a list of famous Eagle Scouts, click here.

Opportunity for Ohio: A Package of Legislation for 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:54:52 GMT

As part of my duties as an Ohio State Representative, I have examined the state budget and our many institutions at great length. The federal government is making things worse for our state in several ways. In 2012, I will respond with specific, targeted legislation to deal with these enormous problems that are partly or exclusively created by an increasingly intrusive federal government.

President Obama's agenda has made the situation worse, as the nation continues to rack up unsustainable debt and intrude further in to the prerogatives of the states. Under Republican leadership, Ohio has shown the President how to balance a budget. We did so last year by filling an $8 billion budget gap without raising taxes, and even keeping a tax cut in place. When we took office, Ohio was 48th in the country in job creation - we are now 9th. We are also 1st in the midwest in job creation now.

This year, I urge my fellow legislators to join me in sending a message to the president that we can do even more than balance a budget if the federal government will get off Ohio's back. These bills are not just messages, either - they have real teeth, and will help our state. This legislation is in addition to other bills I am working on, including our education funding system, banking laws, local government issues and other matters of importance. There are three bills and two resolutions in this package, described below.

OPPORTUNITY FOR OHIO

A Package of Legislation for 2012

The Issue 3 Enforcement Act

Ohioans voted on issue 3 in November 2011, and it passed overwhelmingly in the state of Ohio. It showed that Ohioans are aware of and outraged by the federal government's effort to intrude upon our state's sovereignty and control our personal purchasing decisions. The Issue 3 Enforcement Act says that the State of Ohio will pay attorney's fees if a citizen files a lawsuit and successfully enforces the Issue 3 "Healthcare Freedom Amendment" provision of the Ohio Constitution (which made Obamacare's individual mandate illegal in Ohio). This bill will provide the resources to make sure that every Ohioan, including low-income Ohioans, can be free from the repressive mandates of Obamacare.

Interstate Healthcare Compact

There is no question that Ohioans reject Obamacare and are aware of the damage it will do to Americans. State governors and legislators opposed to the federal health care law are eyeing a 10th Amendment, federalist approach to escape its provisions: joining an "interstate compact" that would replace federal programs - including Medicare and Medicaid - with block grants to the states. I am introducing a bill that would have Ohio join this compact. To date, legislation has been drafted or introduced in 14 states and brought to the floor by lawmakers in at least nine. It has become law in four states thus far.

State Agencies Reporting Requirements

State Representative John Adams is leading the charge to modernize state agencies and I am standing beside him.

Many of Ohio's agencies receive money directly from the federal government. We all know how irresponsible the federal government has been with money and spending, as its massive debts, money printing and overspending is well documented. Therefore, Ohio needs to be prepared. This bill requires state agencies to report the receipt of federal funds and have a contingency plan in case that money is no longer available. This will help quarantine Ohio from financial contagion that may result from the federal government's reckless monetary and fiscal policy.

Highway Funds Resolution

Since 1958, the federal government has been taking about 15% of Ohio's highway funds - adding to tens of billions per year. Usually, the feds will tie return of our money to mandates and rules by which they require we abide. It is nothing but a way to control our state through blackmail. Because of shortfalls of funding, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has recently announced that extremely important highway projects will have to be backed up for decades. This Resolution would urge the federal government to let Ohio keep its highway funds, allowing us to complete important projects within our state.

Consumer Financial "Protection" Bureau

The political career of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray was ended in Ohio when he lost his election in 2010, largely (if not entirely) due to the fact that he refused to defend Ohioans against Obamacare's individual mandate. Now the person who would not defend Ohio against the most intrusive law in American history is the President's choice to defend America's consumers. In order to seat Mr. Cordray, the President chose to subvert the U.S. Constitution and appoint him without Senatorial consent. It is not hard to understand how a group of people who have consistently shown contempt for U.S. law could not then be trusted to "protect" consumers. There is no question that this institution is designed to be an instrument of left-wing policy. This is why I am introducing a Resolution urging the federal government to repeal Dodd-Frank and the Consumer Protection Act of 2011.

This blog posting was corrected and updated at 11:00 PM ET February 22.

If you have any questions about this legislation, please contact me.

Ohio Wesleyan University Men's Soccer Team Resolutions

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:26:02 GMT

I had the honor of presenting four resolutions to the Ohio Wesleyan Men's Soccer Team on behalf of the House for their national championship, as well as to the player of the year, assistant coach and coach. I also visited the team during the halftime of a basketball game at OWU a few weeks ago.

Among the honors was one given to their coach, Jay Martin, for having the most wins in NCAA soccer history with 608 victories.

View the video of the presentations: Resolutions presented to OWU.

