Franklin County commissioners vote to add racial equity as a county core principle

To end practices, policies or legislation that harm Black and Latino residents, the Franklin County Commissioners are expected Tuesday to approve a resolution to add racial equity to the county's list of core principles.

The resolution legally codifies racial equity as a sixth core principle and identifies racism as a root cause of poverty, constricted economic mobility and health disparities.

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How Franklin County decides which nonprofits get money to fight poverty, abuse and more

Across Franklin County, dozens of nonprofit organizations work diligently to ensure the city's neighborhoods are supplemented with the resources they need.

Whether supplying meals through local food banks, forming out-of-school programs for students or establishing centers for those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, these organizations serve as difference-makers in the capital city.

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Outreach groups help bolster protection for voting process across Ohio

Mia Lewis said anxiety and confusion loom over this year's general election, but her organization and others are increasing efforts to assure voter protection in Franklin County and across Ohio through Election Day.

Lewis, associate director of Common Cause Ohio, helps lead a nonpartisan group that educates voters and ensures residents can cast their ballots safely. The statewide group is part of a national organization, which forms the Election Protection coalition.

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Franklin County appoints new official to support underserved communities

To better meet the needs of local residents, Franklin County commissioners appointed Joy Bivens as a new deputy county administrator Monday to oversee and integrate county human services systems.

The board announced that Bivens, who currently serves as the director of the county Job and Family Services agency, will take on the administrative role for health and human services to better support traditionally underserved community members.

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Some Columbus-area businesses are hampered by US coin shortage

With a shortage of coins in circulation because of the coronavirus shutdowns, local businesses have sought new ways to create a flow of pocket change to keep operations afloat.

For nearly a month, Whitehall Turkey Hill store manager Dustin Anderson said the store was short-handed on coins, prompting employees to hang signs on doors and cash registers notifying customers.

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Partnership secures nearly $1 million for new domestic violence prevention model

A collaboration among several Franklin County agencies received a $900,000 award for a new safety model to combat domestic violence and protect victims.

The 2020 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office for Violence Against Women, will establish the Blueprint for Safety model through September 2023, Franklin County and Columbus officials announced Tuesday morning.

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Franklin County elections board, Republican Party push for more GOP poll workers

The Franklin County Board of Elections and local Republican Party are pushing for more GOP poll workers needed for the November election.

The Board of Elections, requiring 5,600 poll workers, has filled 4,833 positions, with 1,044 Republicans occupying those roles as of Thursday. There are 2,297 and1,492 Democratic and unaffiliated poll workers, respectively.

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Franklin County commissioners approve early voter outreach despite dispute

After two years of contention, the Franklin County commissioners signed off Tuesday on a plan to support early voter outreach efforts for the general election.

The $420,000 allocation was approved by two of the three members of the Board of Commissioners, John O’Grady and Marilyn Brown. Commissioner Kevin Boyce voted against the resolution, expressing concerns over outreach to minority publications and senior residents.

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