| | The REAL Inconvenient Truth:
Currently, the U.S. Debt is estimated at: $9,849,354,380,955.73 Your share of today's public debt is: $30,891.15 | | | |
| | | | Strengthening Ohio Tourism and Economic Revitalization
 Throughout his career, Sen. Voinovich has actively supported the private and public sectors coming together to enhance Ohio's local economies. Recently, Sen. Voinovich spoke at the grand opening of the newly renovated Fort Piqua Hotel, a vital economic and tourism endeavor in southwest Ohio. After decades of vacancy and almost two years of renovation, one of Piqua's most historic landmarks re-opened to include the restored community banquet facility and relocation of the Flesh Public Library. In 2002, Sen. Voinovich visited Piqua to engage with community leaders on Piqua's economic growth, including the revitalization of the hotel. The hotel renovation encountered financial difficulties getting off the ground until Sen. Voinovich co-authored the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2007 – which ensured the continuance of the NMTC through 2013. NMTCs are designed to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income communities that are often overlooked by traditional investors. These investments have been used to finance a wide range of businesses and community economic development initiatives including manufacturing ventures, grocery-anchored retail centers, charter schools, health care facilities and mixed-use real estate projects. Ohioans need a stronger economy and more good-paying jobs and Sen. Voinovich has made that a top priority.
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| | | | Sen. Voinovich-authored IP Legislation Becoming Law
Since coming to the United States Senate, Sen. Voinovich has worked hard to grow jobs and protect consumers in the state of Ohio. Last month, he was pleased to see his colleagues in the Senate vote to unanimously pass his Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act, legislation he wrote to address intellectual property rights enforcement and protection of American innovation. President Bush signed this legislation into law a few days later as well. In the fierce competition of the 21st-century global marketplace, intellectual property is one of the few areas where America has a clear advantage over foreign competitors. Sen. Voinovich believes it is vital that we protect that advantage, level the playing field and ensure continued economic growth for Americans. This new law is a critical step toward safeguarding the economic health of our country. It will provide increased resources to combat intellectual property theft and provide coordination and strategic planning of federal efforts against counterfeiting and piracy. This is a major victory for America's innovators and a wake-up call for foreign counterfeiters who believe they can steal our ideas and hard work with impunity. | | | |
| | | | Keeping Our Promise to Veterans
 Last week Sen. Voinovich, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Oversight of Government Management, attended the dedication of the Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Affairs (VA) Ambulatory Care Center at the Defense Supply Center Columbus. The 295,000 square foot medical center will bring a state-of-the-art facility to the veterans of central Ohio and surrounding communities with a more than 150-percent increase in size over the current outpatient clinic under the same name in Columbus. Prior to the opening of this facility, Columbus was the 15th largest city in the nation, and the only one without a major VA hospital. A long-time advocate for responsible management and efficiency, Sen. Voinovich is deeply committed to the needs of veterans, and pushed hard for this project through the CARES (Capital Asset Realignment Enhanced Services) Commission process by sending letters to the CARES Commission arguing for a VA facility with expanded size and services in Central Ohio. He is also concerned about serious management challenges facing the VA and has worked to help alleviate the backlog of veterans' disability claims in Ohio.
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| | | | Expanding Energy Technology in Ohio
Sen. Voinovich, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, recently spoke at First Solar's groundbreaking event for a two-phase expansion at their Perrysburg Township facility. He joined public officials, guests and First Solar employees to discuss the significance of First Solar in northwest Ohio in terms of job creation and technology development. First Solar will be investing $54 million in a new research and technology center and $82 million to expand their manufacturing operations. This expansion will contribute significantly to keeping northwest Ohio at the forefront of the development of alternative energy resources and technology. Sen. Voinovich believes we need a Second Declaration of Independence – independence from foreign sources of energy – in order to strengthen our economic and national security. He is working overtime to find energy solutions to immediately reduce our dependence on foreign oil and relieve the price at the pump. Solar is one of the most successful alternative forms of energy and is part of the senator's comprehensive plan focused both on short- and long-term solutions.
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| | | | Mrs. Voinovich Celebrating Mammography Day in Southeast Ohio
 Earlier this month, Mrs. Janet Voinovich, former First Lady of Ohio and wife of Sen. Voinovich, recognized Ohio Mammography Day in Middleport. Mrs. Voinovich gave remarks at the 2008 Ohio Mammography Day Tea and presented the Janet Voinovich Service Award to the 2008 award recipient, Norma Torres. Sen. Voinovich attended the event alongside his wife. As First Lady of Ohio, Mrs. Voinovich was the state's leading advocate for breast and cervical cancer awareness and research. She helped spearhead legislation designating the third Thursday in October "Ohio Mammography Day." Since her husband became U.S. Senator, she has continued to work to educate Ohioans on the importance of prevention, early detection and research. Mammography Day has been set apart to remind women across Ohio that early detection remains the single most important weapon in the fight against breast cancer. It is also an opportunity to recognize individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership, empathy, commitment, compassion and resolve in their efforts to increase breast cancer awareness. This year represented Mrs. Voinovich's 16th year of sharing her passion for promoting the importance of early detection practices to combat breast cancer with her fellow Ohioans.
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