Fr Ray from St Joan of Arc Church Gives Opening Prayer at Statehouse

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:24:11 GMT

I invited Father Ray Larussa from St Joan of Arch Catholic Church in Powell to give the opening prayer for the Ohio House, and I had the pleasure of introducing him today at our 11am session.

You can watch the introduction and prayer here: http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=134461&startTime=0&autoStart=True.

Tele-Town Hall with Congressman Pat Tiberi

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:33:10 GMT

Tonight from 7-8pm ET, I participated in a tele-town hall with Congressman Pat Tiberi with residents of what will be the 67th Ohio House district. We reached several thousand homes by phone, and took questions from callers on a wide array of issues including worker's compensation, education, and other issues. Several callers were very concerned with beating Obama in November 2012, and had questions for the Congressman about federal issues, as well.

Thank you to Congressman Tiberi for hosting the call, and for the residents who listened, asked questions, and offered to volunteer or take yard signs.

John Mariotti: Letter to the Editor

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:02:53 GMT

Dear Editor,

I still remember the first time I met Andy Brenner. When I asked him his philosophy and plans, he told me about his experience as Recorder of Delaware County. He spoke in words that were remarkable for a “politician.” He talked about “increasing productivity,” about “developing metrics” (so everyone knew how they were doing), about “benchmarking” against other counties, and by reducing staff “via attrition,” thus “doing more with less.” That phrase “doing more with less,” combined with his down-to-earth work ethic, told me he was a good man to represent us. The state was facing the need to do “more with less” and Andy had “been there, done that.” He understood the issues where he would be faced with tough decisions and had shown an ability to get the job done, humanely.

Our conversation shifted to fixing Ohio’s problems and making it a better place to live and work and a better place for employers to locate their companies and jobs. He emphasized the to the need for rapid action. Since he has been in office, he’s been doing thatundefinedor at least that’s whatthe metrics show: Ohio is up from 48^th to 9^th best in job creationundefinedand first in the Midwest. A large part of that came from reducing oppressive regulations, an area in which Andy has been in the forefront. An improved state credit rating is also thanks to efforts of Andy and his colleaguesto return budgetary responsibility to Ohio. Best of all, when there is a need to talk to Andy, I can find him and discuss issues with him.

I’ve spent most of my life building Ohio companies. I ran a couple during their good times, as President of Huffy Bicycles and of Rubbermaid’s Office Products Group, and I’ve spent the last 17 years helping companies, large and smallundefinedgrow and prosperundefinedand create jobs in Ohio. During that career I always looked for hard working, results-oriented people who understood the big picture, would step up when hard jobs needed to be done, and did it with a concern for people. We called them “blue collar managers,” and they were hard workersundefinedand the heart and soul of any business. It makes a lot of sense to choose someone with those values and attributes to represent us in the State House, which is why I support Andy Brenner. He just gets the right job done, and in the right way.

John L. Mariotti

Powell, Ohio

Vince Margello: Letter to the Editor

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:56:10 GMT

Dear Editor,

Over the years, I have always looked for the candidates for office who “get it” - who understand the stranglehold that government has on our businesses. When I met our State Representative Andrew Brenner back when he was still Recorder, I knew I had found that candidate.

I have spent many hours with Andy discussing the issues that businesses face. He comes from a background of owning and running mortgage and development companies, and he’s been on a zoning board and held local elected office. He understands how government can be so ridiculous in its requirements, and the often senseless hoops businesses have to jump through to please a government entity. Andy is working every day to make government run more like a business.

Andy’s record in his first year as State Representative is exactly what those of us who own businesses want to see from our elected representatives. He has a 100% pro-business voting record, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce endorsed him - not his opponent. He also did not support Powell’s attempt to double the city income tax, and so some of those who wanted our taxes to double have supported his opponent. That’s politics, but Andy does what is right for our businesses and our residents, not just what will earn him a vote. We need more people like that in our State House and in Congress, so we need to send Andy back for another term to show everyone that you can stand up for what you believe in and get re-elected in the process.

I encourage you to look at AndrewBrenner.com to learn all of the details about everything Andy is doing for the businesses in this district and the state of Ohio. He has the record, understanding and background to continue to make a real difference for us. Join me on March 6 in supporting Republican State Representative Andrew Brenner for another term.

Vincent J. Margello

Powell, Ohio

HB 116 - Anti-Bullying

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:39:38 GMT

Endorsed by Ohio Right to Life

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:53:30 GMT

I am honored to share the news with you today that I have been endorsed by Ohio Right to Life for the 67th Ohio House District for the 2012 primary. My opponent in the primary was not endorsed.

