Senator Brenner pulls back the curtain on Ohio's legislative process, sharing significant wins for wildlife rehabilitation and consumer protection while breaking down what matters most in the massive state budget bill moving through Columbus.

The interview begins with a deep dive into Senate Bill 152, which addresses a critical gap for wildlife rehabilitation centers. Currently unable to humanely euthanize severely injured animals due to opioid crisis legislation, these centers must hire veterinarians, causing delays, increased suffering, and higher costs. The bill that passed unanimously out of the Senate creates a pathway for properly trained staff to administer euthanasia when necessary, and will potentially become law before the end of June.

Equally important is the Senate's consumer protection effort through Senate Bill 155, which addresses real estate "wholesaling" practices where buyers purchase homes without disclosing their intention to resell them at a higher price immediately. Rather than banning the practice, the legislation requires transparency, particularly in protecting vulnerable homeowners, such as seniors and those in economic distress.

The conversation shifts to the 5,565-page state budget, where Senator Brenner highlights property tax relief measures including expanded homestead exemptions, a flatter income tax structure, and school funding guarantees. The Senator articulates an innovative approach to funding economic development using Ohio's $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds rather than direct tax dollars, with built-in protections to ensure returns on investment.

Throughout the discussion, we see how legislative choices directly impact Ohioans, from managing property tax burdens for seniors to addressing the statewide housing shortage through zoning reforms and allocations from the housing trust fund. For listeners concerned about school funding, the Senator provides context on the significant increases in per-pupil spending despite what he says are declining student populations in many districts.

Want to follow these developments? The Senator explains how to access the full budget bill and summary documents at ohiosenate.gov, with final negotiations between the House, Senate, and Governor concluding by the June 30th deadline.

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Affordable housing in Delaware County has reached a crisis point, with average home prices exceeding $400,000 and rental rates skyrocketing beyond what working families can afford. In this eye-opening conversation with Brandon Feller, President of the United Way of Delaware County, we explore how this critical issue impacts community sustainability and what is being done to address it.

Brandon reveals the harsh reality many families face—spending 60-70% of their income on housing leaves them vulnerable to financial disaster when unexpected expenses arise. "We're at a tipping point," he explains. "We're negatively impacting the community by not having a diverse housing stock."

The discussion covers the partnerships driving affordable housing development, the persistent challenge of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes, and United Way's advocacy at township, state, and federal levels to create policy change. From advocating for zoning reforms that enable accessory dwelling units to fighting for the release of $70,000 in federal funding for food and shelter, United Way tackles systemic barriers while providing direct support.

We also explore United Way's broader impact through programs like their after-school initiative, which provides safe spaces for children from challenging home environments. And their Backpacks for Scholars program, which provides school supplies for more than 2,400 students of all ages.

Curious how you can help? Visit liveuniteddelawarecounty.org to learn about volunteer opportunities, sponsorship options, or to donate directly to programs making a tangible difference in Delaware County residents' lives.

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Step into the dynamic world of Sunbury, Ohio as City Administrator Daryl Hennessey reveals how this small town is managing its dramatic evolution from village to city status. Four years after crossing the 5,000-resident threshold, Sunbury faces unique challenges balancing explosive growth with preserving its cherished small-town character. Topics covered include the following.

• The city adopted a charter giving it more local control over decision-making processes
• Assuming responsibility for state routes through the city created new maintenance obligations
• Sunbury spans about seven square miles with a disproportionately large geographic footprint relative to its population
• The city is actively diversifying its tax base away from 75% residential property valuation
• Amazon Web Services is making a $2 billion investment in a data center on the east side of Sunbury
• Approximately 2,200 new housing units are in various stages of development, with almost half being multi-family or non-traditional single-family homes
• Council has committed more than $3 million to develop JR Smith Park with active recreational amenities
• Major summer events include the Farmer's Market, Memorial Day Marketplace, 4th of July celebration, and Sunbury Sizzle and Sounds in August
• Delaware County Transit is helping with workforce access by offering flexible $2 rides from Sunbury to nearby destinations in Delaware.

For more information about development projects and upcoming events, visit www.sunburyohio.org or contact City Administrator Daryl Hennessey at dhennessey@sunburyohio.org.

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