During my time in the House, I have fought early and often for legislation that protects the rights of the unborn, including the "heartbeat bill." Earning the support of Ohio Right to Life is very important to me, and I am truly humbled to have been recognized by this endorsement. Through supporting the CORE Center in Delaware and other pro-life causes, I am doing all I can both as a legislator and a citizen to promote this important cause.

I would appreciate your vote on March 6, 2012 in the Republican primary for the 67th Ohio House District.

Birthday Bash Invitation

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:02:52 GMT

Please be sure to download the invitation for the January 14th birthday bash, and join us!

Invitation - Brenner Birthday Bash - January 14, 2012

Brenner Endorsed by the Delaware County Republican Party

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:45:11 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Brenner Receives Endorsement from the

Delaware County Republican Party

POWELL, OH - Tonight, the Delaware County Republican Party voted to endorse State Representative Andrew O. Brenner in his 2012 campaign for the 67th* district in the Ohio House of Representatives. Despite having an opponent for the endorsement, Brenner was recommended by the screening committee and received vast support from central committee members, party leadership and the Speaker of the Ohio House.

"I am honored to have received the endorsement from the Party, and appreciate the members of the central committee supporting my re-election," Brenner said. "I am humbled by the support I have received, and am grateful to Party Chairman Bob Mann, all of the members of central committee and Speaker Batchelder. I look forward to continuing to represent the residents of this district."

To help with Rep. Brenner's 2012 campaign, visit www.AndrewBrenner.com/2012. For more information, please reply to this email or call 740.203.9273.

*State Rep. Brenner is currently the Representative from the 2nd Ohio House District. However, with redistricting, Brenner will be running in the 67th district in 2012.

Thank a Veteran!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:20:11 GMT

Be sure to take a moment today and thank a veteran! As we honor those who have served our nation, we are grateful for those who have fought for the freedoms we take for granted. I personally want to say "thank you" to all of you who have served. Our nation is better for the selfless sacrifice of so many.

As former President Ronald Reagan said, "Let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived ... and died." Today, please take a moment to thank a veteran, and say a special prayer for our nation and those who fight for our liberties. We need to never forget all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

Awarded "Defender of Liberty" by American Conservative Union

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:20:08 GMT

This morning, I was honored to receive the "Defender of Liberty" award from the American Conservative Union.

This award is given to members of the Ohio General Assembly who have a strong, conservative voting record. I voted 100% with conservative causes over the course of the 2011 General Assembly. For more details on the award, including the 12 bills that were considered when determining the recipients of the award, click here.

With Speaker Batchelder's leadership, we have been able to promote an agenda in this General Assembly that protects the life of the unborn, supports our second amendment rights, balances our budget, eliminates the death tax, lowers taxes, and creates an environment to bring businesses and jobs back to Ohio. These 12 bills are important steps toward turning around Ohio, and they are issues I promised to address in my campaign last year. I was honored to vote for the legislation that was considered for the ACU award.

You can view all of the legislation I have supported here.

Brenner Announces Re-Election Bid for 2012

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:49:22 GMT

Recently, I informed the Delaware County Republican Party that I will be running for re-election in 2012. For more information on my record, the campaign and how you can help in the March primary, please visit www.AndrewBrenner.com/2012.

Elections Complaint Dismissed 6-0

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:50:58 GMT

All through this past year, my Democrat opponent from the 2010 election continues to attack me. Recently, he filed an elections complaint that I am happy to announce was dismissed this morning with a 6-0 vote. My opponents continue to find baseless angles of attack to use against me because they just don't like what we're trying to do for the State of Ohio. These people, including my former opponent, are wasting the resources of the State and just creating distractions.

As we move in to the primary season, I need your support to continue to fight for lower taxes, bringing jobs to Ohio, creating a business-friendly environment and protecting life. I have personally sponsored legislation providing tax credits, I supported JobsOhio, I have voted for business-friendly legislation, I support the "heartbeat bill," and I am introducing other legislation to help in a variety of areas throughout our state. I have sponsored and co-sponsored the legislation I promised I would in my campaign, and will continue to do so. You can view all of the legislation I have supported here.

I need to have the resources to continue to fight for what we believe in. Please help me with the fight by making a donation online today! Any amount is helpful and means that I can make sure I get my message out.

If you ever have any questions or issues to discuss with me, please feel free to call me at 740.203.9273. I have worked hard to meet with everyone who is interested, and will continue to do so. If you have a problem in your neighborhood or with your business, I am always happy to do what I can to help.

Please take a moment to make an online donation today. I can't do this without your support. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the residents of the Ohio House 2nd* District, and look forward to continuing to fight for our beliefs!